Here’s what to do if your checked luggage is delayed.
My bag is delayed at best, lost at worst.
So far, Ive never had an airline lose my luggage indefinitely.
A woman grabbing her suitcase from baggage claim.Credit:izusek/Getty Images
It was inconvenient, but I was compensated.
For years, it was capped at around $1,600 per bag, but I have good news.
To keep up with inflation, that amount was upped to approximately $2,000 per bag in 2025.
An empty baggage claim conveyor belt.yangyang/Getty Images
Report your bag losttheyll ask for a description of itand show them your claim ticket.
In the meantime, youll have to fill out a Property Irregularity Report (PIR).
Youll also be given a file reference number for your case, explains Napoli.
A large group of luggage at an airport.Peter Dazeley/Getty Images
Do not lose this.
If its on a piece of paper, take a photo of it.
Passenger Rights for Delayed Baggage
Your rights as a passenger depend on where youre flying.
A lone suitcase at baggage claim.Twenty47studio/Getty Images
If youre traveling domestically, youre covered by theU.S.
It also mandates that airlines cant set a daily amount for expenses.
That said, there is a maximum liability limit that airlines have to pay.
That amount recently increased from $3,800 per passenger to $4,700 per passenger.
Internationally, the Montreal Convention most likely has your back.
Unfortunately, its maximum liability is less: approximately $2,000 per passenger.
It is, until you consider that theEuropean Union also determines its own limit, currently around $1,400.
Airlines only want to reimburse you for expenses they deem sensible.
That said, I personally havent had issues with airlines pushing back.
Delta once sent me a check for around $1,500 when I was traveling from the U.S. to Iceland.
Another time, I was traveling to the Canary Islands when my bag was delayed.
I got reimbursed for everything.
I needed snow boots, a down jacket, gloves, and other winter wearnone of which is cheap.
While I shopped for quality items, I definitely didnt get the most expensive items in the store.
Keep in mind that youll have to foot the bill if the airline doesnt deem it reasonable.
If youre shopping for coverage, Fish recommends noting if your plans baggage delay benefit has a time-sensitive trigger.
Some benefits dont kick in until a day later, while others kick in after just eight hours.
Fish says many claims are settled within three to 10 working days.
Usually, the PIR form asks for the style, brand, and color of your bag.
At this point, youll get a file reference number.
Youll need this to submit your claim.
I always submit my claims online.
Direct deposit is usually faster.
Delayed Baggage Policies of Major U.S. Airlines
Delayed baggagepolicies also vary by airline.
Which U.S. airline has the best policy?
Looking at U.S. airlines, Alaska Airlines and Delta stand out for their proactive compensation guarantees, says Napoli.
Similarly, Delta takes pride in its 20-minute guarantee.
Regarding reimbursement, talk to the agent when you report your delayed bag.
Alaskas delayed baggage policydoes not cover a long list of items, including electronics and eyeglasses.
Delta Air Lines
Report your delayed bag in person at Deltas baggage services desk at the airport.
Most claims are processed within four to six weeks.
JetBlue
Report your delayed bag within four hours of touching downvia JetBlues websiteor by calling.
The online portal also has a place where you’ve got the option to upload receipts for reimbursement.
You have four hours from touchdown to make this report if youre flying domestically.
If youre flying internationally, you have 21 days.
To get reimbursed for essential items, youll have to upload receipts via itsonline customer portal.
