JetBlue Lose Your Bags? 4 Tips to Maximize Your Compensation

Not much has the potential to blow up your vacation quite like your luggage being lost. And while there are a few things to do to help prevent your bags being lost, none of them help in the aftermath.

And while all carriers are mandated to compensate passengers for lost possessions, the claim and reimbursement process works a bit differently with different airlines.

Here are 4 tips to maximize your compensation in the event that JetBlue loses your bags.

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JetBlue lost baggage must do's

If you've recently flown JetBlue, only to find your checked bags didn't arrive at your destination with you, you should immediately do these 4 things.

1. Understand your passenger rights

On domestic flights within the United States, lost luggage compensation is guaranteed by the DOT, which esnures that passengers are protected up to $3,800 in the event of loss or damage. Airlines oftentimea outline other rights or liabilities in their contracts of carriage too.

While your bags are delayed (meaning JetBlue is still searching for them and they have not been deemed lost), JetBlue also reimburses passengers for incurred expenses for things like replacement clothing, toiletries, and other items. These expenses need to be reasonable, but as long as you're not shopping at Nordstrom and Sephora, you should be okay.

Not all items are reimbursed

Though each traveler has $3,800 worth of coverage, not all items packed in check bags can be reimbursed. JetBlue notes in their contract of carriage that the following items are excluded and the airline has no liability:

  • Perishable items
  • Cash and sensitive documents
  • Jewelry and other valuables

Avoid any further trouble by keeping these items on your person in carry-on baggage at all times.

2. File a missing bag claim ASAP

You should let JetBlue know of your missing luggage item(s) as soon as possible.

Not only does it increase the chances of your bags being found, but it also is a JetBlue requirement to make your initial report within 4 hours of landing.

Now, we've never seen or heard of JetBlue denying a claim in the event that this claim was filed later than this, but it is not a risk to take if it can be avoided. You have a couple different ways to file this intial claim:

  • In person at the JetBlue baggage office near baggage claim: If your flight arrives late in the evening, there may not be a customer service employee here to assist, in which case you should instead...
  • Online using the JetBlue online filing tool: JetBlue offers an automated digital process to file your intial claim and make the carrier aware of your missing bags. This same portal allows you to claim missing, delayed, or damaged bags, as well as check for periodic status updates.

3. Follow up and wait it out

Once you file your claim, there is a period of time before JetBlue acknowledges the bag as lost. And while some carriers will move to reimburse and compensate you after just 5 days, JetBlue gives themselves 21 days to locate your luggage. This can lead to some discomfort as you wait for updates, but JetBlue will reimburse you for any related purchases you must make in the interim.

You will need to keep your receipts to provide proof of purchase, but this policy does come in handy, particularly for families and those on vacation without their possessions.

Still, some items, like medication, are harder to replace, particularly on the road away from home.

✅ TIP: Take note of the time required to replace your items and conduct related phone calls and appointments. Your lost time can be a helpful metric used to request additional compensation from JetBlue.

If your stuff is located, JetBlue will deliver it to you. Here's how it works:

  • You'll receive an email with a picture of the driver and vehicle to expect for delivery
  • You'll be provided driver contact information
  • Then, just wait for your bag. JetBlue does not deliver bags after 10pm except to hotels and military bases.

If your bag arrives damaged, make sure to report it immediately to 1-866-538-5438.

3. File for reimbursement

If, after 21 days have passed and your missing luggage still has not been found, JetBlue will officially classify it as lost.

At this point, you'll become eligible to receive reimbursement, up to the DOT guarantee of $3,800. With JetBlue,

Preventing lost luggage in the future

Maybe you found your way to this page looking to prevent lost luggage. We've got you covered with these 3 tips.

1. Put GPS tracking devices in your bags

After out luggage was lost some years ago, we never again checked bags without placing an Apple AirTag in them. Not only does it provide you peace of mind in knowing exactly where your possessions are, but it also can help JetBlue locate your bags more quickly if you know where they were left behind.

Apple AirTags are our pick here, but there are other options out there too, like Tile products. Whatever device you do use, make sure you abide by TSA and FAA regulations, especially as it pertains to the transport of batteries.

2.