[Dodgemc]

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

[Ombudsman]

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.