I don't know where else to put this, but I think it's pertinent transportation information. We flew with USAirways from Knoxville -> Charlotte -> LGW -> VCE with the last leg being on British Airways. We finally made it, but our luggage didn't arrive until 4 days later. We had to purchase some toiletries and clothing because we had no luggage and didn't know if our luggage would EVER arrive because BA kept telling us they had no idea where it was.
We asked our concierge for a discount clothing store (nothing fancy) in Venice and he pointed us to the Coin Department Store near Rialto. Even buying minimal clothing and toiletries in expensive Venice totalled over $1100 for 4 people.
When we arrived home we filed all of the necessary paperwork and receipts for our purchased items, and about 1.5 weeks later we received an email from British Airways apologizing for the delay and issuing a check for the full amount!
I am still in astonishment that it was such an easy task to do and we didn't have to fight even once with them.
In case anyone is in the same situation BA has a link on their website to register a claim.