If you have traveled on a plane, train, ferry, or other common carrier and have had your luggage lost or destroyed in the process, you are legally able to recover the lost luggage or the value of the luggage from the common carrier. In addition, the common carrier is legally liable for the loss (or damage). While a common carrier may be able to limit its liability, and while there may be certain situations in which a common carrier isn't responsible, the rules in place allow to recover for lost luggage most of the time.
Liability of Common Carriers for Lost Luggage
There are specific laws in place that prevent a common carrier from totally relieving itself of liability for lost luggage. Your personal property is protected to some extent when you purchase a ticket or enter into a contract to have them transport you. As such, you cannot be deprived of your right to recover a claim for lost luggage or damaged personal property, and the common carrier cannot require you to give up that right.
However, this does not mean that the common carrier cannot limit its liability in the case of loss or damage. For example, the common carrier can limit its liability to the replacement cost for the pieces of lost luggage, or to a flat monetary fee, without being in violation of the law. In this way, a customer who leaves a $10,000 gold bracelet in a piece of luggage that is lost is unlikely to recover the whole cost of the bracelet.
Further, there may also be certain exceptions to common carrier liability. For example, a carrier might not be responsible when the items are damaged due to "acts of God" (natural disasters, etc).
Getting Help for Lost Luggage
If your luggage is lost or damaged and you are having difficulty receiving compensation for your losses, you should consult with a lawyer for help and guidance.