Jan 3, 2016, 9:48 am
Last edit by: Prospero
Note: Live AA baggage tracking became available 15 Sep 2015. Bags are scanned at several points, and using the app you can generally see where your bags are. Not all airports have this capability.
NOTE: On itineraries with more than one airline, the responsible airline for lost or delayed baggage is the final carrier; that carrier's procedures may differ from AA's. In any case, most do require if you arrive at your destination and your baggage has not arrived (or has been damaged), be sure to fill out a baggage claim form prior to leaving the airport
Wheels, "protuberances" etc. please see:
If from an international flight, Article 17 of the Montreal Convention applies; see below. The final operating carrier is responsible for locating and returning, or compensating the checking passenger if not delivered within 21 days.
The SDR on 28 Aug 2017 was valued at $1.42, so 1,131 SDR was approximately $1,603.00. Use this link to convert SDR to USD.
Link to aa.com Delayed Baggage; FAQ.
Link to aa.com LIABILITY LIMITATIONS regarding baggage - but see
USDOT reminder to airlines compensation is due for damaged wheels, straps, etc.
Link to aa.com DAMAGED BAGGAGE
Link to aa.com Delayed Baggage tracking form (need baggage claim file locator number to use)
American Airlines Conditions of Carriage (See BAGGAGE et seq., including Liability.)
Link to PDF about baggage damage and loss by Christopher Cotter, Attorney at Law.
[QUOTE]Q. I flew internationally. What rules governs baggage damage or loss?
Article 17 of the Montreal Convention:
"2. The carrier liable for damage sustained in case of destruction or loss of, or of damage to, checked baggage upon condition only that the event which caused the destruction, loss or damage took place on board the aircraft or during any period within which the checked baggage was in the charge of the carrier. However, the carrier is not liable if and to the extent that the damage resulted from the inherent defect, quality or vice of the baggage. In the case of unchecked baggage, including personal items, the carrier is liable if the damage resulted from its fault or that of its servants or agents.
3. If the carrier admits the loss of the checked baggage, or if the checked baggage has not arrived at the expiration of twenty-one days after the date on which it ought to have arrived, the passenger is entitled to enforce against the carrier the rights which flow from the contract of carriage.
4. Unless otherwise specified, in this Convention the term "baggage" means both checked baggage and unchecked baggage."
Q. What can I do to help prevent or resolve baggage loss?
Link to posts prior to 2019
Bags at hubs are “mega scanned” or scanned at every point of contact. The first point of scan would most likely be the sorter where the bag is sent to the corresponding belt where the flight is being loaded.
Bags that miss their flights are delivered to the expeditor(s) who handle IROPS bags and send them on their way. Most likely, the bag is sent on the next AA flight. We are able to send bags on various other airlines but sending them on our own metal is always preferable.
Bags that miss their flights are delivered to the expeditor(s) who handle IROPS bags and send them on their way. Most likely, the bag is sent on the next AA flight. We are able to send bags on various other airlines but sending them on our own metal is always preferable.
Track your bags Link
September 18, 2015:
Hello, Addressee,
AAdvantage <status tier> Number:
You can now follow your checked bags from check-in to carousel with your smartphone, laptop or tablet. See real-time information about your bag's status, including when your bag is checked in, on a plane or at baggage claim. All you need is your bag tag number or your record locator.
And, if your flight has Wi-Fi onboard, you can track your bags in the air for free.
Here's how to get started:
Keep track of your bags from check-in to touchdown using your record locator or bag tag number.
Hello, Addressee,
AAdvantage <status tier> Number:
You can now follow your checked bags from check-in to carousel with your smartphone, laptop or tablet. See real-time information about your bag's status, including when your bag is checked in, on a plane or at baggage claim. All you need is your bag tag number or your record locator.
And, if your flight has Wi-Fi onboard, you can track your bags in the air for free.
Here's how to get started:
- Go to aa.com/baggage
- Click "Track your bags"
- Enter your last name and bag tag # or record locator
Keep track of your bags from check-in to touchdown using your record locator or bag tag number.
What if I need clothing or toiletries because my baggage is missing?
