I recently flew on Southwest Airlines from Omaha → Nashville → Greenville-Spartanburg, and had a carry-on bag taken during my connection at Nashville.
During deplaning, I discovered my black hard-shell suitcase was missing from the overhead bin where I had placed it. A similar-looking bag had been left behind, suggesting another passenger may have accidentally taken mine and left theirs.
I immediately alerted flight attendants and gate staff, but was told to wait and speak with a gate agent. I asked whether nearby passengers could be contacted or whether the bag could be held at the gate, but was told policies did not allow it. I was also advised to wait until my final destination (GSP) to file any report, rather than handling it in Nashville where the incident occurred.
At Greenville-Spartanburg, I was later informed that I should have filed a report and police report in Nashville, not at my final stop. I was also told that airport staff could have potentially acted sooner and contacted passengers, contradicting what I had been told earlier.
I filed a police report afterward and have been repeatedly checking with baggage services, but my bag has not been recovered.
Southwest has declined to reimburse me for the lost luggage, contents, emergency expenses, or costs incurred while stranded without my belongings. The total value of lost items is estimated at over $1,800, including several irreplaceable personal items.
I’m now seeking advice on whether there are any further steps I can take regarding recovery or compensation.
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