[Tony S]

Originally Posted by The_Judge

Tony, you still have time to make a claim. It seems as though one was made if you have a claim number. If I remember right, it should start out IADCOxxxxx. IAD being Dulles, CO being Continental and the 5 x's are a five digit number. It was taken over the phone so the first three letters may be HDQ but if done right, it should read as I said earlier. If you truly have a claim, which I believe you already do, call or contact someone at CO now, today. You have 7 days to make a claim in writing. That time ends today, the 24th. After the claim is made, you have 2 years in which to bring action.

Here is what CO's Contract of Carriage says which should mirror the Montreal Convention and a link to see it yourself.

d)
An action against CO for loss, damage or delay of Checked Baggage will be barred unless a Passenger makes a written claim to CO for damage to Checked Baggage within seven (7) days from the date of receipt; and in the case of delay or loss, within 21 days from the date on which the Baggage or goods have been placed at his disposal (in the case of delay), or should have been placed at his disposal (in the case of loss).
e)
No right to any claim against CO related to Baggage will lie unless an action is brought within two years from the date of arrival at the destination, or from the date on which the aircraft was scheduled to have arrived, or from the date on which the carriage stopped

CO's Contract of Carriage

You will need to go to page 41, Para. 5d & e of this document.

Thanks for the information.