Southwest Airlines Community

On Thursday November 18, 2021, I traveled from Memphis to Atlanta on Southwest Flight 2574 for the Delta Sigma Theta Convention in Atlanta. I checked in two pieces of luggage at the counter. One luggage was a red Delta rolling suitcase. The second luggage was a black Tote n Carry duffle. Once I arrived in Atlanta the evening of November 18 th , I went to the baggage carousel to claim my bags. I was only able to retrieve my red rolling suitcase. My black duffle never appeared on the belt.   I immediately went to Southwest Baggage counter to inquire the location of my bag. I was able to talk to counter representative. At the counter, I was rudely instructed by an agent that I could not file a missing claim and to allow the airline to locate the bag. I was then instructed to return the following morning after 10:30am to see if the bag came in on the first flight from Memphis. Went through my only bag and noticed immediately I did not have items to make it through the night as stores were closed and it was after 10pm. I was offered no compensation at the time to suffice for the night as I without toiletries, underwear, and shoes. The agent stated, “I can’t give you anything, I’m not sure your bag is missing.”   The morning of Friday November 19, 2021, I return to Atlanta airport to check with Southwest to see if the bag had come in on the morning flights. I arrived around 11:30am to give the morning flights time to land and unload. I spoke with different agent who was very helpful at the counter. She attempted researched the location of my bag. We then discovered that my bag tag number had already been recycled in the system and was assigned to someone else in a different location. It was then I emotionally became unstable. I only had one pair of shoes, no toiletries, no underwear, and necessary items for my convention were nowhere to be found. I was in Atlanta for 6 days and spent and had to recover all those items while there. The agent took my claim with someone of the noticeable missing items. I was unable to provide her with a full list of exactly was missing because I had not fully unpacked. I was instructed to give the airlines 5 days before I could complete a Lost/Missing claim with my items. I still was not compensated by Southwest airlines, therefore I had to rent a rental car to go purchase items all before attending convention on that day. I suffered extreme anxiety and went into debt trying to recover and make the best of this trip.   I was able to file my claim electronically on November 25, 2021. I provided receipts of the items that were inside of my duffle bag. On November 29 th , I received correspondence in Southwest portal from Tom notifying me he was my case worker. I received no updated from Tom. On December 16 th , I received a message from Makeda who stated she would be taking over my file. She requested that I completed a release form and have it notarized to have retailers verify my purchases due to them being high end and a handwritten claim form. I submitted the requested documents on December 28 th as I had covid during the time and could not get my firms notarized which is the reason for the delay in submitting.   On January 4, 2022, I received the following notice in regard to my claim from Makeda,” Unfortunately, the results of our investigation have revealed substantial discrepancies in the information provided in your claim, which has given us reason to doubt its validity. Because of these concerns, we are unable to ethically determine a proper settlement and are, regrettably, denying the same. Please contact us at the number referenced above if you have any questions”. I was livid and very upset to find out that Southwest decided to take no responsibility at all for my luggage that contained $3915.17 of merchandised that I had proof I purchased. There was no remorse at all. I then requested the opportunity to resubmit the claim using the exact receipts so that someone else may view my case. I was denied the opportunity. I then request to speak to a supervisor who could possibly provide further details and evidence as to why my claim was not approved.   On January 19 th , I received a call from Rhonda of Southwest West Baggage department in Dallas, Tx. I was unable to speak with her due her calling while I was at work. I returned her call and left several messages from January 19 th to February 1 st of 2022. On February 4 th , I received a return call from Rhonda. She asked me to explain my trip and what took place. After sharing my experience with Rhonda, she told me that she was unable to review my case again and the decision was final. I asked could she provide the discrepancies found in the claim that led to denial. Her response was that because it is a legal document, she cannot share the information. I asked was it possible to receive the same legal document I sign by mail, she denied. I asked could I resubmit the documents for her to view my case personally and she denied that as well. She informed me at that once the claim was found unethical that no longer must provide any compensation for my lost bag.     As a working-class American who patronizes Southwest for majority of my travel, I do not feel comfortable flying with the airline due to their lack of responsibility. I can not support nor trust them to get me and my belongings to our destination without interruption. I am seeking compensation for my belongings lost on flight 2574 on November 18,2021. Southwest should be held 100% responsible for my missing bag that they official declared lost.     ... View more