# The airline lost your bags or broke your wheelchair: your rights > 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. - URL: https://explained.page/airline-lost-bags - Language: en - Last checked: 2026-10-29 - Watch the 1-minute animated guide: https://explained.page/watch?start=airline-lost-bags ## Step by step 1. **Your bag didn’t show up, or came back broken?** Airlines have rules they must follow. Report it before you leave the airport if you can. 2. **File a report at the airline’s baggage desk.** Get a file number and a copy. Describe the bag and contents, and give a delivery address. 3. **Delayed? Keep receipts for what you need.** Airlines are expected to cover reasonable costs while your bag is delayed, like toiletries and clothes. Ask about their policy and keep receipts. 4. **Watch the claim deadlines.** File a written claim quickly. For international flights, deadlines can be as short as 7 days for damage and 21 days for delayed bags. 5. **Lost or damaged? List everything.** Include values and proof. Under recent U.S. rules, airlines must refund checked bag fees when a bag is significantly delayed. There are limits on how much airlines owe for lost bags. 6. **Wheelchairs and mobility devices are different.** On U.S. domestic flights, airlines must pay the full cost to repair or replace a damaged wheelchair, not the normal baggage limit. Report damage right away. 7. **No fair answer? Complain to the DOT.** The U.S. Department of Transportation takes complaints about airlines. Your credit card may also have travel or baggage coverage. ## 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 ## 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. ## 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. Source page: https://explained.page/airline-lost-bags/questions/when-is-a-bag-considered-lost ### Do airlines pay for expensive items in checked bags? Many exclude valuables like jewelry, electronics and cash. Keep those in your carry-on. Source page: https://explained.page/airline-lost-bags/questions/do-airlines-pay-for-expensive-items-in-checked-bags ### 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. Source page: https://explained.page/airline-lost-bags/questions/what-should-i-do-if-the-airline-loses-my-luggage ### 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. Source page: https://explained.page/airline-lost-bags/questions/do-airlines-refund-bag-fees-for-delayed-luggage ### 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. Source page: https://explained.page/airline-lost-bags/questions/how-much-will-an-airline-pay-for-a-lost-bag ### 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. Source page: https://explained.page/airline-lost-bags/questions/what-are-my-rights-if-an-airline-damages-my-wheelchair ### How long do I have to file a baggage claim? It depends on the airline and route. For many international flights, 7 days for damage and 21 days for delay. File as soon as you can. Source page: https://explained.page/airline-lost-bags/questions/how-long-do-i-have-to-file-a-baggage-claim ### Where do I complain about an airline? First to the airline in writing, then to the U.S. Department of Transportation if you’re not satisfied. Source page: https://explained.page/airline-lost-bags/questions/where-do-i-complain-about-an-airline ## Official sources - [U.S. Department of Transportation: air travel consumer protection](https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer) - [DOT: file an air travel complaint](https://www.transportation.gov/) To find your local office, search for: - "[airline name] baggage claim form" - "DOT air travel complaint" --- General information, not legal or professional advice. Rules differ by state. From explained.page (www.explained.page). Life’s stuff, explained simply.