Aug 13, 2014, 3:03 pm
Last edit by: JDiver
Lost baggage /luggage delay, loss, damage - advice, compensation, etc. (consolidated)
This is the archive of older posts for this subject. For the current thread, please see:
Lost baggage /luggage delay, loss, damage - advice, compensation, etc. (2015-onward)
Lost baggage /luggage delay, loss, damage - advice, compensation, etc. (2015-onward)
Track your bags Link
September 18, 2015:
Hello, Addressee,
AAdvantage Platinum 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 Platinum 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
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.
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.
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:
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
- 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
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
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.
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.)
Q. What can I do to help prevent or resolve baggage loss?
Others suggest:
- 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.
- Don't use high end luggage; fancy, famous brands and fine finishes make your bag a target of thieves.
- Airline status tags mark your bag as belonging to a high value customer, but nobody's provided evidence that helps. Some have reported status tagged bags may be targeted for delays during industrial actions such as employee slowdowns or strikes.
Updated: 31 Dec 2015
ARCHIVE: Lost baggage /luggage delay, loss, damage - advice, etc. (pre-2018)
Oct 8, 2018 | 8:12 am
#946
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,253
Please confirm that AA operated the ATL-MIA segment. If some other carrier, substitute that carrier for AA.
Under the Montreal Convention, AA (presuming that it was the final delivering carrier for ATL-MIA) is liable for reasonable expenses up to a maximum of approx GBP 1,260. That is the sum AA would be liable for if the bag is lost. Loss is declared on the 21st day.
Your friend should simply keep the purchases reasonable and keep receipts. Easiest method is to photograph each item with its receipt.
If the bag is lost and never recovered, the amounts paid out for interim reimbursement are deducted from the 1,260.
Additionally, some travel insurance has tight notification deadlines. Make certain to file a notice of claim even if a claim is never filed.
Under the Montreal Convention, AA (presuming that it was the final delivering carrier for ATL-MIA) is liable for reasonable expenses up to a maximum of approx GBP 1,260. That is the sum AA would be liable for if the bag is lost. Loss is declared on the 21st day.
Your friend should simply keep the purchases reasonable and keep receipts. Easiest method is to photograph each item with its receipt.
If the bag is lost and never recovered, the amounts paid out for interim reimbursement are deducted from the 1,260.
Additionally, some travel insurance has tight notification deadlines. Make certain to file a notice of claim even if a claim is never filed.
Oct 25, 2018 | 7:55 pm
#947
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 36
Please confirm that AA operated the ATL-MIA segment. If some other carrier, substitute that carrier for AA.
Under the Montreal Convention, AA (presuming that it was the final delivering carrier for ATL-MIA) is liable for reasonable expenses up to a maximum of approx GBP 1,260. That is the sum AA would be liable for if the bag is lost. Loss is declared on the 21st day.
Your friend should simply keep the purchases reasonable and keep receipts. Easiest method is to photograph each item with its receipt.
If the bag is lost and never recovered, the amounts paid out for interim reimbursement are deducted from the 1,260.
Additionally, some travel insurance has tight notification deadlines. Make certain to file a notice of claim even if a claim is never filed.
Under the Montreal Convention, AA (presuming that it was the final delivering carrier for ATL-MIA) is liable for reasonable expenses up to a maximum of approx GBP 1,260. That is the sum AA would be liable for if the bag is lost. Loss is declared on the 21st day.
Your friend should simply keep the purchases reasonable and keep receipts. Easiest method is to photograph each item with its receipt.
If the bag is lost and never recovered, the amounts paid out for interim reimbursement are deducted from the 1,260.
Additionally, some travel insurance has tight notification deadlines. Make certain to file a notice of claim even if a claim is never filed.
Nov 14, 2018 | 1:23 pm
#948
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 130
I am currently traveling to Manaus Brazil. I was placed stand by on another flight to Miami in order to make the connection this evening. Unfortunately my luggage was loaded on original flight still sitting in ground due to maintenance issues. I am taking a charter into the amazon jungle tomorrow morning so have no chance of seeing my luggage this trip.
Couple questions, can I have AA send my single checked bag back to my address. There is no one to receive it in Brazil. I guess they could hold it at airport until my return flight a week later.
Am I entitled to buy a change of clothes and toiletries at AA Expense? Week in amazon jungle without extra clothes could be tough.
