Airline Baggage Delay Compensation – Know Your Rights¶
If your checked baggage is delayed, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) requires airlines to compensate you for reasonable expenses. Here are the key points:
✅ Your Rights Under DOT Rules¶
- Reimbursement Required: Airlines must cover reasonable and verifiable expenses you incur while your bag is delayed.
- No Arbitrary Daily Limits: Airlines cannot impose a fixed daily cap (e.g., \$50/day).
- Maximum Liability:
- As of March 2025, the maximum liability is \$4,700 per ticketed passenger for domestic flights.
- Qualifying Expenses:
- Clothing, shoes, toiletries, and other essentials you need because your bag is missing.
✅ How to Claim¶
- File a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) at the airport before leaving.
- Keep All Receipts for purchases made during the delay.
- Submit a Claim to the airline with receipts attached.
- Reference DOT Rules if the airline tries to limit reimbursement.
✅ Key Regulation¶
DOT regulations mandate reimbursement for reasonable expenses during baggage delays, up to the maximum liability limit of \$4,700 for domestic travel.
💡 Pro Tip¶
Always check the latest DOT guidelines before traveling: DOT Consumer Protection
📚 References¶
- Video: Know Your Rights When Airline Delays Your Bag
- Federal Register: Periodic Revisions to Domestic Baggage Liability Limits
- Eckert Seamans Aviation Blog – Revised Liability Limits
Tags: #TravelTips #AirlineRights #DOT #BaggageDelay
Last update 2025-09-18