Alaska Airlines Lost & Delayed Baggage: How to Get Compensation

Joanna Teljeur

By:  Joanna Teljeur

Last Updated:  12 February 2026

Even with all the latest baggage tracking technology, Alaska Airlines is still wrestling with lost baggage complaints. Has this been your experience? If you’ve had Alaska Airlines lost baggage, did you know you have a right to compensation from the airline? Well, read on because in this article you’ll learn about your rights, how much you could get, and what steps to take to get lost baggage compensation.

Key Points

1. As a US domestic passenger, you could get up to $4,700 from Alaska Airlines in lost baggage compensation.
2. Flying internationally? If so, you could get up to $2,080 from Alaska for delayed, lost, and damaged baggage.
3. Failure to report your lost baggage could result in your claim being denied.

Start your compensation claim today

You Have Air Passenger Rights

Whether you're flying domestically or abroad, you have air passenger rights that protect you if your baggage is mishandled by the airline. The regulations are governed by the US Department of Transportation and are very specific. They require airlines to pay passengers for their baggage woes by providing up to $4,700 per person for delayed, lost, or damaged baggage.  

Not only that, but your baggage rights are also protected when you fly to other countries. Most countries have signed the Montreal Convention, an international treaty requiring airlines to pay passengers up to $2,080 for lost, delayed, or damaged bags. But in the rare cases when  the Montreal Convention doesn’t apply, the older Warsaw Convention would go into effect.

Alaska Airlines Lost or Damaged Baggage Reports

Arriving at your destination only to find your baggage is lost or damaged is a nightmare for every traveler, especially if this happens when you’re away from home! The most important thing you can do if you find yourself in this situation is to take the following steps. Not only will these steps help you find your luggage, but it will help ensure you’re compensated for the problem as well.

Step 1: Report Your Alaska Lost and Damaged Baggage

Reporting your baggage issue is the most important step. In fact, failure to do so within 24 of your arrival could mean you won’t be eligible for baggage compensation later. The airline usually recovers lost baggage within 48 hours, but regardless, you must give Alaska Airlines the opportunity to rectify your baggage problem. So, whatever you do, don’t skip this step! 

How to make an Alaska Airlines baggage report:

1. Make an Alaska Airlines baggage report within 24 hours of your flight
2. Do this at Alaska’s baggage office in the reclaim area of the airport
3. If your baggage was damaged, take photos of the damage
4. You’ll be asked to fill out a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). Keep the number and a copy of the report.
5. Use the PIR number to track the status of your lost baggage 
6. Purchase essentials like clothing and cosmetics
7. Wait for an Alaska rep to contact you about delivering your baggage.

Step 2: Buy Essentials and File a Compensation Claim

Getting reimbursed for essential purchases

You’re away from home and your baggage is lost. It goes without saying that you’ll need to buy some clothes, underwear, toiletries, and other essentials since you don’t have your suitcase. Fortunately, Alaska Airlines will reimburse you for these expenses but you MUST keep your receipts and bring them to the Alaska Baggage Office.

Filing a baggage compensation claim

If your bags were lost, then you should wait to hear from Alaska Airlines about the status of your baggage before filing a report. If they have returned your baggage to you, then you can proceed with the compensation claim.

If your baggage was damaged, you can claim right after you make your report.

What you’ll need for your Alaska baggage compensation claim:

• Ticket information
• Baggage tags
• A photo ID
• Photos of the damage baggage (as applies)
• Receipts for any damaged items

A word of caution about damaged baggage

Alaska Airlines has certain limits of liability when it comes to any damage that happens to checked baggage. Don’t expect the airline to compensate you for the following:

• Normally occurring wear from use
• Small cuts
• Scratches
• Damage caused by improper packing
• Damage to fragile items
• Cash
• Jewelry
• Cameras and video equipment
• Broken zippers
• Damage caused by the TSA

TSA Damaged Baggage

If your baggage was damaged by the TSA, you’ll find a notification from them inside your baggage or attached to the outside. This information will tell you what steps to take. You can also call them: 866-289-9673

Conclusion

If you follow these steps, you have a good chance of getting compensated by Alaska Airlines for your lost or damaged baggage. You might have to wait a month or more for their final decision, and you can expect the process to be frustrating, but the key is to be patient and persistent.

Here at AirAdvisor, we can take care of delayed and lost baggage claims for youOur team of legal professionals have been fighting for passenger rights since 2017, and we’re ready to help you get the baggage compensation you deserve.Start your claim

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Author:

Joanna Teljeur

Job/Position: Senior Editor & Content Lead

Joanna Teljeur is a senior editor and writer with 15+ years of experience in editorial leadership, journalism, and content development with a focus on consumer rights, aviation law, and public-interest reporting. Her work centers on transforming complex regulatory and legal topics into clear, accurate, and accessible content for international audiences.

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