Nearly 2.3 million checked bags were lost or damaged during the first nine months of the year, according to the Office of Aviation Consumer Protection.
Lost, damaged or delayed luggage might be a hassle, but it might present an opportunity to go shopping on the airline’s dime.
According to the Department of Transportation regulations, airlines are required to reimburse customers for reasonable expenses.
If a bag is lost, passengers can claim up to $3,800, depending on the value of items in the bag.
If you’re traveling with a wheelchair or a walker, airlines are liable for the full cost of the assistive device if it is lost.
If your bag does not appear in the baggage claim, immediately file a claim ticket. The more information you can give the better.
Some rules of thumb:
- Always take a quick photo of the outside of your bag as well as what is inside before checking it
- Try and book a non-stop flight for simpler baggage checks
- Pay for your ticket and checked bag with a credit card for extra protection
- Use an AirTag or a similar tracking device to keep tabs on your bag
- Keep medications and other valuables in your carry-on