Alaska Airlines
and Delta Air Lines
are remarkable for offering delayed baggage compensation if it takes more than 20 minutes to arrive on the carousel. This is more than what most airlines offer (most, including Alaska and Delta) offer reimbursement for reasonable expenses caused by delayed bags.

Lost and mishandled bags only account for around 0.7% of bags
handled (most of which are eventually reunited with their owners) – although its more common to bags to just be delayed.

1

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines has a 20-minute baggage guarantee

Compensation:

$25 discount on next flight or 2,500 bonus miles

How to make the claim:

Visit the Alaska customer service agent while at the airport

Window of claim:

2 hours

Alaska Airlines offers a guarantee to passengers that their bags will be at the baggage claim within 20 minutes of the airplane’s arrival at the gate. If the passenger’s bags take longer than that to appear on the carousel, the passenger is has a choice of either claiming a $25 discount on the next Alaska Airlines flight or claiming 2,500 Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan bonus miles.

Alaska Airlines automated bag drop Portland International Airport.

Photo: Alaska Airlines

To get the discount, passengers need to make the claim more or less immediately at the airport (they can’t go home and follow up on it later). Alaska Airlines states passengers can make their claim by going to the baggage office within 2 hours of the flight’s arrival for the discount code or miles. Just speak to one of the customer service agents at the airport. There are some exceptions – for example, it excludes international flights requiring customs clearance.

Related

Akasa Air Introduces Delayed Baggage Protection Service

The airline will offer passengers to opt for the service for ₹95 ($1.16).

2

Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines has a 20-minute baggage guarantee

Compensation:

2,500 bonus miles

How to make the claim:

Fill out online form

Window of claim:

3 days

Similar to Alaska Airlines,

Delta offers 2,500 bonus miles for passengers whose bags take more than 20 minutes to appear on the carousel
. However, unlike Alaska, Delta doesn’t offer a discount on the next flight and only offers bonus miles, so passengers need to be a SkyMiles
member at the time of travel to receive the miles. The guarantee is only for domestic flights.

Delta Air Lines Boeing 767-400ER (N841MH) "Relay for Life" taking off from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

Photo: Robin Guess | Shutterstock

Delta states, “We’re committed to providing you with reliable and on-time baggage service every time you fly. That’s why we’re backing your bags with a guarantee: if your checked bag doesn’t arrive at the carousel in 20 minutes or less after any domestic flight, you are eligible to receive 2,500 bonus miles. Just complete the below form no later than three days after your flight’s arrival. Requests should only be submitted after your flight.” Both Alaska and Delta also reimburse customers for reasonable expenses for delayed baggage (like other airlines below).

Related

Delta Air Lines Follows Suit In Raising Checked Baggage Fees

The $5 increase to checked baggage on domestic flights applies to bookings made from March 5th.

3

United Airlines

United pays $1,500 per bag after 5 days without more documents

Reimbursement of delayed bag expenses:

“reasonable”

Period until bag lost:

5 days

Lost bag compensation:

$1,500 (without further documentation)

Like some other airlines, United Airlines
will reimburse passengers for reasonable expenses they incur due to baggage delays. Passengers can submit receipts for reimbursement for expenses and (according to Nerdwallet) passengers can claim $1,500 per bag if it hasn’t been found after 5 days without further documentation (less any reimbursements already received).

United Airlines Boeing 787 departing LHR shutterstock_2400014209

Photo: Kevin Hackert | Shutterstock

To claim reimbursement of expenses, United requires passengers to travel to a location that is now their home airport to be eligible. To apply for reimbursement expenses, United requires a valid photo ID and proof of purchase. United claims are typically processed in 4-6 weeks.

Related

A Brief Guide To United Airlines’ Economy Baggage Allowance

The carrier offers different baggage allowances depending on ticket classification.

4

Southwest Airlines

Report delayed bags within 4 hours

Reimbursement of delayed bag expenses:

“reasonable, documented damages”

Report window:

Within 4 hours for domestic itineraries and 7 days for international

Lost bag compensation:

Purchase price less depreciation

Southwest Airlines
does not explicitly promise customer service compensation for delayed baggage. However, its Contract of Carriage says that it will pay for “reasonable, documented damages incurred as a direct result of loss of, damage to, or substantially delayed delivery of such baggage...”

Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-800 landing shutterstock_2275559153

Photo: Austin Deppe | Shutterstock

Southwest will pay the original purchase price minus any depreciation for lost bags. While not compensated for delayed baggage,

Southwest is notable for allowing passengers to have the first two bags checked in for free
(up to 50 lbs each) and allowing passengers to change their flights with no fee.

Related

Analysis: Why Offering Free Checked Baggage Works So Well For Southwest Airlines

It is just one of the many elements that sets the airline apart from others.

5

American Airlines

Submit receipts within 30 days

Reimbursement of delayed bag expenses:

‘reasonable and necessary items’

Report window:

Normally within 4 hours in the US, and before leaving the airport internationally

Lost bag Compensation:

limited to $3,800 (by law)

American Airlines
reimburses customers for items they need if their bags are delayed. Those who can’t find their bags after landing need to report it within 4 hours of arriving (or 12 hours of arriving for those using Bags VIP Luggage Delivery). Those arriving at destinations outside the US need to report it at the destination before leaving the airport.

American Airlines Boeing 737-800 (N929NN) at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

Photo: Nate Hovee | Shutterstock

American Airlines reimburses for expenses caused by delayed bags, but receipts must be submitted within 30 days of the baggage delay. Compensation is only for ‘reasonable and necessary items.’ Reimbursements are deducted from the settlement amount if the bag is lost.

Related

American Airlines’ Baggage Policy In Economy Class: A Complete Guide

The carrier allows passengers up to three complimentary checked bags depending on their elite status.

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