by KYW's Amy Feldman

Taking a winter vacation this year?  Among other travel nightmares is the lost luggage scenario, truly a horror for the woman undergoing cancer treatment who claims British Airway lost the bag containing the pump she uses to prevent fluid buildup in her arm.  With most international baggage losses capped at $1500, most claims for lost luggage have been too small to garner the attention of any lawyer willing to sue - until now.

British Air was recently hit by a class action lawsuit by people who claim that their bags were lost by the airline, which acted recklessly and should therefore be charged punitive damages.  And while there is no legal standard of “reckless baggage handling”, many a traveler understands the desire to penalize the offending company.  But until the case sets the definition of reckless, you are still likely to receive only up to $1500 for lost international luggage—so make sure that your medical necessities are packed in your carry-ons if possible.