Link
Reimbursement
We will reimburse you for items you need immediately while away from home without your bags. Within 45 days of your delay, please send us:
Your 13-character file reference number
A copy of your ticket receipt and baggage claim checks
Your original, dated, itemized receipts
Send verification items to:
American Airlines Central Baggage
4000 East Sky Harbor Boulevard
Phoenix, AZ 85034
Fax: 480-693-2305
Link
Reimbursement
We will reimburse you for items you need immediately while away from home without your bags. Within 45 days of your delay, please send us:
Your 13-character file reference number
A copy of your ticket receipt and baggage claim checks
Your original, dated, itemized receipts
Send verification items to:
American Airlines Central Baggage
4000 East Sky Harbor Boulevard
Phoenix, AZ 85034
Fax: 480-693-2305
American Airlines: Delayed Baggage: Baggage delayed less than 5 days
Phone: +1-800-535-5225
24 hours, 7 days a week
Baggage delayed longer than 5 days
See www.aa.com/bagstatus for further information.[/color][color="Navy"]
Phone: +1-800-535-5225
24 hours, 7 days a week
Baggage delayed longer than 5 days
See www.aa.com/bagstatus for further information.[/color][color="Navy"]
American Airlines: Delayed or missing baggage:
We do our best to ensure that your checked bag travels on the same flight with you. If your bag does not arrive on your flight, our goal is to return your bag to you within 24 hours. The measures may take longer for international itineraries due to flight frequency or Customs and Immigration procedures.
Note: These procedures apply when American Airlines or American Eagle are taking you to your final destination.
If you are unable to locate your checked bag:
Notify an American Airlines/American Eagle baggage service agent prior to leaving the airport (If you purchased the American Airlines baggage delivery service provided through BAGS VIP Luggage Delivery in advance of travel, notification must be made within 12 hours of the arrival of the flight on which you traveled.)
If your bag isn't located in five (5) days:
If you’re unable to submit online, you can send your claim and verification items by mail or fax.
American Airlines Central Baggage
4000 East Sky Harbor Boulevard
Phoenix, AZ 85034
Fax: 480-693-2305
Link
We do our best to ensure that your checked bag travels on the same flight with you. If your bag does not arrive on your flight, our goal is to return your bag to you within 24 hours. The measures may take longer for international itineraries due to flight frequency or Customs and Immigration procedures.
Note: These procedures apply when American Airlines or American Eagle are taking you to your final destination.
If you are unable to locate your checked bag:
Notify an American Airlines/American Eagle baggage service agent prior to leaving the airport (If you purchased the American Airlines baggage delivery service provided through BAGS VIP Luggage Delivery in advance of travel, notification must be made within 12 hours of the arrival of the flight on which you traveled.)
- You will be given a confidential file locator ID and a brochure explaining the recovery process
- Our Baggage Service desk will contact you periodically to keep you informed of our progress in locating your bag (aspirational statement)
- Refer to your confidential six-letter file locator (not your PNR) in all conversation and correspondence regarding your delayed bag
- Use your last name and confidential six-letter baggage file locator (not your PNR)to check the status of your bag.Check Baggage Status
If your bag isn't located in five (5) days:
- Central Baggage Service will take over the tracing effort
- Fill out and return a Property Questionnaire within 30 days from the date you traveled
- Available on the 6th day at www.aa.com/bagstatus.
- Mailed to your permanent address within 10 days of your travel date.
- Complete the questionnaire in its entirety including specific details such as colors, sizes, brand names and logos as well as information such as book titles, medication, electronics, gifts, souvenirs and food items
- Retain a copy for your records
If you’re unable to submit online, you can send your claim and verification items by mail or fax.
American Airlines Central Baggage
4000 East Sky Harbor Boulevard
Phoenix, AZ 85034
Fax: 480-693-2305
Link
Damaged baggage:
Prompt notification of a damaged bag helps us get your property to you promptly therefore all American Airlines and American Eagle airport locations are equipped to handle the initial report, evaluation and settlement of damage claims. If your bag is damaged, please notify us:
Please notify us as soon as possible. Failure to report damage to baggage within the prescribed time limit releases American Airlines and American Eagle from any liability.
Prompt notification of a damaged bag helps us get your property to you promptly therefore all American Airlines and American Eagle airport locations are equipped to handle the initial report, evaluation and settlement of damage claims. If your bag is damaged, please notify us:
- In person before leaving the airport
- At the latest, within 24 hours after you receive your bag for domestic itineraries
- Within 7 days for international itineraries
Please notify us as soon as possible. Failure to report damage to baggage within the prescribed time limit releases American Airlines and American Eagle from any liability.
