Lost baggage refund

United Airlines lost my bag when I flew internationally to Paris, France for a 5 day official visit on July 5th, 2009.

I was told by Paris airport (Charles de Gaulle) baggage desk that the case will be handled by US office as I was resident of US, however they told me to buy necessary items during my trip and wrote on Delayed Baggage Report (PAWOB Locator - M56TSJ)to "Send in the receipts" to UA for reimbursement.

With no alternative, I spent 274 Euros causing inconvenience to me, which did not allow me to concentrate on my office work. I had to call internationally (on my dime) to continually check on my baggage as I had to change my hotel 3 times during the trip as I was visiting different locations. Eventually I did not get my bag and had to return back to US.

Having reached home, I went through the process of sending my receipts and Baggage Claim Form with all details worth $ 733/-, with lots of follow up and phone calls that I initiated (8-12 hours over several calls) where I was given several times conflicting updates/advise.

Finally I received a letter on August 27th stating apologies and thanking me for my patience while UA could not find my missing property. It also stated that my claim will be resolved without delay and UA's check in full payment of my claim will be mailed to me shortly.

I received a check of $733 only with a note in the back "Endorsement of this check is in full settlement and release of all claims that payee has asserted or may assert against UA..........". I followed up and spoke to a supervisor who told me not to deposit the check rather send the receipts back to headquarters to consider all of the inconvenience I had gone through so the balance payment ($ 386/-) can be sent based on the statement in the letter dated Aug 27th.

On 9/25, I received another letter dt 9/23 from UA (Ranbir Singh - same person who wrote the first letter) stating that the claim was settled considering that the items I bought replaced the items lost in the bag, hence $386 cannot be paid as in essence UA will be paying me twice for the same articles.

What I do not understand is when did I sign a contract with UA to be inefficient in providing service and causing me lots of troubles and extra work. When did I allow UA to take a decision that indicates UA management controls my time so on their behalf I have to again shop to replace my wardrobe? When did I allow UA to loose my precious (emotionally attached) items which I was given in my past by friends and family due to some special events and achievements I made? When did I allow UA management to relieve me of these precious memories which I was able to connect whenever I used those articles?

I hope UA management reconsiders their decision on receipt of this complaint as I have decided that I or any of my immediate family will never board United Airlines, if this is how a consumer is treated by UA.