What should I do about lost or delayed baggage for an airline trip?

Report the bag problem to the airline as soon as possible and keep the report number, baggage tag and receipts. Use the airline's official tracker or claim process for the next step.

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What this answer depends on

  • A traveler should report a missing or damaged bag to the airline before leaving the airport and keep a copy of the mishandled-baggage report.
  • For covered US travel, a paid checked-bag fee may be refundable when the bag is declared lost or is significantly delayed, but the traveler must file a mishandled-baggage report.
  • Airline deadlines and liability rules differ between domestic and international travel, so receipts and written follow-up should be preserved.

Important unknowns

  • Domestic or international trip
  • Airline that operated the final flight
  • Time since arrival
  • Whether a mishandled-baggage report was filed

What to do next

  1. Step 1

    Report the bag at the airline baggage desk before leaving the airport when possible.

  2. Step 2

    Get the report or file reference and a follow-up contact.

  3. Step 3

    Keep baggage tags and receipts for necessary replacement items.

  4. Step 4

    Use the operating airline's claim process and check current deadlines.

Sources and last checked