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Lost baggage /luggage delay, loss, damage - advice, compensation, etc. master thread

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Old Jan 3, 2016, 9:48 am
FlyerTalk Forums Expert How-Tos and Guides
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.

Originally Posted by LPDAL
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.
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:
  • 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.
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

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
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"]
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.)
  • 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:
  • 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.
Wheels, "protuberances" etc. please see:

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.
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 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."
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?
  • 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

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Lost baggage /luggage delay, loss, damage - advice, compensation, etc. master thread

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Old Oct 28, 2022, 10:55 am
  #256  
 
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 36
Hi all, sorry to be back again with the same topic, but…

American Airlines have found my bag. I received a message telling me that they’re delivering it this afternoon. My boyfriend has taken delivery, and apparently it smells.

I’ve been emailing over and over asking for my compensation, and pointing out that my bag was deemed as lost 5 weeks ago – they’ve just ignored my messages.

It was rainy season in Costa Rica while I was there. My stuff was all slightly damp when I packed. It’s been over 8 weeks. It will stink, and I’m dreading unpacking.

What am I entitled to at this stage, and what’s the best course of action? My complaints were not responded to.
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Old Oct 28, 2022, 8:31 pm
  #257  
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Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 44,600
A couple of weeks ago it was suggested to go down the MCOL route. Have you done that?
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Old Oct 29, 2022, 3:11 pm
  #258  
 
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 36
I filed a complaint with DOT instead, as I didn't want to throw more money away applying through MCOL...
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Old Oct 30, 2022, 1:55 pm
  #259  
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Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 44,600
How would it have been thowing money away? there seems no doubt that you would have won and the small cost of lodging the claim would have been added to the claimed amount

Given the lack of useful response from AA, it seems the logical way to go
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Old Nov 10, 2022, 2:40 pm
  #260  
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: DFW
Posts: 1,145
Curious to know what others have done. I flew from DEN to DFW (seems pretty straight forward) and am missing a bag (was missing two). Actually was in the AA lounge in DEN and got called up to the front, told my regular flight was delayed and I could get on the one leaving in an hour with same seats. Sure, sounds good. How about my bags? Gave them bag tags and descriptions. Fast forward to landing...i had a AirTag in one (forgot to add it to the other) and could tell as we were taxing it wasn't coming with me. DFW is home, so wasn't worried that much. Worst case, get bags tomorrow. Even the app showed as we were flying that my bags never got loaded. Landed and went straight to the claim office to file a claim. Guy scoffed at the employee in DEN saying they didn't put in the right request for the flight change so the bags just went back to the baggage office. He put in a request, said hopefully get them on the next flight and they will be here tonight or tomorrow. Head home...few hours later, phone call from DEN AA baggage "are you in DEN or DFW"...huh? Ok...I'm in DFW, yes, please send my bags. Next day, check the app, airtag still in DEN. About 1pm or so I happen to check and show it's moving. Cool, maybe tonight, again, I'm home, so not urgent, just annoying. Later that afternoon I check the app and notice that it's moving around Dallas, alright, probably on a truck or car out for delivery. About 5:30pm, it stops moving...and stays in the same area and has stayed there for the last 48 hours which is a random neighborhood. After 12 hours of staying in the same area, I started tweeting AA with pics asking what's going on. That has been useless as they just say "we are passing the messages on". Wednesday afternoon comes around and we randomly get one bag delivered with no notice. That's good, but now I'm more worried about the to other one b/c that has way more stuff in it that is not exactly cheap (think two pairs of ecco dress shoes, waterproof hiking shoes for the mountains, winter clothes, suit jackets as I was at a conference during the week). I've had several phone calls with AA baggage and at this point, I have very little confidence that I will get my bag back. Even though they know where it is at by the tracking (assuming bag and tracking are still together), they can't go there. They state they can only ask the delivery person as well ask DEN if they have it. I'm not going knocking on doors asking for my bag, so as we approach 72 hours, I am starting to look at the claim form. On it, it says anything over $100 needs a receipt. Um...there is no way I'm going to have receipts for some of this stuff. I know what they were, but I have no idea when or where I bought my dress shoes from 3-4 years ago, but I do know they cost over $100.

1) My understanding is their limit is $3800 correct? Just want to make sure I'm reading it right...I don't think I'm in that category for loss, but some items add up quick....3 suit jackets, pants, 3 pairs of shoes, jeans, weatherproof pullovers, couple north face cold weather coats, under armour golf shirts, etc (and yes, I overpack)...I'm not in Armani, but the jackets are probably $400-$500 each before getting them tailored
2) This is my home airport...but it's still a lost bag (if we get to 5 days). I get I'm not really going to get compensated for delayed luggage, but just b/c it's my home doesn't mean they are not liable for the lost bag, right?
3) Filling out the form...what has been people's experience with requested info? I'm lucky if I can find 5% of the receipts, and that would be a stretch. I know the brand and type, but I could not produce a receipt for it. Example is the Ecco shoe that I wear are $160 to buy now...but I can't show that is what I paid when I bought them.

