Delta Air Lines Lost Your Luggage? Get Up to €1,920 Back.
Delayed, damaged, or lost baggage on Delta Air Lines? Under the Montreal Convention, you could be owed up to €1,920 in compensation. We handle everything — you just submit your details.
If you’ve travelled with Delta and experienced lost, damaged, or delayed baggage, you may be eligible for compensation for baggage mishandling. So, let’s take a look at the steps you need to take in order to get the baggage compensation you’re entitled to.
In the U.S. you can get up to $4,700 in baggage compensation from Delta.
As an international passenger, Delta will pay you up to $2,080 for delayed, lost, and damaged baggage.
Liability limits for delayed baggage aren’t a guarantee of compensation. You have to support your case with the right information, and file your claim following specific guidelines.
If your baggage is mishandled internationally, the Montreal Convention and the Warsaw Convention cover your passenger rights, including how much you can be compensated for baggage mishandling.
How to Report Delta Lost & Delayed Checked Baggage
If you arrive at your final destination, and your luggage hasn’t arrived after about 30-45 min., then Delta considers it delayed.
Here’s what you need to do:
Report the baggage delay to a Delta representative as soon as possible.
When you make the report, they will give you an 8-10 digit file reference number. Keep this handy because you will need it to file a claim and check the status of your bags.
If you paid to check your luggage with Delta, then you might be eligible for a Bag Fee Rebate if your checked bags have not been returned to you within 12 hours. This isn’t a cash reimbursement, but a voucher for future flights on Delta.
If you have to make purchases as a result of your missing luggage, make sure to keep your receipts, because you’ll need them to file a reimbursement claim.
Filing Delta reimbursement claims
Delta will reimburse you for essential purchases, but make sure that these purchases are truly essential. Generally, Delta will provide you $50 USD per day for up to 5 days that your bag is missing, but this daily amount is just a guideline. Each case is handled individually as different circumstances can apply.
Enter your name and file reference number and then select “Out of Pocket Expense”
Then upload your receipts
Making a claim for lost baggage
If 5 days have passed and your baggage still hasn’t been returned to you, then you will need to file a claim using Delta’s online claim form.
You can also call Delta’s Baggage number at 800-325-8224.
Documents for your lost baggage claim
Bag tag
The receipt for your ticket or boarding pass
Photos of the inside and outside of your baggage (if you have them)
Copy of your government photo ID (i.e. passport or driver’s license)
Has your baggage been delayed? AirAdvisor can help. Let our legal team get you the compensation you deserve!Check eligibility
Damaged Baggage
If your luggage or items inside your luggage are damaged once it’s returned to you, then you should make a report at the Delta Baggage office before you leave the airport. Delta requires that a member of their staff inspect your damaged items. As they do the inspection, they’ll ask you to complete a damaged bag form. Be sure to keep copies of this and your file reference number.
Take photos of the damage and submit these with your claim. Also, remember to take photos of your luggage as you pack so you can use it as a comparison.
Once you complete this step, you can file a claim using the Delta Claim form on their site.
Time limits for filing a damage claim
Make sure you submit your claim within Delta’s required timeframes or your claim could be denied.
If you traveled within the U.S, you have 24 hours to submit your claim.
If you traveled internationally, you have 7 days to file your claim.
Damage that won’t be covered by Delta
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
When TSA damages your luggage
You’ll know if the TSA has caused damage to your luggage because you’ll find a notice inside your suitcase or a seal attached to the outside of your bags. Delta is not responsible for damage caused by the TSA.
Contact the TSA for more info by calling 866-289-9673.
How much compensation can you get from Delta
Delta is required to compensate you for lost, damaged, and delayed baggage up to the following amounts.
Your passenger rights to compensation are covered by national and international laws. So, the next time you fly with Delta, remember that if your baggage is delayed, lost, or damaged, you can receive compensation for your trouble.
Start your claim today, and get up to $4,700 USD in airline compensation.Check eligibility
People Also Ask
What happens if my carry-on luggage is lost?
If you’ve lost your bag or any items on a flight with Delta or in the gate area, make a report by using the lost items form. If you think you’ve left any personal items at the TSA security check area, then you can contact them by calling 866-289-9673 or by visiting tsa.gov.
How does Delta handle wheelchairs and other assistive devices that are lost or damaged?
According to the US Department of Transportation, airlines are required to compensate you for the full amount of damage or loss to your wheelchair regardless of the liability limits that apply to baggage. If Delta has lost or damaged your wheelchair or other assistive device, make a report with a representative while you’re still at the airport. You can also call 1-404-209-3434.
What can I do to avoid baggage delays?
To avoid baggage delays and loss, make sure you add your name and contact info to any luggage you plan to check. If you’re extra cautious, add your contact info to the contents of your bag. Lastly, be sure to remove any bag tags and other info from previous flights to avoid confusion during baggage transfers.
Joanna Teljeur is a senior editor and writer with 15+ years of experience in editorial leadership, journalism, and content development, specialising in consumer rights, aviation law, and public-interest reporting. Her work focuses on transforming complex regulatory and legal topics into clear, accurate, and accessible content for international audiences.
Delayed or lost luggage?
Compensation can be as much as £1,600 (€1,920) if your checked bags were mishandled.
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