Wife and I flew to Rome, Italy in June from Bismarck with an interconnecting flight in Dallas. We each checked a large suitcase when we checked in and each carried a small suitcase as our carry-on. When we were waiting in Bismarck to board the flight to Dallas, the agent offered to check our carry-on bags for free all of the way to Rome. Sounded like a grand idea since we wouldn't have to drag them through the Dallas airport. Keep in mind that the time when we made that decision was about 4 AM.
Eventually we arrive in Rome but no luggage. We checked with the airline and filed a lost luggage claim. Turns our out bags were still in Dallas and we had a cruise ship to catch later that day. So we had no choice but to begin the cruise. Unfortunately the carry-on bags that were checked contained our meds, phone chargers, and the wife's hearing air chargers.
We reported the lost luggage to Guest Services on the ship and they did an excellent job of staying in touch with American Airlines and keeping us advised of our luggage status. So on the 5th day it was delivered to the ship. Meanwhile we had gone shopping in Naples and Messina and purchased a few articles of clothing, phone charger, etc. Medical Services on the ship was able to provide us with critical medications so all turned out well. We had trip insurance so I am now trying to get reimbursed for the cost of the additional items that we purchased.
I know! Dumb, dumb, dumb!!!! No need to remind me!