Airlines usually have a set amount limit that they will give you in case they lose your luggage, regardless of its content. Lot of airlines do provide emergency money at the airport counter if the luggage does not arrive with you, especially in international travel. This amount usually is between $100 to $200. Be nice to the person on the counter and ask for help. Try not to yell. That person was probably yelled at million times already, so that won't make things better. Plus, it really is not his/her fault. Usually, honey works better than bitter pill.