I flew a single sector last week with Virgin. Checked 2 bags, only one showed up at the other end.

It's now a week later and nothing so far. Virgin (bless them) ring me up every day and tell me there's no news. I'm starting to get a sinking feeling that the bag will never show up. They gave me £50 in cash by way of compensation for the delay (and reassured me that this wouldn't stop them from continuing to look for the bag)

Assuming it IS indeed lost, I am now wondering what the situation will be with regards to compensation. I have a form to fill in that says they will only reimburse for items that I can provide receipts for, and that they will 'depreciate' those items accordingly. The bag contains clothes. Lots of clothes. In fact nearly all of my best clothes from a 3 week holiday, some of which were quite expensive, and none of which I have receipts for. Has anyone else been in this situation?

I have a few specific q's that I thought you good people might be able to help with:

• It's been a week and no news. How likely is it that they will find the bag (given that it only travelled one sector, and was scanned into the plane on departure)?
• Has anyone else been in this situtation (i.e. trying to claim compensation with no receipts)?
• How flexible/sympathetic are Virgin with this type of claim? The value of the clothes (bought new) would be well over £2k. What sort of compo have other people recieved in this case? Whats the maximum they will pay out for 1 bag?
• I also have travel insurance, which seems to cover lost baggage (though I haven't checked explicitly). Am I better pursuing a claim through my insurer, or through Virgin?

Long story short, I am praying it turns up. I hate clothes shopping at the best of times, and having to go buy a whole new wardrobe fills me with dread. If I do have to go buy new stuff it's going to cost me way more money then i suspect they will ever agree to, so i'm keen to ensure I get the maximum compensation I can! (translates as, I don't want them to screw me over!!!)

p.s. apart from their baggage handling incompetence, I have only praise for Virgin - it was a great trip, but sadly spoiled at the final hurdle.....

Any tips anyone can offer gladly welcomed. Thanks!!!