Here's a slightly long story about how my luggage did not arrive with me at my destination, and a request for guidance. Thanks in advance for any information that might help.

A week ago, my wife and I were scheduled to fly on United airlines from Washington-Dulles to Montreal and then on Air Canada from Montreal to Vancouver. We arrived at the airport very late and checked two bags. We checked them with Air Canada, because they had a counter open for latecomers to the flight, while United had a very long line. Our bag claim check numbers belong to United.

We missed boarding by about a minute. I do not recall seeing it written anywhere that we had to board 10 minutes prior to scheduled departure, but this is really a side issue, as we were clearly at fault for being late getting to the airport.

We went to customer service, and we were put on a flight through Chicago to Vancouver. We were told that our checked luggage would go with us. When we arrived in Vancouver, we discovered that our luggage had gone to Montreal, and had not cleared customs. I filled out a delayed baggage report, and was told that the bags would hopefully arrive the following evening. I've been checking online, calling United, and even sent an e-mail, but I have not heard anything more about my luggage. Apparently, it hasn't even been located.

I've tried to find out more about the nature of the delay. Maybe there is a backlog in getting the bags through customs. Maybe Montreal has to get my customs form from Vancouver, then locate my bags, and then move them through customs. Or maybe some unscrupulous employees have stolen my luggage.

The airline wants me to fill out a baggage tracing/claim form. This form would not provide them with any new information about my baggage other than the amount of money that I claim they would owe me if it were not found. They also claim that they are not responsible for various valuables, and that I need receipts for articles over $100. I do not feel like signing my name to such a form. I'd rather call the RCMP and report a possible theft, and see if that accomplishes anything.

I feel that United employees have given my overly rosy scenarios several times over. One employee said that this form is just a way of alerting the main office to the issue so that they can contact Montreal and see what's going on. This seems a little fishy to me. I know they're just doing their job, but I want to do everything I can to get my bags back. I'm worried that the form is partially a way of getting me to sign away my rights, and that they won't try very hard to find my bags.