Notice regarding damage to wheels, handles, and other components of checked baggage
Baggage_Guidance_rev_11242015.pdf (link)
About this Document
In September 2015, the Office of Aviation Enforcement and Proceedings (Enforcement Office) conducted extensive inspections of U.S. and foreign air carriers’ operations at 16 U.S. airports. The Enforcement Office found, among other things, that carriers routinely exclude from liability damage to specific parts of checked baggage, such as wheels, straps, zippers, handles, and protruding parts. Carriers often post signs indicating that they categorically refuse to compensate passengers for such items. In some instances, carrier agents also discouraged or refused to accept reports of such damage.
Baggage_Guidance_rev_11242015.pdf (link)
About this Document
In September 2015, the Office of Aviation Enforcement and Proceedings (Enforcement Office) conducted extensive inspections of U.S. and foreign air carriers’ operations at 16 U.S. airports. The Enforcement Office found, among other things, that carriers routinely exclude from liability damage to specific parts of checked baggage, such as wheels, straps, zippers, handles, and protruding parts. Carriers often post signs indicating that they categorically refuse to compensate passengers for such items. In some instances, carrier agents also discouraged or refused to accept reports of such damage.
"The Montreal Convention changes and generally increases the maximum liability of airlines for lost baggage to a fixed amount 1,131 SDR per passenger (the amount in the Warsaw Convention is based on weight of the baggage). It requires airlines to fully compensate travellers the cost of replacement items purchased until the baggage is delivered, to a maximum of 1,131 SDR (XDR currency code, ~$1,652 May 2017). At 21 days any delayed baggage is considered lost, even if the airline delivers it after that period."
Link to aa.com Delayed Baggage; FAQ.
Link to aa.com LIABILITY LIMITATIONS regarding baggage - but see
USDOT reminder to airlines compensation is due for damaged wheels, straps, etc.
Link to aa.com DAMAGED BAGGAGE
Link to aa.com Delayed Baggage tracking form (need baggage claim file locator number to use)
American Airlines Conditions of Carriage (See BAGGAGE et seq., including Liability.)
Link to PDF about baggage damage and loss by Christopher Cotter, Attorney at Law.
[QUOTE]Q. I flew internationally. What rules governs baggage damage or loss?
Article 17 of the Montreal Convention:
"2. The carrier liable for damage sustained in case of destruction or loss of, or of damage to, checked baggage upon condition only that the event which caused the destruction, loss or damage took place on board the aircraft or during any period within which the checked baggage was in the charge of the carrier. However, the carrier is not liable if and to the extent that the damage resulted from the inherent defect, quality or vice of the baggage. In the case of unchecked baggage, including personal items, the carrier is liable if the damage resulted from its fault or that of its servants or agents.
3. If the carrier admits the loss of the checked baggage, or if the checked baggage has not arrived at the expiration of twenty-one days after the date on which it ought to have arrived, the passenger is entitled to enforce against the carrier the rights which flow from the contract of carriage.
4. Unless otherwise specified, in this Convention the term "baggage" means both checked baggage and unchecked baggage."
Q. What can I do to help prevent or resolve baggage loss?
- Don't place valuables in your checked baggage; such loss is generally not covered by airline policy. Some airports have higher pilferage and theft rates.
- Have two baggage tags, affixed at different points on each bag; handles do get torn off
- Use a baggage belt: some have TSA-approved locks, and a belt may keep your bag from spilling contents if it becomes damaged. A bright color helps distinguish your bag from similar ones.
- Add a pom, ribbon or other device enabling you - and others - to distinguish your bag from similar / identical bags.
- Have identifying information and an itinerary inside your case where it will be seen if the bag is opened (which will occur if external tags are lost).
- Some use an itinerary tag such as this Magellan's retriever tags.
- Have a photo or two of your bags on your smartphone to show the baggage clerk exactly what your bag looks like.
Link to posts prior to 2019
Lost baggage /luggage delay, loss, damage - advice, compensation, etc. master thread
Aug 22, 2020, 1:04 pm
#151
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: San Antonio
Programs: DL DM, Former AA EXP now AY Plat, AC 75K, NW Plat, Former CO Gold, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 27,043
I agree to a point, esp re new vs old, but it is not reasonable to assume that everyone keeps a receipt forever for every item purchased. And not everyone uses a credit card or check to pay. What about cash payments? When AA lost our bag last year (never to be found), they asked for description, estimated cost, and receipts for replacements. CSR travel insurance covered the few hundred bucks over the international cap of around $1500 that AA is responsible for.
