Lost item found but then lost
 

I left a journal book in the seat pocket of Continental flight # 1796 from Newark NJ to SanJose Costa Rica on August 11, 2011. The baggage folks in Newark called San Jose while I was on the line; "yes, we have the 7" x 9" green covered Journal Book; we will send it to Newark; they will, using the credit card information provided, mail it to you from there. No call; no journal. The baggage folks then told me it was in the ware house in Austin TX, item # 725. No call, no journal - in fact, no such item #. To whom can I complain? Mail a letter to this address: letter returned, no such address. My name, address and all other contact info is on the inside cover of the book with nearly 200 pages of precious entries. I made at least 20 telephone calls and sent several electronic claim forms and one letter. No journal, no calls. Clearly, the persons with whom I communicated gave me an intentional runaround. My call to Continental today: "It's been a long time, there is nothing we can do." The lessons learned: do not leave anything on an airplane; too many people are irresponsible, do not follow through and give false information. The customer service quality displayed by Continental Airlines in this case was terrible.

Martin Dodge Canandaigua, NY

You should never place anything in the serat back pocket on a plane. Out of sight means out of mind. Also I've seen people place soiled diapers. Apple cores, banana peels and all sorts of nasty garbage into the seatback pocket. Personally I would never put anything in there but then again I do have a mild case of "germophobia."

You are complaining about the irresponsibility of the airline but take no responsibility for your own action of losing the journal in the first place.