KEY POINTS:
We ask the airlines about their policies relating to hand luggage and lost luggage.
What is your policy regarding people who want to take ashes of a loved one on a flight?
AIR NZ: Air New Zealand allows customers to take the ashes on domestic or international journeys.
EMIRATES: Due to the security measures in place prior to boarding in many countries on our extensive network, such urns unfortunately are deemed unsuitable for hand baggage.
Should people contact the airline first if they are taking personal or precious items like this on board?
AIR NZ: Yes, we'd recommend it - if in doubt, please ask.
EMIRATES: Yes, we recommend people inquire ahead of their flights if they intend to take anything precious or out-of-the-ordinary on board with them or in checked luggage.
What happens if your luggage is lost by an airline and you don't have travel insurance? Is there any recompense from the airline?
AIR NZ: Although bags do sometimes get delayed, they are seldom lost. In the event of luggage being lost, different rules apply depending on whether this happens during part of a domestic or international journey. Domestically, if Air New Zealand is at fault, we will compensate according to the Carriage of Goods Act, which limits our liability to a maximum of NZ$1500. Internationally, if Air New Zealand is at fault, we will compensate according to international conventions, which limit our liability for lost luggage. These limits are set out in our conditions of carriage. The airline's liability doesn't extend to fragile or perishable items, money, jewellery, precious metals, negotiable papers, securities, or other valuable business documents or samples. We'd recommend these types of items are carried on board as hand luggage, as long as they meet aviation security requirements.
EMIRATES: In those cases where passengers are away from home and cannot locate their luggage after arrival, we provide sufficient funds to cover the purchase of essential items for the short term. In most cases, luggage is found and returned within 24 hours.
What is your lost luggage policy - how do you reimburse a passenger for loss or inconvenience?
AIR NZ: If baggage is delayed more than 24 hours, we provide a convenience kit and allow up to $100 compensation for other emergency items.
EMIRATES: We follow guidelines set by international conventions based on country of origin for non-recoverable lost baggage. Compensation conditions vary. Any baggage claim is subject to the conditions of carriage attached to the sale of tickets.
Is there any way a passenger can ensure safe passage of their luggage or lessen the risk of it becoming lost?
AIR NZ: Having distinctive suitcases or a colourful strap around the case reduces the possibility of passengers mistaking another person's case for their own, but has no influence on its propensity to be otherwise delayed. We strongly recommend good labelling on suitcases to help speedy identification.
EMIRATES: We always recommend luggage is well-labelled and possibly also distinguished in a particular way.
* You Ask The Questions also sent these inquiries to Qantas. No reply was received.
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