On February 28, 2007, the lost luggage limit for domestic travelers will increase to $3,000 in USA. San Francisco travel attorney, Alexander Anolik, is warning passengers that although the limit will increase, the amount of items the carriers will not pay for has been expanding over the years.

Most carriers’ contracts of carriage specifically exclude heirlooms, cash, electronic equipment, any work-related samples or items, antiques, computer equipment and related items, documents, film, fragile items, irreplaceable items, jewelry, keys, manuscripts, medication, paintings or one of a kind works of art, perishable items, pets/animals, photographs, photographic equipment, securities, silverware and watches. Due to carrier bankruptcies, which limit litigation against them, as well as their anti-consumer policies as compared to their get tough on cost issues, settling disputes have become more difficult for passengers.

On international trips that originate in countries that have not ratified the Montreal Convention, passengers remain under the rules of the Warsaw Convention and are limited to $9.07 per pound. Countries signatory to the Montreal Convention may obtain up to 1,000 SDRs per passenger. An SDR is an international currency equivalent set by the International Monetary Fund and is approximately $1.50 U.S. The SDR limit is expected to be reviewed every five years.