Aug 22, 2020, 2:53 pm
#152
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 44,600
I agree to a point, esp re new vs old, but it is not reasonable to assume that everyone keeps a receipt forever for every item purchased. And not everyone uses a credit card or check to pay. What about cash payments? When AA lost our bag last year (never to be found), they asked for description, estimated cost, and receipts for replacements. CSR travel insurance covered the few hundred bucks over the international cap of around $1500 that AA is responsible for.
If the airline is refusing to pay anything without a receipt, then I agree that that is wrong - under the Montreal Convention it is liable - if unable to prove the age of the case, then expecting full reimbursement is not reasonable, but it should still be paying an amount
Qatar , was more diligent, it had bad checked, found it couldn't be repaired and simply sent it back to manufacturer which replaced it
Dec 14, 2020, 2:50 pm
#153
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: PHX
Programs: HHonors, UA, AA, CET
Posts: 113
Had my Bose speak taken from my bag on a flight last week, just heard back from Central Baggage Resolutions that said there's nothing they can do for me since electronics are not covered. It'll only cost me $200 to replace, but the fact that they simple say "sorry about your luck" is annoying. Is there a recommendation on who I could contact next or am I just SOL
After 10 years of flying it's the first time I have had any type of issue with any flight, so I guess I've been pretty lucky
After 10 years of flying it's the first time I have had any type of issue with any flight, so I guess I've been pretty lucky
Dec 29, 2020, 6:46 am
#154
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Philadelphia
Posts: 2,508
International bag delays from AA?
Fiance's bag has been stuck in MIA since Xmas after flying PHL-MIA-CUN. After a bunch of calls, the common refrain is them saying that there are issues out of MIA getting bags out internationally due to weight restrictions over the holidays. I could normally understand that, but the planes on MIA-CUN are all A321s/738s. Are there really weight restrictions on a 500 mile flight with those aircraft when the aircraft normally do flights thousands of miles longer, including into many other South American airports that would also have plenty of baggage this time of year? They say they know the bag is in MIA, but it seems weird that 18 flights have been completely full since our original flight here (ExpertFlyer shows the evening flight the past 2 days to have 50+ seats open a couple hours before departure) AND there hasn't been a single scan on the bag tracking website since 12/25.
Is this bag likely stuck in MIA for what they say, or is there a chance that they lost it and are just giving a common excuse for MIA bag delays to LatAm?
EDIT: Apologies for the title, realized it's a bit too vague about 3 seconds after posting this.
Is this bag likely stuck in MIA for what they say, or is there a chance that they lost it and are just giving a common excuse for MIA bag delays to LatAm?
EDIT: Apologies for the title, realized it's a bit too vague about 3 seconds after posting this.
Dec 29, 2020, 8:09 am
#155
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,262
It really does not matter as AA is on the hook to reimburse your fiance for her reasonable out-of-pocket expenses (up to a maximum of roughly $1,650). At 20 days, AA is on the hook for the fair market value of the bag and contents (less any interim reimbrusements).
Thus, it is in AA's interest to reunite the bag with your fiance sooner rather than later and not lie about it.
In the meantime, your fiance should keep receipts for her purchases and, as a quick tip: snap a photo of the purchases with the receipt and submit that too when she gets back,
Thus, it is in AA's interest to reunite the bag with your fiance sooner rather than later and not lie about it.
In the meantime, your fiance should keep receipts for her purchases and, as a quick tip: snap a photo of the purchases with the receipt and submit that too when she gets back,
Feb 21, 2021, 10:54 pm
#156
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: DFW
Posts: 522
Broken bottle of alcohol
Has anyone ever dealt with damaged item claims for alcohol bottles? I had two bottles of alcohol packed in a thick cardboard box with plenty of bubble wrap. The box was labeled with FRAGILE in many places. Unfortunately one of the bottles broke and leaked everywhere.
What are my chances at getting reimbursed for this $55 bottle of tequila?
What are my chances at getting reimbursed for this $55 bottle of tequila?
Feb 21, 2021, 11:36 pm
#157
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: HH Diamond, Marriott Gold, IHG Gold, Hyatt something
Posts: 33,539
Has anyone ever dealt with damaged item claims for alcohol bottles? I had two bottles of alcohol packed in a thick cardboard box with plenty of bubble wrap. The box was labeled with FRAGILE in many places. Unfortunately one of the bottles broke and leaked everywhere.