Couple questions, can I have AA send my single checked bag back to my address. There is no one to receive it in Brazil. I guess they could hold it at airport until my return flight a week later.
Am I entitled to buy a change of clothes and toiletries at AA Expense? Week in amazon jungle without extra clothes could be tough.
Last edited by jrb CO; Nov 14, 2018 at 1:34 pm
Nov 14, 2018 | 2:20 pm
#949
Moderator: Avis and Rental Cars
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 8,070
I would give them an address in Brazil where you will be and see if they can get it to you before you return. You can even change the address with them every day or two as you progress on your trip. If they can't get it to you, then they'll buy you reasonable clothes/toiletries/necessities.
Nov 14, 2018 | 2:34 pm
#950
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 130
I would give them an address in Brazil where you will be and see if they can get it to you before you return. You can even change the address with them every day or two as you progress on your trip. If they can't get it to you, then they'll buy you reasonable clothes/toiletries/necessities.
Nov 29, 2018 | 4:07 pm
#951
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Thousand Oaks, Ca., USA
Programs: AA Lifetime Plat; Bonvoy Titanium Lifetime Elite;Hyatt Globalist; HHonors Diamond; United Silver
Posts: 9,942
American is even worse than I thought at delivering luggage.
https://www.maxim.com/news/airlines-...e-bags-2018-11
https://www.maxim.com/news/airlines-...e-bags-2018-11
Dec 15, 2018 | 4:48 pm
#952
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 729
Yesterday, I flew AA AUS-JFK with two checked bags. I dropped both bags off at Priority AA counter, with both bags left on the belt in front of the check-in agent.
At JFK, only one bag made it. The baggage tag for the second bag says "never scanned". I obviously raised a report with AA and after 24 hours, they are still trying to locate the bag.
My question for FT:
- When would a bag first be scanned? Obviously it never left AUS, but I am curious where the error occurred.
- Anything I can do other than leave a message with AUS airport lost and found?
As always, thank you in advance for any recommendations.
At JFK, only one bag made it. The baggage tag for the second bag says "never scanned". I obviously raised a report with AA and after 24 hours, they are still trying to locate the bag.
My question for FT:
- When would a bag first be scanned? Obviously it never left AUS, but I am curious where the error occurred.
- Anything I can do other than leave a message with AUS airport lost and found?
As always, thank you in advance for any recommendations.
Dec 24, 2018 | 4:39 am
#953
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Programs: IAMAW Local 368/HAL 2 Star Mariner
Posts: 740
Yesterday, I flew AA AUS-JFK with two checked bags. I dropped both bags off at Priority AA counter, with both bags left on the belt in front of the check-in agent.
At JFK, only one bag made it. The baggage tag for the second bag says "never scanned". I obviously raised a report with AA and after 24 hours, they are still trying to locate the bag.
My question for FT:
- When would a bag first be scanned? Obviously it never left AUS, but I am curious where the error occurred.
- Anything I can do other than leave a message with AUS airport lost and found?
As always, thank you in advance for any recommendations.
At JFK, only one bag made it. The baggage tag for the second bag says "never scanned". I obviously raised a report with AA and after 24 hours, they are still trying to locate the bag.
My question for FT:
- When would a bag first be scanned? Obviously it never left AUS, but I am curious where the error occurred.
- Anything I can do other than leave a message with AUS airport lost and found?
As always, thank you in advance for any recommendations.
Bags that miss their flights are delivered to the expeditor(s) who handle IRROPS bags and send them on their way. Most likely, the bag is sent on the next AA flight.
Last edited by LPDAL; Dec 24, 2018 at 4:06 pm
Dec 24, 2018 | 5:45 am
#954
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2001
Programs: DL 1 million, AA 1 mil, HH lapsed Diamond, Marriott Plat
Posts: 28,190
Yes, now and then a carrier will mess up baggage handling on a simple, single-segment itinerary. If I had to guess (and if you confirmed the plane was full) I'd say the plane was at max weight (given weather conditions for the route, aircraft MTOW, etc.) and had to leave some bags behind.
Dec 24, 2018 | 9:19 am
#955
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 729
Many thanks for the responses. I was reunited with my second bag 36 hours later. The original bag tags were on it. I can understand a plane being overweight, I was just surprised that the bag managed to miss being scanned at the first point.
