American Airlines Delayed Baggage Compensation: How to Get Reimbursed for Lost & Damaged Luggage

Written By Joanna Teljeur

Last Updated: April 22, 2024

Have you traveled with American Airlines and had an issue with delayed baggage?

As a passenger, you have rights that cover baggage delays and other issues like lost and damaged luggage. In fact the US Department of Transportation regulations state that airlines are required to compensate you for lost, delayed, or damaged baggage on domestic flights.

And for international flights, your baggage compensation rights are covered under the rules of the Montreal Convention or the Warsaw Convention, depending upon where your travels have taken you.

But, to get compensation for your baggage issues, you must take certain steps within particular time frames, or any claim you make with an airline could be denied.

Here are the steps you should take for reporting delayed, lost, or damaged baggage with American Airlines.

Key Points

1. Domestic checked baggage compensation - Up to US $3,800 (if you claimed excess value during check in, then you could be reimbursed up to US $5,000).
2. International checked baggage compensation -  Up to US $1,728 according to the rules of the Montreal Convention - a global treaty that enforces airline liability.
3. When you file a delayed baggage claim, you must complete the process within their required timeframes or your claim could be denied.

Delayed Baggage

If your baggage is delayed, make a report with American Airlines within the following time frames:

• For Domestic Flights - As soon as possible when you land while you’re still at the airport or within 4 hours of your arrival
• For Bags VIP Luggage Delivery - As soon as possible or within 12 hours of your arrival
• International Flights - As soon as possible and before you leave the airport

When you make your report, you’ll be given an ID number (13 characters long) that you can use for filing a claim as well as checking your baggage status.

If 5 days pass from the time you make your report, and your baggage still hasn’t been found, then you can submit a lost baggage claim using their online form.

How to make a American Airlines delayed baggage reimbursement claim

Once you’re reunited with your baggage, you can request reimbursement for any essentials you had to buy because your baggage was missing.

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Submit a claim to American Airlines using their online form
2. Make this claim within 30 days from the time your baggage was delayed
3. Include the following documents in your claim

Documents you’ll need for your delayed baggage claim:

• Original receipts from your purchases
• Baggage claim checks
• Ticket receipts
• The file ID given to you when you made the report

Lost Baggage

If your delayed luggage hasn’t been returned to you after 5 days of making the report, then you should take these steps:

1. Complete the American Airlines on-line claim form in order to be reimbursed
2. File within 30 days of the delay or your claim will be denied
3. Gather the following documents

Documents you’ll need to file a lost checked baggage claim

• Airline ticket receipts
• Baggage claim checks
• Copy of the delayed baggage report with the ID number
• Original receipts for any essential items you had to buy because your luggage was missing
• Receipts for excess value (if this applies to your situation)
• Receipts for anything over $100 that was part of your bag’s contents
• A copy of an official photo ID (passport or driver’s license)

TIP: Take photos of your baggage contents as well as the outside of your bags as you pack. These photos will come in handy if you need to file a claim for damaged or lost baggage.

If you can’t submit this info online, you can mail the claim information to:

American Airlines Central Baggage

4000 East Sky Harbor Blvd

Phoenix, AZ 85034

Damaged Baggage

If you arrive at your final destination to discover that your bags have been damaged, then you should make a report with the American Airlines Baggage Service as soon as possible and before you leave the airport.

Timeframes for reporting damaged baggage

• Domestic Flights - As soon as possible when you land while you’re still at the airport or within 24 hours of getting your baggage
• International Flights - As soon as possible at the airport or within 7 days of getting your bags

How to file a damaged baggage claim

1. Make sure you submit your claim for reimbursement within 30 days from the date of your flight, or your claim could be denied.
2. Go to the American Airlines site and complete their claim form.

Documents you’ll need to file a damaged baggage claim

• Airline ticket receipts
• Baggage claim checks
• Copy of the delayed baggage report with the ID number
• Original receipts for any essential items you had to buy because your luggage was missing
• Receipts for excess value (if this applies to your situation)
• Receipts for anything over $100 that was part of your bag’s contents
• A copy of an official photo ID (passport or driver’s license)
• Photos of the damage

What American Airlines will not cover in a damaged baggage claim

If you plan to travel with fragile, irreplaceable, or high value items, you should keep them with you in your carry-on baggage. American Airlines has very specific guidelines about what they will not cover in damage compensation.

If you’re thinking of traveling with any of the following items, you might want to either keep them with you or, if possible, leave them at home.

Other damages that American Airlines will not cover in compensation claims include:

• Carry-on baggage
• Minor scrapes, stains, cuts, and other normal signs of wear
• Inappropriately packed items that aren’t in a hard case
• Damaged bag contents if the outside of your suitcase is not damaged
• Damage or loss of the wheels, handles, pockets, straps, etc.

If TSA damages your baggage

Sometimes, during a security check, your baggage will be damaged by the TSA. You’ll know if this happens because they will either leave a notice inside your bag or a seal on the outside of your luggage. In this case, American Airlines is not liable for damage.

Instead, you’ll need to contact the TSA at 866-289-9673.

How much compensation can you get

If your checked luggage has been delayed, damaged, or lost, American Airlines is required to compensate you.

Domestic checked baggage compensation - Up to US $3,800 (if you claimed excess value during check in, then you could be reimbursed up to US $5,000).

International checked baggage compensation -  Up to US $1,728 according to the rules of the Montreal Convention - a global treaty that enforces airline liability.

Insurance Coverage

Like most airlines, American Airlines gives you the option to buy insurance during the check-in process if you are bringing high value items with you.

How much does it cost

Every $100 of checked baggage will cost $5 in insurance. Just keep in mind that the total value of your luggage cannot be more than USD $5,000 per passenger. American Airlines also says in their policy that the limit, “includes the standard bag liability plus any excess valuation insurance”.

In sum, most people don’t realize that they have a right to compensation for baggage mishandling. Afterall, airlines don’t typically advertise this information. But with a little determination and a dash of patience, you can get money back for your baggage troubles.

Early claims have an 72% higher chance of payout

Act now before your claim expires

Claim Submission

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