If United Airlines loses your checked bag, they are responsible for compensating you for the bag’s contents, potentially up to a certain dollar amount, and must also refund any checked baggage fees. The airline will first try to locate your bag and may require you to file a missing baggage report and provide purchase invoices or other proof for items in the bag.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
1. Report the Loss:
Immediately after discovering your bag is missing, report it to a United representative at the airport.
You’ll need to file a missing baggage report, and they will provide you with a reference number for your claim.
If you’ve already left the airport, you can file a report online through the United website.
2. Airline’s Response:
United will try to locate your bag using their tracking system and may ask for a detailed description of your luggage and its contents.
If the bag is not found within a certain timeframe (typically 5-7 days for delayed baggage, but longer for lost bags), it may be declared lost.
Once a bag is declared lost, the airline is responsible for compensating you for the lost items, subject to depreciation and maximum liability limits.
3. Compensation:
For domestic flights:
United may offer up to $3,800 USD (approx.) in compensation, according to one source. AirAdvisor another source mentions up to $4,700 USD.
For international flights:
They may offer up to $1,780 USD (approx.) in compensation. AirAdvisor another source mentions up to $2,080 USD.
Required documentation:
Airlines typically require receipts or other proof of purchase for items in the lost bag, especially for valuable items.
Refund of baggage fees:
You will also be reimbursed for any baggage fees you paid to transport the lost bag.
4. If Your Bag is Eventually Found:
Airlines may contact you if your bag is found, and may offer to return it to you.
In some cases, if the bag is found after compensation has been paid, the airline may negotiate with you regarding ownership of the found bag.
Airlines may also handle the disposal of found bags through a 3rd party, especially if they cannot be returned to the owner.
5. Additional Tips:
Keep all baggage tags and claim checks. Tripadvisor emphasizes the importance of this for filing a claim.
Take photos of your luggage and its contents before your flight.
Consider purchasing travel insurance: that covers lost or delayed baggage for more comprehensive protection.
If you’re not satisfied with the airline’s response, you can file a complaint with the Department of Transportation .
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