Lost bag: what to do

Have this ready

• bag tag
• file reference number
• list of contents with values
• receipts or photos

Steps for any company

1. Keep the delayed-bag file open until the airline declares the bag lost.

2. Submit a contents claim with values and proof, within the airline's deadline.

3. Ask for the checked bag fee back.

4. Check the liability limit in rules/ before you accept an offer.

A company playbook below replaces these generic steps with the company’s own forms, phone numbers and deadlines.

Company playbooks (13)

Airlines

• Alaska AirlinesKeep the report open, send written proof of loss within 45 days, and ask for the bag fee back.
• Allegiant AirFile the Mishandled Baggage Report quickly, return the claim form by its stated date, and check the $4,700 limit.
• American AirlinesIf the bag is missing 5 or more days, submit the online claim with the file ID; liability is capped at $4,700 domestic.
• Breeze AirwaysReport within one hour, follow up after 10 days, and check the $4,700 limit.
• Delta Air LinesDelta treats a bag as lost if it is not found within 21 days; keep the delayed-bag file and claim the contents.
• Frontier AirlinesKeep the delayed-bag file open and submit the claim documentation within 30 days of receiving Frontier's claim packet.
• JetBlue AirwaysKeep the claim open, send written notice within 21 days, and check the $4,700 liability limit before accepting an offer.
• Southwest AirlinesAfter the report, complete the Property Loss Claim form within 30 days of the date Southwest issues it.
• Sun Country AirlinesKeep the notice open and complete the claim within 45 days; liability is capped at $4,700 domestic.
• United AirlinesA bag missing more than 5 days after arrival may be lost. Report it as delayed first, then file the lost bag claim within 45 days (21 days if international).

Rail and intercity bus

• Amtrak (National Railroad Passenger Corporation)Report damage before leaving the station; claim lost checked bags in writing within 30 days.
• Greyhound Lines, Inc.Greyhound disclaims liability for lost or damaged baggage except in a collision or accident; use the lost and found form.
• megabus (US)Report lost items to lost and found; claim baggage loss or damage within 60 days.

Guides

• Airlines — how complaints work
• Intercity bus and rail — how complaints work