Did American Airlines Lose or Delay Your Bag? Here’s What You’re Owed

You’re waiting at the American Airlines baggage claim, humming the same song over and over while you wait for your bag. After what feels like the 100th time through the melody, it finally sinks in: Your bag isn’t going to show up.

The good news is that when your bag is delayed or damaged and it’s the airline’s fault, you’re eligible for compensation.

I've read through American Airlines' fine print (so you don't have to), and I'm breaking down exactly what you can get and how to claim it.

Your Rights When American Airlines Loses or Delays Your Checked Bag

When American Airlines delays your bag, they're on the hook for finding it — and covering your basic expenses while you wait. They also need to compensate you if they damage it. 

This isn't just airline policy — it's federal law under Department of Transportation regulations. 

Domestic baggage rights

For flights within the U.S., American Airlines must comply with federal regulations, meaning they have to reimburse you (up to $4,700) for reasonable expenses you incur while you wait for the bags to show up.

The airline isn’t allowed to give you some arbitrary spending limits if your bags have been delayed. For example, they can’t say they’ll only reimburse you $50 per day that your bag is missing.

International baggage rights

The Montreal Convention is an international treaty protecting airline passengers. It holds airlines responsible for injuries and damages, and sets guidelines for airline accountability and passenger compensation. 

While you can file claims with airlines for lost bags under this treaty, the compensation limits are less specific than the U.S. regulations. There's no fixed compensation amount that you’re entitled to, and claims are capped at $1,700 in damages. 

American Airlines’ bag delay policy

While some airlines offer additional compensation when they delay your bag, American Airlines’ baggage policy doesn’t promise anything beyond what they are federally and legally required to. 

The one exception is that they will use a delivery company to bring your bags to your local address once they’ve been found.

However, if you politely press for compensation, you might end up with some bonus miles or travel credit. It never hurts to ask!

(Note: The DOT has since increased the maximum to $4,700!)

What Expenses Will American Airlines Actually Cover When They Delay Your Bag?

American Airlines will reimburse you for “reasonable and necessary items” you need while waiting for your bag. This includes things like basic hygiene products, clothing, and other essentials from the missing bag.

But don't go on a shopping spree — the airline will only cover reasonable, justifiable expenses. A pair of designer sneakers definitely won't get reimbursed, but a few basic clothing items from Target easily will.

My rule of thumb is that if you can’t defend why you needed the item, you probably can’t count on getting reimbursed for it.

What to Do When Your Bag Doesn't Show Up

The moment you realize your bag isn't coming down the carousel, here are the steps you need to take:

1. Don’t leave the airport

If you’re within the U.S., you need to report your missing bag to American Airlines within 4 hours of arriving at your destination. 

If you’re flying internationally, you just need to file the report before leaving the airport.

The airline cannot compensate you for any expenses until they have a report on file!

2. File a report

American Airlines offers an online filing process, so you won’t necessarily need to go in person to their Baggage Service Office. (But this service is only available in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.)

To file online, use your phone to scan the QR code at the baggage claim carousel. You’ll need to enter your last name and AA confirmation code or bag tag number.

You always have the option to file in person at the Baggage Service Office, too. 

Pro tip: If you have an AirTag or other tracking device in your bag, you can share its location with American Airlines, which may help speed up the process!

3. Keep all documentation

After filing the report for your missing bag, you’ll receive a 13-character file ID. You’ll use the file ID to submit a claim and also to check the status of your bags on AA’s customer portal.

I recommend you hold onto a copy of the baggage report and write down or take a photo of your file ID. 

You should also keep track of other flight information, including your baggage claim check (that little slip), your boarding pass, ticket receipt, flight number, and any other identification numbers or details you may have from the flight. 

It’s not a bad thing to have too much information to give them!

4. Start saving receipts

This is a huge one because the airline can’t pay you back for unknown expenses! Save every original receipt for those essential items because you’ll need to submit them later for reimbursement.

I recommend you take photos of the receipts just in case something happens to the originals.

Filing Your Compensation Claim with American Airlines

You have 30 days from your flight to submit a claim for reimbursement for delayed bag expenses or damage. 

Here's what you need:

• The 13-character file ID
• Copy of your ticket receipt
• Baggage claim checks
• Original, dated, itemized receipts

On their website, American Airlines says to submit your claim online for fastest processing. 

You can also mail in your claim, but it will take longer.

What If American Airlines Denies Your Claim?

Denied claims happen, and if it happens to you, don’t take no for an answer! If your claim is denied, you can do two things:

1. Contact American Airlines Customer Care for reconsideration.
2. File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Most often, claims get denied because they’re submitted too late (beyond 30 days from the delay) or there were no receipts included with the claim. 

Tips for When Your Bags Get Delayed

Once you drop off a bag with an airline, it’s almost completely out of your control. 

For the most part, there isn’t much you can do to prevent it from getting lost or delayed, but there are some things you can do ahead of time to make your life easier.

Pack essentials in your carry-on

To be a proactive traveler, always pack these in your carry-on:

• One change of clothes
• Essential toiletries
• Valuable items and documents
• Any medication you need
• Phone and laptop chargers

Having these items handy will ease the inconvenience when your bag is delayed. It doesn’t fix the problem, but when a lot of your stuff is in limbo, it helps to have the basics with you.

Use tracking apps

American Airlines has a bag-tracking feature on their mobile app. Again, it won't prevent delays, but at least you'll know roughly where your stuff is.

You can also drop an AirTag into your checked bag to track it yourself. I do this every time I travel, so I know exactly where my bag is at all times!

Tap into travel insurance

Travel insurance policies and credit cards that include baggage delay coverage will offer additional compensation beyond what airlines provide. 

For example, maybe you have pricey items in your bag that add up to more than what the airline is agreeing to cover. In this case, your travel insurance or credit card would cover what the airline didn’t. 

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve®, for example, both offer up to $3,000 per passenger for lost luggage and up to $100 per day for up to 5 days when your baggage is delayed at least 6 hours.

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TL;DR: Your Rights When American Airlines Delays Your Bags

Always report your missing or damaged bag ASAP. You have a short window of time, and you’ll want to get reimbursed for anything you lost or were forced to buy. Keep those receipts, because you won’t get your money back without them as proof of your expenses.

Remember, airlines count on most people not knowing their rights or not bothering to file claims. Don't leave money on the table — now you know exactly what you're entitled to and how to get it!

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Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.