I know some will try and make money off the deal...I just want these items replaced without coming out of my own pocket b/c AA lost the bag and has done a poor job finding it. Don't want to have to fight tooth and nail to get my original stuff back. Unfortunately, used corporate card since it was mainly a work trip, so they don't have much coverage like a CSR or a Citi AA would have to cover.
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Old Dec 26, 2022, 7:09 pm
  #261  
Etp
 
Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 98
Which airline to claim lost luggage claim with?

My family and I were on a flight from Istanbul to Raleigh/Durham originally booked as IST-FRA on TK, and then FRA-ORD and ORD-RDU on UA. After arriving at FRA, we learned that the FRA-ORD flight was delayed, and we were rebooked on FRA-MCO-CLT flight with FRA-MCO operated by Eurowings Discover and MCO-CLT by American Airlines. All flights were on the same ticket. Normally, we had to collect and recheck our baggage at MCO (after getting off the Eurowings Discover plane), but none of our five baggage arrived. Do I need to file lost baggage claims with Eurowings Discover or with American Airlines in this case?

I know that IATA rules says that the airline that operates the last segment must deal with lost/delayed luggage claims (which in this case will be American Airlines). But given that baggage must be collected and rechecked upon arrival at US port of entries, it was apparent at MCO that our baggage were lost, and therefore it could be reported right there to Eurowings Discover baggage service. Or should I wait until after flying the next segment with American Airlines, and then to report the lost luggage to AA even though I did not recheck the baggage with AA?

I hope someone with knowledge/experience can help me here. Thanks!

Last edited by Etp; Dec 26, 2022 at 8:29 pm
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Old Dec 26, 2022, 8:03 pm
  #262  
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Join Date: Jul 2010
Programs: AA
Posts: 14,738
If you didn’t immediately file it with Eurowings at MCO, go ahead and report to AA. The IATA rules are intended so you don’t have to play a game or find and seek to figure out who to file the claim with.
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Old Dec 28, 2022, 10:06 am
  #263  
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 72
Weird one for everyone. Appreciate any insight or help

Currently on an LAX-DPS flight. Three bags were checked with AA and marked to their final destination (DPS)

Three legs :
LAX to JFK on AA metal
JFK to DOH on QR metal
DOH to DPS on QR metal

As of now in the AA app, all three bags are in different locations. One at JFK, one in CLT and one at LAX.

We are lucky and have airtags in the bags. Airtag shows at least one of the bags is curently in CLT.

Alerted AA staff to it before take off. They told us we were wrong and had incorrect info. After asking them to TRIPLE check (after telling us our bags were all together) - they finally confirmed that at least one of our bags was in CLT

BUTTTT they told us it's more or less a Qatar problem now and they'll be the ones to have figure out how to get our bags from CLT to DPS.

We are trying to be proactive about it now as the items in the bag are time sensitive. - we are on a diving trip and need the items in order to dfive. Phone calls and chat request in the AA app lead to nowhere .

Any pro-tips or advice.? We are hoping AA can start the process ASAP and get the bag to JFK so it can be delivered to QR for eventual delivery in Bali (they have anlthwr flight today!) but it seems AA is suggesting we can not do anything and it needs to be Qatar Airways themselves to make the request.

If/when we make a delayed baggage claim as we need to purchase new items, who do we file that with? AA? They are the ones who sent at least one of our bags to the wrong airport from LAX, but it seems like they are telling us Qatar is ultimately responsible. Which makes no sense.to me as QR never touched the bag.

Fwiw, flight was booked and paid for on AA website.

Thanks !

Edit : QR says we have to have AA deal with it as they have yet to recieve the bag. AA says we have to have QR deal with it as they are the final carrier

Our pilot / captain on our QR flight is getting involved and has notified ground staff to try and help us from the air.

Last edited by sky_throwaway; Dec 28, 2022 at 2:31 pm
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Old Jan 2, 2023, 1:10 am
  #264  
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: HEL/ARN/JFK/ORD/SFO
Programs: BAEC Gold
Posts: 85
Hello all,

I’m looking for some advice as have never before had to deal with AA lost baggage. My bag was originally lost most likely in London on outbound flight from HEL to LAX. Due to delayed flight HEL-LHR, missed my connection and was rebooked to BA from LHR to SFO and to AA from SFO to LAX. All this was on December 9ht, that’s now more than 21 days ago. Over the weeks my baggage has been found at various locations, incl. LAX and JFK and at some point was informed that it was onboard a flight from DFW to LHR! I’ve been shared with four different tracking codes but none of these seem to work. The original case number I received at LAX after reporting missing baggage now only shows case closed.

If I understand correctly, my baggage should now be considered as a total loss, and I have a case to demand full compensation for lost baggage. So my questions are: at what point does AA agree with this or are they trying to delay their final decision till my bag eventually is found? What if it’s found after 21 days but before compensation is paid? Or what if the baggage is found after the compensation has been paid?
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