Delta Delayed Your Bags? Here’s What You’re Owed

Ever spent what feels like hours at baggage claim, wondering if your suitcase took a detour to Hawaii while you landed in Houston? As the crowd around the carousel thins out, that sinking feeling sets in.

The good news? If Delta Air Lines is responsible for the bag delay, you could be entitled to compensation.

I've combed through Delta's 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 Delta Loses or Delays Your Checked Bag

When Delta delays your bag, it’s their responsibility to track it down and cover some of your expenses while you wait. 

This isn’t just an airline policy — it’s a federal rule under the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations.

Domestic baggage rights

For flights within the U.S., Delta must comply with DOT regulations, which require airlines to compensate passengers for reasonable expenses incurred due to baggage delays. 

Airlines cannot set arbitrary limits on these reimbursements, meaning they can’t say they’ll only cover $50 per day, for example. Interestingly, Delta specifically mentions that $50 is “generally determined” to be sufficient, yet immediately notes that this isn’t a cap. 

Be prepared to politely ask for more, because they cannot legally set limits on the price of your necessities!

However, total reimbursement is capped at $4,700 per passenger under the DOT.

International baggage rights

For international flights, the Montreal Convention applies. This treaty ensures passengers are compensated for delayed, lost, or damaged baggage, but the maximum compensation is lower than the U.S. limit. 

Under the Montreal Convention, Delta is liable for up to $1,700 in damages.

There is no set daily allowance, and compensation is assessed by the airlines and based on reasonable expenses.

Delta Air Lines' bag delay policies

In addition to following DOT and international guidelines, Delta offers a 20-minute bag guarantee. 

If you wait for your bags longer than 20 minutes from the time your domestic flight arrives at the gate, Delta will give you a bonus of 2,500 Skymiles (as long as you’re already a member).

It isn’t automatic, though, so you have to submit a request for the bonus or go to the Delta Baggage Service Office.

If they “significantly” delay your bag, Delta will refund you the checked bag fee. “Significant” is defined as delayed 12 hours from flight arrival on domestic flights and 15-30 hours for international flights, depending on the length of the flight.

And if they can’t find your bag after the fifth day, you’ll start the process of declaring property loss. It’s the same claims form you fill out for reimbursements. 

What Expenses Will Delta Actually Cover When They Delay Your Bag?

Delta will reimburse you for “reasonable expenses” incurred while waiting for your delayed bag. This includes essential items like:

• Clothing
• Toiletries
• Medication
• Other basic, essential items

That said, don’t use this as an excuse to go on a shopping spree at your favorite designer store. If the expense isn’t justifiable, Delta may deny your claim.

A good rule of thumb? If you can’t defend why you needed the item, it’s probably not going to get reimbursed.

What to Do When Your Bag Doesn’t Show Up

The moment you realize your bag is missing, follow these steps:

1. Don’t leave the airport

Head straight to Delta’s Baggage Service Office to file a delayed bag report. You’ll need to do this in person before leaving the airport, as it doesn’t appear there’s a way to fill it out online. 

Delta can’t start tracking your bag or process any compensation until this report is filed, so head straight to their baggage office.

2. File a delayed baggage report

Delta will ask for details about your bag, including its color, brand, and any identifying features. They will also provide you with a file reference number, which you’ll need for tracking your bag and requesting reimbursement.

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

3. Keep all documentation

Hold onto your baggage claim ticket, boarding pass, and any receipts for purchases you make due to the baggage delay. These will be crucial when you file for reimbursement.

4. Start saving receipts

This is key. Delta won’t reimburse you without proof of your purchases, so make sure to save every receipt. If I were you, I’d take pictures of them, just to be safe. It’s critical to hang on to these receipts!

Filing Your Compensation Claim

Once your bag is returned (or if it’s declared lost after Day 5), you’ll need to submit a claim for reimbursement. 

Here’s what you need:

• Your baggage file reference number
• Original receipts for your purchases
• Your boarding pass and baggage claim ticket
• A list of the essential items you had to buy and the receipts

You can submit your claim online through Delta's website.

What If Delta Denies Your Claim?

If Delta denies your reimbursement request, don’t give up just yet. Here’s what to do:

• Contact Delta’s Customer Care or the website chat for reconsideration.
• If that doesn’t work, escalate your complaint to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Claims are often denied due to missing receipts or filing too late, so make sure you meet all deadlines and keep all documentation.

Tips for When Your Bags Get Delayed

While you can’t always prevent a baggage delay, you can take steps to minimize the hassle if it happens.

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

Delta has a mobile app you can use to track your checked bags. 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 more reliable and thorough compensation than airlines provide. More than likely, these policies come with higher spending limits. 

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 Delta Delays Your Bags

Report your missing bag immediately. You need to file a claim at the airport to be eligible for compensation. Next, start saving every receipt. Delta won’t reimburse you without proof of your expenses. 

Remember that you’re entitled to reimbursement for reasonable expenses, and Delta cannot impose a strict per-day spending limit.

Delta is counting on passengers not knowing their rights or not following up on claims. Now that you know exactly what you're entitled to, you’re equipped to get the compensation you deserve!

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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.