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What to Do When Your Baggage Is Lost or Damaged: Airline Compensation Policies Explained
When your flight lands and your luggage doesn’t — or arrives broken — it can turn a great trip into a stressful mess. But airlines are responsible for your checked baggage, and in many cases, you’re entitled to compensation or reimbursement for lost, delayed, or damaged items.
Unfortunately, many travelers don’t know their rights or how to file a claim. This guide explains what to do when your baggage is lost or damaged, breaks down airline compensation policies, and shares what you can expect from major airlines in 2025.
🧳 Why This Matters
- Baggage mishandling affects millions of travelers each year
- Compensation amounts can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars
- Knowing your rights helps you act quickly and claim what you’re owed
✈️ 1. What Are Airlines Responsible For?
Under international and domestic air travel laws, airlines are liable for:
✔ Lost baggage – When your bag never arrives or is permanently misplaced
✔ Delayed baggage – When your bag arrives hours or days late
✔ Damaged baggage – When your bag or contents are broken, crushed, or missing items
📌 Key Regulations That Protect You:
- Montreal Convention (International Flights): Up to ~$1,800 USD compensation
- U.S. DOT Regulations (Domestic Flights): Up to $3,800 per passenger (2025 limit)
- EU Passenger Rights (EC 261 doesn’t apply to baggage, but airlines still have obligations)
📍 2. What to Do If Your Baggage Is Lost or Damaged
Step 1: Report It Immediately at the Airport
✔ Go to the airline’s baggage service desk
✔ File a Property Irregularity Report (PIR)
✔ Keep a copy of the claim number and paperwork
Step 2: Provide Details
✔ Bag description (size, color, brand, contents)
✔ Flight number and baggage tag (from check-in)
✔ Photos of your bag (if you have them)
Step 3: Submit a Compensation Claim
✔ If delayed, keep receipts for essentials (toiletries, clothes, etc.)
✔ If lost after 21 days, your bag is considered permanently lost
✔ If damaged, take photos of the damage immediately
📌 Tip: Most airlines allow online claim submissions, but it’s better to report in person first.
💸 3. How Much Compensation Can You Get?
| Flight Type | Max Compensation (2025) | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic (U.S.) | Up to $3,800 per passenger | Lost, delayed, or damaged bags |
| International | ~$1,800 under the Montreal Convention | Same coverage as domestic |
| Non-covered items | Electronics, jewelry, cash (must be declared) | May not be covered unless pre-approved or insured |
📌 Important: Airlines will deduct depreciation for used items. You may not get the full cost unless you show receipts or proof of value.
🛫 4. Airline Policies on Lost or Damaged Bags
Delta Air Lines
✔ Reimburses up to the U.S. DOT limit
✔ Offers interim expense reimbursement for delayed bags
✔ Damaged bags may be repaired or replaced after inspection
✔ File claims online or at the airport within 24 hours
American Airlines
✔ Offers reimbursement for essential items during baggage delays
✔ Lost bags after 5 days are handled by the Central Baggage Resolution Office
✔ Damage must be reported within 7 days of receipt
✔ Compensation limited for fragile or pre-existing wear
United Airlines
✔ Lost bag claims handled after 5 days; forms available online
✔ Covers necessary purchases during baggage delays
✔ Must report damage within 24 hours for domestic flights
✔ Offers travel certificates in some cases
Southwest Airlines
✔ One of the highest customer-rated baggage handling teams
✔ Covers up to $3,800 for lost/damaged bags
✔ Damage claims must be made within 4 hours of arrival
✔ May offer repair, replacement, or compensation depending on extent
JetBlue Airways
✔ Delay compensation includes toiletries and clothing reimbursement
✔ Claims must be submitted within 4 hours of arrival
✔ Lost bag claims processed after 5 days
✔ Damaged items evaluated individually
🔒 5. What’s Not Covered by Airlines?
Airlines often exclude liability for:
- Electronics (laptops, tablets, phones)
- Cash, passports, documents
- Jewelry and other valuables
- Fragile items unless specially declared
- Baggage that already had visible wear
📌 Tip: Never pack valuables in checked bags. Use a carry-on for anything you can’t afford to lose.
🧾 6. Travel Insurance & Credit Card Protections
Many travel insurance policies — and even some credit cards — offer baggage protection:
Covered by Travel Insurance:
✔ Lost or delayed baggage reimbursement
✔ Replacement cost of clothes, toiletries, essentials
✔ Higher limits than some airlines
Top Providers:
- EKTA – Includes lost/delayed baggage coverage on most plans
- Allianz Travel – Offers additional baggage loss protection
- Travel Guard – Covers delays and replacement purchases
📌 Tip: Some premium travel credit cards (like Chase Sapphire Reserve or Amex Platinum) also include secondary baggage coverage.
✅ Final Thoughts: What to Do When Your Baggage Is Lost or Damaged
| Action | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Report missing/damaged bag | Immediately at airport |
| File damage claim | Within 24–7 days (varies) |
| Submit lost bag claim | After 5 days (some airlines) |
| Consider it lost (permanently) | After 21 days of no recovery |
| File travel insurance claim | ASAP with documentation |
📌 Bottom Line: If your bag is lost or damaged, you’re not powerless. Know your airline’s policy, file a timely claim, and track your receipts. You could receive hundreds (or thousands) in compensation — but only if you take action fast.
Travel smart, pack wisely, and know your baggage rights before you fly.
