After my SO's parents went to NZ and my future MIL broke her ankle on a backpacking trip there, I've come to learn the value of travel insurance for big trips. They had comprehensive travel insurance, but there are other, less expensive options.
Just as an example, American Express offers some great travel services, among them baggage protection ($9.95 per person, per trip; you have to be a cardholder and charge the cost of the airline ticket to your Amex). There are lots of other companies that offer similar services, i.e. travel insurance just for bags. Personally, I'd rather be out the $9.95 at the end of the trip, not having needed my travel insurance, than to be out the cost of replacement goods had I not gotten travel insurance.
I suggest this because I don't think you're going to have much luck with the airline. Sorry, dlish.
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If I am not better, at least I am different. --Jean-Jacques Rousseau
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