I have been lurking on FT for sometime now, and finally have a reason to post...unfortunately.

My bag was lost today for the first time. I understand this happens, but I think I have a maybe not so common situation here and was curious if anyone has any suggestions on something else that I can do.

I was traveling from IAH to YYC on Air Canada. I checked in and checked a single bag. When I was in line for security, I realized I had been given the wrong boarding pass (same last name, different first name and different destination). I ran back to the ticket counter to get a new boarding pass and to see if they could find my bag and put the right tag on there. They took my original boarding pass and claim ticket and gave me the new ones. The agent that checked me in had moved to the gate when I was boarding and assured me that she had changed the tag herself .

Not surprisingly, my bag did not show up in Calgary. I filled out all of the paperwork at the airport, but since by bag did not show up in Calgary, I would have to assume it went on to the destination of the original tag, which would be Toronto. I have called the "delayed" baggage number several times and have tried to give them this information as it may help them track the bag down, but they do not seem to think it pertinent. I keep trying to explain that the number on the claim ticket I have could be irrelevant if the tag on the bag itself was never replaced, but this does not seem to be making any sense to them.

Am I being irrational in my thought process here or are they just not being helpful?

You haven't lost a bag with AC before, have you?

I'd call back daily until you find out. You should get the bag the next day. But don't be surprised if it takes 2 or 3.

I've had direct flights from Calgary to Vancouver without the boarding pass mishap where my bag didn't make it. It ended up in Toronto. Go figure.

I don't check my bag any more.

I did finally get it returned; but it did take 5 times before I got a CSR that was willing to listen to my situation and take note that my bag COULD be in Toronto and if it was, would not have my name or current baggage ticket number on it. It was there alright.

I usually never check my bags. When I started flying a lot for work is actually when I first found found flyertalk and used information from the travel products forum to pick out a suitcase that would fit on the AC Jazz regional jets. However, the flight I usually take has been full lately and they have begun requesting anyone with rollaboards (even those that do fit) to check at the ticket counter. Now I just have to be more persistent in denying their request. Or stick to flying CO.