What are my chances at getting reimbursed for this $55 bottle of tequila?
What are my chances at getting reimbursed for this $55 bottle of tequila?
I’ve sent many glass bottles over the years, and never had a single one broken. I always pack in sturdy luggage, though.
Feb 21, 2021, 11:50 pm
#158
Join Date: Jun 2018
Posts: 153
As somebody, who has been to the Bag Room (where the bags are loaded into the ULDs or onto the carts) - a FRAGILE-sticker rarely makes a difference!
Like the Priority-tag, it's just "show" for the pax, to make him feel good about it.
(In case of the Prio-tag - if the barcode doesn't scan "Priority", it's loaded with the rest of the bags. Therefore keeping old Priority-tags on your bags, is just a subtle way to label yourself as a pretentious prick, without any real use!)
Like the Priority-tag, it's just "show" for the pax, to make him feel good about it.
(In case of the Prio-tag - if the barcode doesn't scan "Priority", it's loaded with the rest of the bags. Therefore keeping old Priority-tags on your bags, is just a subtle way to label yourself as a pretentious prick, without any real use!)
Feb 22, 2021, 6:11 am
#159
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: RDU
Posts: 2,264
May as well file a claim. I don't see alcohol or glass bottles excluded, although they do exclude 'liquids'.
https://www.aa.com/i18n/customer-ser...omesticflights
https://www.aa.com/i18n/customer-ser...omesticflights
What we don't cover
We don't cover loss or damage to:*- Antiques or artifacts
- Artwork
- Books or documents
- Business equipment or samples, or marketing material
- China or silverware
- Computers, software or other electronics
- Fragile items
- Furs
- Heirlooms
- Jewelry
- Keys
- Liquids
- Medication (over-the-counter)
- Money
- Orthotics or surgical supports
- Perishable items
- Photographic, video or optical equipment
- Precious metals or stones
- Securities or negotiable papers
- Time pieces
- Unique, irreplaceable or similar valuable items
Feb 22, 2021, 6:18 am
#160
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: KHOU/KIAH
Programs: AA EXP | Marriott Bonvoy Titanium| Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 11,252
May as well file a claim. I don't see alcohol or glass bottles excluded, although they do exclude 'liquids'.
https://www.aa.com/i18n/customer-ser...omesticflights
https://www.aa.com/i18n/customer-ser...omesticflights
What we don't cover
We don't cover loss or damage to:*- Antiques or artifacts
- Artwork
- Books or documents
- Business equipment or samples, or marketing material
- China or silverware
- Computers, software or other electronics
- Fragile items
- Furs
- Heirlooms
- Jewelry
- Keys
- Liquids
- Medication (over-the-counter)
- Money
- Orthotics or surgical supports
- Perishable items
- Photographic, video or optical equipment
- Precious metals or stones
- Securities or negotiable papers
- Time pieces
- Unique, irreplaceable or similar valuable items
Feb 22, 2021, 6:38 am
#162
Join Date: Jun 2008
Programs: TK*G (E+), IHG Plat Ambassador
Posts: 7,884
May as well file a claim. I don't see alcohol or glass bottles excluded, although they do exclude 'liquids'.
https://www.aa.com/i18n/customer-ser...omesticflights
https://www.aa.com/i18n/customer-ser...omesticflights
What we don't cover
We don't cover loss or damage to:*- Fragile items
Feb 22, 2021, 7:05 am
#163
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Roswell, GA
Programs: AA EXP 2.8m,Lifetime PLT, Hilton Diamond, IHG PlLT, SPG Gold
Posts: 3,193
like everyone has say already.... zero point zero...
for something like that I would not have even bothered to seek anything... I would blame myself for thinking any airline would safely transport that.
for something like that I would not have even bothered to seek anything... I would blame myself for thinking any airline would safely transport that.
Feb 22, 2021, 7:19 am
#164
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: CLT
Programs: AA Executive Platinum, Hilton Diamond, Lifetime Admirals Club member
Posts: 419
$100 of alcohol is worth 10K of miles (If you equate a 25K trip to $250). I think you have a better shot of getting some miles then cash. Although both are admittedly slim.
Feb 22, 2021, 7:48 am
#165
Join Date: Jun 2018
Posts: 153
I remember track & field-class, back in school when I was about 18 years of age. Brought a Danzka-bottle, peeled of the labels and told the teacher that it was a thermos bottle, containing hot tea. Me & my friends had a real GOOD time!
