Lost luggage is on the increase this year.  With less flight routes, there are fuller planes.  With more people and tight connection flights, more and more luggage is getting delayed.  Some prevention tips to keep keep in mind:

1. Write your name on the outside of your bags
2. Pack a copy of your itinerary so the airline can easily locate you
3. Check to make sure the baggage carrier labeled your baggage's destination correctly 

If your luggage is delayed, report it immediately to the luggage claim office.  Present your baggage check stub, fill out a missing bag form and keep a copy of this form.  About 2% of all delayed luggage ends up lost.  You can negotiate reimbursement of lost luggage with the airlines, with a cap of $3000 for domestic flights and $1500 for international flights.  A rule of thumb is $1 in cash is equivalent to $2-$3 in travel vouchers.  If you take the vouchers, make sure to read fine print to ensure it is for something you can easily redeem for future travel.  If you take the cash, understand that you may be signing your rights away to any future reimbursement for the lost luggage.