If your bag is delayed, don’t leave the airport without filing a report with your airline first.
Airlines usually cover “reasonable” expenses up to a set limit.
Snap photos of all your receipts for items you want reimbursed—you’ll need to list them out when claiming compensation.
As a travel writer, there’s one thing I dread more than a never-ending security line: standing at baggage claim, watching the conveyor belt grind to a halt, realizing my luggage isn’t there. Delayed? Maybe. Lost? Hopefully not. So far, no airline has permanently lost my bag, but in the past two years, three of my bags arrived late—about four days after I did. It was a hassle, but I got compensated.
Since 2003, passenger rights—including those for your belongings—have been protected under the Montreal Convention, an international treaty. It guarantees compensation for delayed bags, though there’s a cap. For years, that limit was around $1,600 per bag, but here’s some good news: in 2025, it was raised to roughly $2,000 to account for inflation.
According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics and SITA’s latest report, airlines are improving at getting luggage to passengers on time. Still, checking a bag doesn’t guarantee it’ll arrive when you do. If you’re unlucky enough to be staring at an empty carousel, here’s what to do.
What to Do If Your Baggage Is Delayed
Eric Napoli, chief legal officer at AirHelp, says the worst mistake you can make is leaving the airport without reporting the delay. First, head to your airline’s customer service desk (usually in baggage claim). Report your missing bag—they’ll ask for a description—and show your claim ticket. If you’re lucky, they’ll track it and give you an ETA.
You’ll also need to fill out a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). “You’ll get a file reference number—don’t lose it,” Napoli says. Snap a photo if it’s on paper. At smaller airports or with budget airlines, there might not be a desk—call or message them online instead, but don’t leave until you’ve reported it.
Passenger Rights for Delayed Baggage
Your rights depend on your route. For U.S. domestic flights, the Department of Transportation requires airlines to cover “reasonable, verifiable, and actual” expenses. They can’t cap daily spending, but there’s a max liability limit—recently raised from $3,800 to $4,700 per passenger.
For international trips, the Montreal Convention usually applies, with a lower max of about $2,000 per passenger. But if you’re flying in or out of the EU, their rules kick in, capping liability at around $1,400.
How to Determine Compensation for Delayed Baggage
The magic word is reasonable. Airlines won’t reimburse for extravagances—like replacing a designer suit when cheaper options exist. That said, I’ve never had pushback. Once, Delta reimbursed me $1,500 after my bag was delayed en route to Iceland, where I had to buy pricey rain gear. Another time, in the Canary Islands, I was repaid for a bikini, sunglasses, and other vacation essentials. Most recently, Delta covered $400 for winter gear when my bag was lost in Norway. Just remember: if the airline thinks your spending isn’t “reasonable,” you’re stuck with the bill.
Travel Insurance Coverage for Delayed Baggage
Most travel insurance includes baggage delay coverage—but there’s a catch. “It’s usually secondary, meaning the airline pays first,” explains Erin Fish of Wanderwell. Check your policy’s timing: some benefits start after 8 hours, others after a full day. Even with insurance, always file a claim with your airline first—you’ll need proof for the insurer. Most claims are settled in 3–10 business days.
How to Submit Delayed Baggage Compensation Claims
Processes vary by airline, but all require a PIR. You’ll describe your bag (style, brand, color) and provide your lodging details so they can deliver it later. You’ll get a file reference number—hang onto it.
Napoli suggests waiting until your bag arrives to file, but I’ve submitted claims right after buying essentials. Either way, save every receipt—you’ll need them. I always file online (takes ~10 minutes) and opt for direct deposit—it’s faster. Last December, Delta reimbursed me within days.
Delayed Baggage Policies of Major U.S. Airlines
Policies differ, but Napoli highlights Alaska and Delta as standouts. Since 2010, Alaska has promised a $25 voucher or 2,500 miles if bags take over 20 minutes. Delta has a similar 20-minute guarantee for domestic flights—fill out a form within three days for 2,500 miles.
- Alaska Airlines: Report delays within 24 hours. Most bags are found within 48 hours and delivered free. Reimbursement excludes electronics, glasses, etc.
- American Airlines: Scan a QR code in baggage claim to skip the line. Report within 4 hours (domestic) or immediately (international). File claims within 30 days.
- Delta: Report in person for a file number. They’ll also refund checked bag fees.
- United: Report via app, phone, or online within 24 hours (domestic) or 21 days (international). Claims take 4–6 weeks.
- JetBlue: Report within 4 hours online or by phone. Upload receipts via their portal.
- Southwest: Use the QR code in baggage claim, visit the desk, or report online within 4 hours (domestic) or 21 days (international). Upload receipts for reimbursement.
