Hawaiian Airlines Lost, Damaged & Delayed Baggage: How to Get Compensation

Joanna Teljeur

By:  Joanna Teljeur

Last Updated:  12 August 2025

Reviewed by:  Anton Radchenko

Have you had your baggage lost when you went on vacation? If you’ve experienced this, then you know how it can derail all your plans. If your baggage was lost or damaged by Hawaiian Airlines, you’re in luck because you can get compensated for baggage mishandling. The catch? You have to follow specific procedures in order to be eligible for baggage compensation. But stay with us because we’ll walk you through all the steps in this expert guide.

Key Points

1. US air passengers can get up to $4,700 from Hawaiian Airlines for damaged and lost baggage compensation.
2. Flying internationally? You could get up to $2,080 from Hawaiian Airlines for delayed, lost, and damaged baggage.
3. If you don’t report your mishandled baggage first, then you could have your claim denied.

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What To Do About Hawaiian Airlines Lost Baggage

You arrive at your destination, go to the baggage claim area, wait for your baggage, and it never comes out on the baggage carousel. Now what do you do?

Report Your Lost Baggage Within 4 Hours

This truly is the most important step, and it’s very important not to skip it. Why? Because you have to make a report with Hawaiian Airlines to notify them of your situation and allow them time to fix the problem. Also, you won’t be successful in your lost baggage compensation claim if you skip this step. So, find your way to the Hawaiian Airlines Baggage Counter and make a report.

How to make a lost baggage report:

1. Within 24 hours of your flight, file a Property Irregularity Report. This is a form you’ll be given at the baggage desk.
2. When you complete the form, keep the number and a copy of the report.
3. Wait for a Hawaiian Airlines rep to contact you about delivering your lost baggage.

Buy Essentials

When you’re away from home when your Hawaiian Airlines baggage is missing, you’ll need to buy undergarments, clothing, and toiletries. The airline understands this and should reimburse you for reasonable expenses incurred as a result of your lost baggage.

The key, however, is to keep record of all your receipts. You won’t be reimbursed without them. It’s also important to note that this doesn’t entitle you to a shopping spree. Remember, Hawaiian Airlines makes the final decision about your compensation claim, and they most likely won’t reimburse you for expenses they deem unnecessary.

File a Lost Baggage Compensation Claim

If your baggage was found and returned, then you can file a Hawaiian Airlines delayed baggage claim so you can be reimbursed for your essential purchases.

If your baggage was never found, then you should file a claim for last baggage compensation. Remember, the more organized you are and the more documentation you have to support your claim, the better.

Documents to support your lost and delayed baggage claim

• Ticket information
• Baggage tags
• A photo ID
• Receipts for essential purchases
• Property Irregularity Report

What To Do About Hawaiian Airlines Damaged Baggage

If you’ve had your checked baggage damaged, then you will need to file a damaged baggage report with the airline immediately! The airline states that you have 4 hours to do this. So find the Hawaiian Airlines Baggage Desk, file a Property Irregularity Report, and keep a copy.

It’s vital that you keep detailed notes as well as organized documentation to support your claim. In fact, you can’t have too much evidence. We recommend taking photos of the damage and tracking down original receipts for items that were damaged. Another tip is to take photos of your baggage before your trip, as this will add to your evidence.

With damaged baggage, be prepared for Hawaiian Airlines to deny paying you compensation for damage that includes any of 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

How Much Baggage Compensation Can You Get

If you’ve had a domestic flight with Hawaiian Airlines, your passenger rights are protected by the US Department of Transportation. The rules require airlines to pay passengers up to $4,700 per person for US delayed, lost, or damaged baggage.

You also have baggage rights when you fly to other countries. Most countries have signed the Montreal Convention, an international treaty that requires airlines to pay passengers up to $2,080 for lost, delayed, or damaged bags. In the rare cases when the Montreal Convention doesn’t apply, the older Warsaw Convention would go into effect.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you could be compensated for your baggage issues by the airline. Be prepared, though because you might have to wait a month or more for them to reach a final decision. Also, stay diligent, organized, and above all, patient.

Need help with a baggage compensation claim?Our legal team can contact the airline and submit a claim on your behalf, so you don’t have to! Best of all, we only get paid if we win your case.
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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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