Can I get compensation if my luggage is delayed?

Suppose you have recently traveled with any of the renowned Airlines and they failed to deliver your luggage after the flight on the carousel. In that case, it can be frustrating, especially when traveling to any international destination. According to the United States Department of Transportation, passengers are entitled to raise the reimbursement request for the incidental expenses they incur due to delayed baggage, which should be up to the maximum liability limit set by the airline. However, the compensation amount may vary from airline to airline depending on multiple factors. Several Airlines provide passengers with delayed luggage amenity kits that contain essential items like toothbrushes, toothpaste, t-shirts, hand sanitizer, and a comb.

Airline policies for delayed luggage:

Most Airlines usually introduce terms and conditions for delayed baggage to help their travelers understand under which circumstances they are entitled to offer compensation for missed or delayed baggage. Airlines provide a specific amount of what they believe is reasonable expenses. Here, we have listed some of the critical points of the airline's delayed baggage policy, followed by some recognized airlines, including Alaska Airlines, Delta Airlines, Southwest, and United Airlines.

• Airlines are supposed to reimburse travelers for necessary items like toiletries and clothes when baggage is delayed or missed, but the traveler should show their receipt at the Airport.
• Thus, passengers are advised to submit the delayed baggage receipt within 30 days to get reimbursement from the Airline. However, you should remember that the Airline only approves claim reimbursement requests for reasonable and necessary items if you travel away from home.
• The airline can deduct the reimbursement value from the settlement amount if the checked luggage is lost.
• To claim reimbursement, the traveler must submit the baggage claim form online or at the Airport baggage counter. 

How much reimbursement does the Airline provide for delayed luggage?

Generally, the reimbursement amount depends on the Airline, although before claiming compensation, you should always check the specific Airline terms and conditions for delayed baggage. Thus, travelers are entitled to be reimbursed for the necessary items only, which is approximately $50 per day for the first five days; however, if the baggage is lost, the airline is bound to offer roughly $3800 per passenger.

Can I complain if my baggage is delayed?

Suppose the traveler has not received the delayed baggage within the specified period. In that case, you can contact customer support for the airline lost and found and raise concerns about the missing bag. Otherwise, you can also report the delayed baggage complaint before leaving the Airport. However, you can also speed up the process when you have essential official documents, including the Booking Confirmation code, Baggage tag number, Baggage description, and contact details. You need to ensure you report the delayed baggage complaint within 30 days. 

When can you claim for delayed baggage?

Passengers can easily claim reimbursement for delayed, missed, or lost baggage from the Airline only when it's the Airline's fault. You can report the problem at the Airport, contact the Airline via the customer service phone number, or use the online form. But before raising the concern, you must be familiar with the deadline based on your claim.

• If you have received damaged luggage or missing baggage, raise a compensation request with the specific Airline within seven days of receiving the baggage.
• In case of missing or delayed baggage, travelers are recommended to claim reimbursement within 21 days of their flight.
• Travelers are entitled to get compensation for lost luggage after 21 days. 
• Therefore, to claim delayed baggage, travelers must have essential documents, including boarding cards, luggage labels, receipts, and other details.