When Sylvie Rowlinson's luggage went missing on a flight to New York she thought it would be an open and shut case, but two months later the whereabouts of her baggage is still a mystery.

Mrs. Rowlinson was one of six passengers on an American Airlines flight who arrived at JFK to be told their luggage was lost in transit. Ironically, it is her job to make sure other people's travel arrangements go smoothly — Mrs. Rowlinson runs 'BMI Relocations' for guest workers arriving in Bermuda.

Out of exasperation at a lack of information from the airline, she has now placed an advertisement in The Royal Gazette trying to contact fellow passengers missing luggage. It reads: 'If you were one of the six passengers on American Airlines Flight No. 415, 2 December, 2007, who filed lost luggage reports, please call...'

"I want to find out if there is anyone else, because if it's all six of us then the luggage may have gone on another flight," said Mrs. Rowlinson.

"I've called at least four American Airlines numbers since this happened, but nothing. I am disappointed at the airline's apparent lack of concern, and when I phone it's like I'm being a nuisance, but I just want to find out whether my luggage is sitting somewhere else."

Among her missing belongings are three pieces of jewellery — a gold seahorse, a flat pearl and gold link necklace, as well as a number of "expensive" toiletries and prescription contact lenses.

Mrs. Rowlinson said: "I checked one suitcase in, but when we got to JFK nothing came off the carousel. Six of us were left standing there, waiting. We all filed lost luggage reports and thought we'd probably see the luggage the next day, but I called every day and haven't seen it since.

"I was going to New York to go to the theatre, to a party and to attend a special lunch with the writer Patricia Schultz (1,000 Places to See Before You Die), who is an old friend. I had all my best clothes and shoes in that suitcase but when I got to New York all I had was my jacket. I was there for a week and it was freezing, so it was pretty miserable."

"Then after I got back, every day for about a month I would be looking for something, only to realise I didn't have it anymore. I miss everyday items of clothing but the worst thing was that I placed three items of jewellery in a sock in my case, so it hurts to think I may never see them again."

Another passenger affected was Ellen Leavenworth, 64, who was travelling to Thailand and Vietnam via JFK for a 16-day holiday.

Mrs. Leavenworth, of Flatts, said: "It absolutely ruined my holiday. I was forced to spend a lot of money buying other clothes and I haven't yet seen a penny from American Airlines.

"It affected me horribly. I arrived in Bangkok with only the clothes I had on my back, my camera and my contact lenses. I was devastated. It meant I then had to have underwear and other clothing made up for me, which cost me a fortune. It was awful to lose my suitcase."

Yesterday, a spokeswoman for American Airlines said the missing luggage from Flight 415 was still being investigated.

She told The Royal Gazette: "We searched the information you provided regarding these two customers, and have advised the people that are working with the case. Unfortunately, we cannot discuss specific details about our passenger matters in public.

"When bags are separated from the passenger, there are certain procedures that take place. The passenger makes the claim within 24 hours of arrival, providing a description of the contents, type of bag, size, among other details. The airline begins the search at the stations involved. If there is no result, our Central Baggage Department begins a search in all the stations in the system, and also there is a search in the systems at other airlines.

"Each case is evaluated individually and our Central Baggage Office determines the final steps for proper resolution of the claim. It keeps in communication with the passenger in any way the passenger prefers — such as by e-mail or phone.

"Each case has its own considerations, and the time will depend on this. There are cases that reach a final resolution within 24 hours. Central Baggage will determine, on a case-by-case basis, how the passenger is to be compensated.

"If passengers have any questions, they can call to enquire about their particular case on the numbers provided."