Airline Gives Compensation for Luggage Claim

Airlines give Compensation for Lost Luggage. It is a frightful experience to lose your luggage, especially after a long flight, but the majority of the time, the lost luggage finds its way back to the owner. However, not everyone gets his or her luggage back. What will the airlines do to track my luggage, and if it is not found, what is the compensation?

First, lost luggage is rare. According to The U.S. Transportation Department's Bureau of Transportation statistics, approximately 5-8 people per 1000 file a report for damaged or lost luggage. That is a low number and a safe feeling, but those few who must file a claim, have security and compensation.

Here is the breakdown of luggage tracking and claims:

It went on a different flight. When you check in early at an airport, your airline carrier may put your luggage on an earlier flight to the same destination. This will not affect you at all, and when your flight does arrive your bag is handled as if it was put on the same plane you traveled on. The bag will then go to baggage claim just like the others on your flight.

WorldTracer tracks your luggage. Once luggage is checked in, the airline carrier gives your luggage a tracking number, and your luggage is tracked a tracking database called WorldTracer. Almost 400 airlines participate in this tracking system. They are determined to help you find your luggage.

The luggage report. The airline carrier will search extensively through the airport agent and WorldTracer. If someone did find your bag, either at the current airport already, or at another airport, then your bag is returned immediately. If not, you need to fill out a claim.

File a claim. This claim will include all your personal information and a description of the bag and the contents inside the bag. You need to report specifics. For instance, if you have a red shirt, green socks, and a white suit, the report this in the claim. An airport agent is likely to inspect inside of your luggage, if it is found, to identify, and confirm the bag's owner. Make sure you get a file number before you leave. This file number is a way of to track the status of your claim.

The claim settles in 30 days. The airline will settle your claim in 30 days if they cannot find your luggage. The airline gives compensation. This compensation is set at a maximum of $3,000 for a domestic flight, and for an international flight, the cap is set at $1,500. The Transportation Department sets these figures.

In addition, the compensation may go as far as a voucher or discount for future travel. It is unfortunate that a traveler loses their luggage, but there is not compensation for every mistake, and a little patience and understanding will help the airline track your baggage that much easier.