You get compensation under the Montreal Convention, (USA and Switzerland are both in on that agreement), up to about $1600usd per pax, in cash. This is for necessary purchases while you were without your luggage for the 2.5 days. There is a form on united dot com you can fax/mail in, I sent one in about 2 weeks ago for a similar delay. If you were going to a wedding, A $1600 outfit would certainly qualify, if you were going camping and had to purchase all new gear, that may or may not qualify (seems necessary). Certainly what you describe qualifies. Anyone from the airline either does not know what they are talking about or perhaps has been instructed to pretend they don't. United surely does not want to hand out $1600 per pax on these delay claims, but the international law does cover it, which is why it is a pain in the a$$ to deal with. In the EU most carriers will just fork over some cash 300-400 pp upon arrival (so you don't go buy $1600 of necessities then file the claim)...
Good luck, if the 400 voucher was per pax I'd have taken it and maybe listed it in the coupon connection or give it to friends/ family. Not sure if its worth the hassle to get $350 cash over 400 in vouchers (if you know someone that will use them).
Originally Posted by
dukeduke2
Dear all,
I've searched through the forums and could not find a firm answer. Our luggage got delayed 2.5 days as we were travelling United (GVA > IAD > PDX) with two small kids (2y and 4y). We had to buy essentials (clothing, toothbrushes, etc) for around 350$ total. I called United to get reimbursed, and they offered 400$ of vouchers, or 4x7500 miles. The thing is 1) we live in Switzerland and can't travel united there 2) I want less than 400, but cash for the 350$ I spent on stuff I would never have needed had my luggages arrived on time.
I'm putting this here because I'm very surprised the person I talked to from the United hotline had to talk to her manager to make me an "offer". It seems we are negotiating here! But aren't there RULES written in stone about this kind of stuff? Why do I have to negotiate? Aren't there conventions as to what I'm entitled to receive as a traveller with young kids and no luggage for two days? Am I somehow protected by the law?? I refused their offer for now, and tried to contact a different person via Twitter (on Twitter, United's official account told me that I "can purchase items within reason, clothes, toiletries, etc."). Just seems strange that it's not automatic. I wish I could call them and say "this is what you owe me. No discussion. Reimburse me now".
I'd be happy to hear what you know on this topic, anything will help.
Thanks all for the wonderful resource on air travel!
PS: I'm not even talking about the medications I could not take for 2 nights and that I should take everyday!