WINK SMART - RSW on list for baggage complaints, rules to protect flyers

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK)— A new report by the Travel Bulletin is rankling local airports across the country for baggage complaints, and the Southwest Florida International Airport is on the list. 

The Travel Bulletin evaluated official TSA and Bureau of Transportation Statistics reports to find which airlines and airports lost and damaged passenger luggage most frequently in recent years, according to its website.

RSW ranks 11th on the list with 0.45 baggage complaints for every 100,000 passengers. Las Vegas had the highest rate, followed by Newark, Salt Lake City and Orlando.

January is the worst month for baggage complaints with 0.70% lost or damaged. July is close behind, followed by December.

The easiest way to avoid a lost bag is to skip checking one when you can. If you do check a bag, experts recommend using a luggage tracker and keeping your valuables in your carry-on.

Federal rules are in place to protect travelers and apply to a number of different scenarios — delays and cancellations, getting stuck on the tarmac, and lost or damaged luggage. If your checked bag is delayed, you may be entitled to reimbursement for toiletries or clothes.

Save those receipts. If your bag is lost, the airline must pay you for your bags' contents and any airline fees paid to check the luggage.

If the airline cancels or significantly changes your flight and you don't accept the alternative, you may also be entitled to a refund. During a tarmac delay, airlines are required to provide working toilets and air conditioning, but you could be stuck there from three to four hours depending where your travels take you.

If you have trouble with an airline, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Transportation