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The airline lost your bags or broke your wheelchair: your rights

Reporting delayed, lost or damaged bags, interim expenses, claim deadlines, bag fee refunds, wheelchair protections and DOT complaints.

Quick answer

Report the problem at the airline’s baggage desk before leaving the airport and get a file number. Keep receipts for reasonable things you need while a bag is delayed. File written claims quickly; international deadlines can be 7 days for damage and 21 days for delay. Under recent U.S. rules, airlines must refund checked bag fees for significantly delayed bags. Damaged wheelchairs on U.S. domestic flights must be fully repaired or replaced. Complain to the DOT if needed.

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Your checklist

  • Report at the airport and get a file number
  • Keep receipts while delayed
  • File written claims fast
  • List contents with values and proof
  • Wheelchairs: full repair cost
  • Complain to the DOT if needed

Rather read it? Here’s the whole thing.

Report it right away

Go to the airline’s baggage desk before leaving the airport. Get a file number and a copy of the report.

Delayed bags

Airlines are expected to cover reasonable interim expenses, like toiletries and basic clothing. Ask about their policy and keep receipts. Under recent U.S. rules, airlines must refund checked bag fees when a bag is significantly delayed.

Lost or damaged bags

File a written claim listing contents, values and proof. There are limits on how much airlines must pay for lost or damaged bags, set by U.S. rules for domestic flights and an international treaty for most international flights.

Deadlines

File claims fast. For international flights, deadlines can be 7 days for damage and 21 days for delay.

Wheelchairs and mobility devices

On U.S. domestic flights, airlines must cover the full cost of repairing or replacing a damaged wheelchair or mobility device; the normal baggage limit doesn’t apply. Report damage immediately.

If you’re not treated fairly

File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Transportation. Check your credit card for travel or baggage coverage too.

Official sources, and where to look

To find your local office, search for:

  • [airline name] baggage claim form
  • DOT air travel complaint

Pick sites that end in .gov. Official forms are almost always free.

Common questions

When is a bag considered lost?

Often after several days to a few weeks of searching, depending on the airline. Ask your airline when your bag will be declared lost. More ›

Do airlines pay for expensive items in checked bags?

Many exclude valuables like jewelry, electronics and cash. Keep those in your carry-on. More ›

What should I do if the airline loses my luggage?

Report it at the baggage desk before leaving the airport, get a file number, keep receipts for necessities, and file a written claim quickly. More ›

Do airlines refund bag fees for delayed luggage?

Under recent U.S. Department of Transportation rules, airlines must refund checked bag fees when a bag is significantly delayed. More ›

How much will an airline pay for a lost bag?

Up to a set maximum per passenger, set by U.S. rules for domestic flights and an international treaty for most international flights. You’ll need to show values. More ›

What are my rights if an airline damages my wheelchair?

On U.S. domestic flights, the airline must pay the full cost to repair or replace it, plus you can ask for a loaner. Report damage immediately. More ›

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Not yet reviewed by an expert. Last checked 2026-10-29. This is general help, not legal, medical or professional advice. Rules are different in every state.