Baggage Fees - A consumer is entitled to a refund if the consumer paid a baggage fee and his or her baggage has been declared lost by the airline. Airlines may have different policies to determine when a bag is officially lost.

In 2026, baggage fees are generally non-refundable once paid, especially if the transaction happened at the airport. However, there are two major exceptions where you are legally entitled to a refund. First, if your baggage is lost (not just delayed), most major airlines are now required under updated DOT and international regulations to refund the fee you paid to transport that bag. Second, if you were incorrectly charged—for example, if your elite status or credit card benefit should have made the bag free—you can file a claim, typically within 45 days, to get the money back. It is important to note that if you voluntarily cancel your flight, the baggage fee is often treated like the ticket itself; if the ticket was non-refundable, the ancillary baggage fee usually is too. Always keep your baggage receipt, as it contains the specific document number needed to process a refund request through the airline's website.