Flew the 286 from SFO to LHR on Sunday, Aug 5, in Club World. Checked in 3 bags. Was continuing on to Oslo after one night in London, but the agent would only check the bags as far as LHR. Arrived at baggage claim to find all 3 bags missing, so filed the standard report and went to my hotel. Checked online that evening and the next morning prior to returning to the airport. The notes I read were that my bags were not located. I checked in on Tuesday at the First wing, despite having no bags, so that I could ask about my bags. The service rep made a quick call and told me my bags would be on the 766 to Oslo with me that day. I checked online again, but couldn't see that information, so while happy and relieved, I was puzzled. I got to the lounge and called the Tracing office to see if they could confirm the information I had received. I was told they had no information on the bags, to continue to check online--but, don't call back for at least 48 hours. An hour before my flight I checked with the service desk in the lounge to see if I could get more information on my bags. The service agent was able to show me on his computer screen that all 3 bags were "loaded" on the 766. A nice message to get. When I got to Oslo, sure enough, my bags were on the conveyor, even though there was no tag indicating they should go to Oslo.

Out of curiousity, I checked with BA tracing office on line to see status there. The message was that they were still trying to find my bags. Got the same message the next day. They still have no information on what happened to my bags.

The point of all this? I am curious if anyone can help me understand, why the service agents at check-in and in the lounge can provide me with specific information on my bags, while the office that is charged with that responsibility has no clue?? Does the baggage tracing office not have access to the same systems? Is there no communication at all? What if I hadn't checked with customer service desks? I wouldn't have even known that my bags were going to Oslo with me.

Does anyone have any insight to share?