Dec 24, 2018 | 11:43 pm
#956
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: SNA
Posts: 18,597
My daughter's bag was last scanned at Heathrow on Dec 21, supposed to be on AA135 to LAX but it seems it was not.
I have been calling and checking for updates online but now when I put in the tag number it says there is an error.
Does the online tracking stop working after 3 days?
I have been calling and checking for updates online but now when I put in the tag number it says there is an error.
Does the online tracking stop working after 3 days?
Dec 25, 2018 | 9:01 am
#957
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Las Vegas since 11/2023
Programs: No status anywhere anymore, it was fun while it lasted
Posts: 4,648
I had a bag destroyed by AA about a month ago. It appears it was run over. It was a softside bag and there was minimal outside damage but the inside of the bag was basically destroyed.
At the airport they offered me a new bag from their "off the shelf" inventory, or to replace the bag I had. It was a standard item and I asked for a replacement. When I got home, they sent me a FedEx tag to have it send to a company, something like "Rhynn's Luggage."
About how long should it take for the replacement to arrive? I don't need the bag urgently but I want to know how long before I start calling and saying "Hey, where is it?"
As I said, it was kind of a standard item, it was a Travelpro Crew 7 folding garment bag, they're now on the Crew 11 series but the same model is available.
At the airport they offered me a new bag from their "off the shelf" inventory, or to replace the bag I had. It was a standard item and I asked for a replacement. When I got home, they sent me a FedEx tag to have it send to a company, something like "Rhynn's Luggage."
About how long should it take for the replacement to arrive? I don't need the bag urgently but I want to know how long before I start calling and saying "Hey, where is it?"
As I said, it was kind of a standard item, it was a Travelpro Crew 7 folding garment bag, they're now on the Crew 11 series but the same model is available.
Dec 25, 2018 | 12:49 pm
#958
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Programs: IAMAW Local 368/HAL 2 Star Mariner
Posts: 740
My daughter's bag was last scanned at Heathrow on Dec 21, supposed to be on AA135 to LAX but it seems it was not.
I have been calling and checking for updates online but now when I put in the tag number it says there is an error.
Does the online tracking stop working after 3 days?
I have been calling and checking for updates online but now when I put in the tag number it says there is an error.
Does the online tracking stop working after 3 days?
Sometimes the scanners have connectivity issues which can cause scans not to appear in the computer system, so I make sure to scan bags twice whenever possible.
Dec 25, 2018 | 1:39 pm
#959
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: SNA
Posts: 18,597
The tracking should work for a long period of time (even after the bag has been claimed), not just for three days.
Sometimes the scanners have connectivity issues which can cause scans not to appear in the computer system, so I make sure to scan bags twice whenever possible.
It is really putting a damper on Christmas. Teddy has been everywhere with her for many many years. Even been half eaten by a dog and hand repaired once.
Dec 26, 2018 | 6:46 pm
#960
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: California
Programs: AA EXP...couple hotels and cars too
Posts: 4,549
I had a bag destroyed by AA about a month ago. It appears it was run over. It was a softside bag and there was minimal outside damage but the inside of the bag was basically destroyed.
At the airport they offered me a new bag from their "off the shelf" inventory, or to replace the bag I had. It was a standard item and I asked for a replacement. When I got home, they sent me a FedEx tag to have it send to a company, something like "Rhynn's Luggage."
About how long should it take for the replacement to arrive? I don't need the bag urgently but I want to know how long before I start calling and saying "Hey, where is it?"
As I said, it was kind of a standard item, it was a Travelpro Crew 7 folding garment bag, they're now on the Crew 11 series but the same model is available.
At the airport they offered me a new bag from their "off the shelf" inventory, or to replace the bag I had. It was a standard item and I asked for a replacement. When I got home, they sent me a FedEx tag to have it send to a company, something like "Rhynn's Luggage."
About how long should it take for the replacement to arrive? I don't need the bag urgently but I want to know how long before I start calling and saying "Hey, where is it?"
As I said, it was kind of a standard item, it was a Travelpro Crew 7 folding garment bag, they're now on the Crew 11 series but the same model is available.
Id say "I'm going to replace it, where should I send the receipt for reimbursement?"
Always try to limit the power to screw you