How do I get my money back for lost luggage?

Lost luggage on US flights: What To Do?
  1. Hold onto your file reference number that the airline provided you. ...
  2. Keep your receipts if you have to replace necessary items. ...
  3. Assemble a detailed list of contents for your lost bags. ...
  4. File a claim with the airline for compensation.




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According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, you are entitled to compensation for reasonable incidental expenses you incur because of your delayed baggage, up to the maximum liability limits, set by statute. For U.S. domestic flights, this is $3,800 per passenger.

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Under DOT regulations (for domestic travel) and international treaties (for international travel), airlines are required to compensate passengers if their bags are damaged, delayed, or lost.

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As with a canceled flight, your refund must be paid in cash within 7 days by means of electronic bank transfer, bank orders, or bank checks. The airline may also offer you compensation the form of vouchers or services, but only with your signed agreement.

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4 hours: Deadline from flight landing to file your complaint with the airline for lost baggage. 5 days: The time period when the airline transitions your case file from the local airport to the central baggage office. This is the start of getting someone to actually help you.

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Airlines rarely get bags back to passengers in 48 hours. Most bags that fall into the delayed baggage category make it back to the passenger in 3-7 days. Figure out what you need for a few days and immediately buy those items.

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When it came to airlines that lost the most baggage, that same study found that Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines came in ninth out of 17 major airlines. “Of all national airlines, American Airlines lost the most bags in 2022, losing 850 bags per 100,000.

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How to file your claims for lost luggage
  1. Check the baggage holding office. If your suitcase isn't on the baggage carousel, don't panic. ...
  2. Initiate a property irregularity report at the airport. ...
  3. File a claim with the airline. ...
  4. File a travel insurance claim. ...
  5. Check your credit card and property insurance policies.


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FAQs on Airport Lost Luggage Delivery Services The process usually involves providing information about the bags, such as their description, tracking number, and delivery address. The airline or courier service will arrange for the luggage to be located and delivered to the passenger's address.

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Visit your airline's website and go to the “Tracked Baggage” page. Sign into your account on your airline's website, and go to the “Baggage” section of the website. Then, click on “Track Checked Baggage.”

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Where's My Suitcase contact info: Phone number: (800) 221-6903 Website: www.wheresmysuitcase.com What does Where's My Suitcase do?

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If an airline flat-out refuses a refund, and you think you're entitled to one under DOT policy, your next best action is to dispute the charge on your credit card and file a complaint with the DOT.

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Under DOT regulations (for domestic travel) and international treaties (for international travel), airlines are required to compensate passengers if their bags are damaged, delayed, or lost.

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Submitting a Claim
  1. Click on Get Reimbursed and select the account you wish to submit a claim for.
  2. Choose to either submit your receipts/documentation either by uploading a file or through fax or mail.
  3. Upload, fax or mail the completed form, along with receipts or other documentation by the date indicated.


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For the most part, it's up to individual airlines to decide how to compensate their passengers after a delay. “There's no specific policy on compensations, said Shaiy Howard, president and CEO of Travel by Shaiy, a travel agency based in South Florida. Just keep in mind that all airlines vary.

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The leading cause of lost luggage is the mishandling of the bags between flights or from the sorting office to your airplane.

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