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Passenger rights

The airline lost my checked bag. What can I recover?

When an airline determines that your bag is lost, DOT says it must compensate eligible contents subject to depreciation and applicable liability limits, and refund the bag transportation fee. Keep a detailed inventory and evidence of value. Report the missing bag promptly instead of waiting for a loss decision.

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What to do now

  1. Keep the report, bag tag and tracing communications.
  2. List the contents with age, value and available receipts.
  3. Request the airline's loss determination, contents claim and checked-bag fee refund.

What can change your rights

DOT does not impose one universal US domestic day at which every bag is declared lost. Carrier policies vary. Montreal-covered international carriage has a specific 21-day threshold or an earlier admission of loss. The normal $4,700 domestic ceiling and 1,519 SDR international ceiling are not automatic payouts; different treatment can apply to assistive devices.

Evidence to keep

  • Your booking and boarding passes; keep these in your own records.
  • Bag tags, a mishandled baggage report and dated photographs.
  • Itemized receipts, airline messages and proof that your written claim was sent.

Common questions

Does every US domestic bag become lost after 21 days?

Do not treat the Montreal threshold as a universal US domestic rule. Check the airline's policy and the itinerary's legal regime.

Can the airline request proof of valuable contents?

Yes. Keep receipts or other evidence of ownership and value; compensation can consider depreciation.

Written baggage claim template

Use the actual facts and send through the airline's official claims channel. Meet the applicable deadline even if you have not finished a diagnostic.

Subject: Baggage claim — flight [number], [date]

On flight [number], from [origin] to [destination], my checked bag with tag [reference] was [damaged / delayed / lost]. I filed a report on [date], reference [claim number]. The bag was returned on [date, if applicable].

I request [repair / replacement / assessment of documented losses or expenses]. I attach photos, evidence of value and relevant itemized receipts totaling [amount and currency]. Please acknowledge this written claim and provide the next steps in writing.

[Name and contact details for the airline's response]

Official sources

This answer explains general rules. Your route, travel date and facts determine which rules apply. AeroDue's checker only confirms a supported conclusion when the facts and verified legal coverage are sufficient. AeroDue does not receive or file your airline claim and does not guarantee payment.

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Use AeroDue to organize possible rights and check your case without an account or an email requirement for the diagnostic. You can file directly with the airline. If an appropriate external provider is available, the checker shows that option separately from the assessment.

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