What is the process for a lost baggage claim?

All airlines ensure a hassle-free and comfortable flight journey for their passengers. However, exceptions are always there, and situations can arise when you face inconveniences. The most common issue the flyers face is baggage delay, which they find very problematic. Why? Primarily because it happens during the arrival time, and passengers do not know what to do at the airport immediately to resolve this issue. Read ahead and explore different ways to send baggage claim requests to the concerned airlines.

Fill out the lost luggage form on the airline's website.

Most airlines offer the feature of filing a lost baggage complaint and claim request through the form provided by their website. This is the most preferred method of submitting the claim request because it offers various benefits, such as a systematic format, quicker response rate, ability to check your request status, etc. Below are the steps to file the lost luggage claim report through the airline's website. The procedure may differ depending on the airline's website and its options.

• Browse the official website of the concerned airlines to begin.
• Visit the "Contact Us" tab at the home page's top or bottom.
• Find the "Refund and Request" or "Complaint and Feedback" section.
• Choose the "Lost Baggage" option from the drop-down menu.
• Enter the requested details, and press the "Submit/Send" button.

Seek help regarding the lost luggage through the phone call.

Are you having difficulty executing the online lost luggage form filing procedure? You can dial the airline's customer service number and seek assistance from their technical team. They will guide you on how to submit a complaint for misplaced baggage and get compensation if you meet their eligibility criteria. Please remember that most airlines have different sections for selective issues of their flyers. So, press the correct number according to the IVR instructions to reach the suitable agent.

Visit the concerned airline's airport to claim lost baggage.

If you need immediate support from the concerned airline officials regarding the airport's misplaced baggage, you can visit their helpdesk. This method is also suitable for those who have an airport of the concerned airline near their location. The ground staff will help you find the missed bags quickly and provide you with an application that you can fill out to claim compensation for your lost luggage. Make sure you carry all the essential supporting documents for smooth processing. 

What is the lost baggage policy the passengers must follow?

You might think the job is done if you have read the methods for sending the lost baggage claim request to the concerned airlines. The next step is to learn about their policies regarding misplaced luggage compensation. This policy plays a crucial role as it decides critical things, such as what supporting documents you require to get the claim. Every airline has a different set of policies regarding lost baggage claims; however, below are some common ones that most airlines practice.

• You should have all the receipts of your travel essentials to file a lost baggage claim/complaint.
• These receipts must be presented at the airport baggage service office.
• Some airlines only compensate for "reasonable and necessary items and document damages."
• You may be eligible to file a lost baggage claim only if you are traveling outside your home airport.
• If the concerned airlines cannot find your misplaced bags within 12 hours, they will provide you with the claim.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does the airline take to process the lost baggage claim?

The time it takes to process your lost baggage claim request varies from airline to airline. Generally, most airlines take a few minutes to a few days to find your misplaced luggage and send it to you. When the luggage has not been found, the concerned airlines take 30 to 90 days to finish the compensation process and credit the claim amount to the selective passengers' accounts. Some airlines also allow the flyers to check the status of their claim request if it has been filed through their website using the lost baggage form.

How much claim can you claim for your lost baggage complaint?

Please remember that you are only eligible for a claim if the respective airline is not able to find your misplaced luggage within the prescribed time limit as per their policy. Generally, passengers can get a compensation of $250 to $850. The price gap is quite wide because many factors influence the amount, such as the airline you are traveling with, the degree of damage to your luggage, the policy of the concerned airline, etc.

What kind of damages are included in the lost baggage claim?

It depends on the airline's policy and rules regarding what damages are included in luggage claim complaints. Generally, excessive wear and tear of the passengers' bags and their misplacement are eligible for filing a compensation form. However, please remember that most airlines provide a disclaimer to their flyers stating that their baggage can undergo normal wear and tear while being transported.