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

Joanna Teljeur

By:  Joanna Teljeur

Last Updated:  February 18, 2026

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 October 2024, the compensation limits under the Montreal Convention were raised from $1,760 to about $2,080. This makes it more crucial than ever to be aware of your rights regarding baggage mishandling!

Key Points

1. In the U.S. you can get up to $4,700 in baggage compensation from Delta.
2. As an international passenger, Delta will pay you up to $2,080 for delayed, lost, and damaged baggage.
3. 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.

Start your claim today!

Your Rights as a Passenger

If you’re a Delta Airlines passenger, you have certain rights that not only cover delayed flights but delayed baggage as well. In fact, the US Department of Transportation has made it a requirement for airlines to provide compensation for lost and damaged baggage on flights within the U.S.

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:

1. Report the baggage delay to a Delta representative as soon as possible.
2. 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.

Submitting a Baggage Reimbursement Claim

To submit your expenses for reimbursement:

1. Gather your receipts
2. Go to the Delta baggage claim form
3. Enter your name and file reference number and then select “Out of Pocket Expense”
4. 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

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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, 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.

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