How to Get Fair United Airlines Delayed/Lost Baggage Compensation

Q: How do bags get lost anyway?

Most baggage delays or losses occur due to flight delays, cancellations, or itinerary changes. These disruptions increase the chance of bags being misplaced. Human error, such as failing to load bags, can also cause losses.

The United States DOT holds airlines accountable to compensate travelers should their checked luggage be lost or damaged.

Here is a guide to ensuring you receive fair compensation should United Airlines lose or damage your bags.

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What to do if United loses your bags

If your bags are lost, time is of the essence. You'll need to notify United as soon as possible to maximize the chances of your items being located.

You have 3 main ways to report your missing luggage to United:

In person at the baggage office adjacent to baggage claim
Via phone at 1-800-335-2247
Using United's delayed baggage form online

It can be best to talk to somebody live, but if you're in a crunch or arrive late at night, the baggage office may not be staffed. Regardless of how you report your missing luggage, you'll want to make sure you receive a claim ID or reference number that you can use to check for updates.

Ultimately, if United loses your bags, you can expect the process to play out more easily than with smaller carriers like Frontier, Allegiant, or Spirit. In fact, United has invested millions of dollars over the past few years in its digital service options, with the ability to complete the following actions completely online:

Report lost or damaged bags
Report missing items from luggage

United Airlines lost luggage policies

United, in conjunction with the DOT and its own contract of carriage, provides passengers with the following rights in cases of lost luggage:

Up to $4,700 per passenger in compensation to reimburse for lost/damaged items
Reimbursement for passenger expenses incurred while bags are missing

There are a couple of caveats to this, though. Reimbursement for replacement items, such as toiletries or clothing, will only be granted if you're flying to your non home airport. Additionally, reimbursements will only be processed if you also submit a receipt.

Furthermore, you should avoid packing the following in your checked bags, as they are excluded from potential compensation:

Antiques
Chinaware
Glass
Computers
Electronic equipment
Jewelry
Money
Perishable items

Checking bags on United

United, like most all other carriers on the market, does assess checked bag fees, with some exceptions:

First class, Polaris business class, and Premium Plus passengers
MileagePlus Premier members (1-3 checked bags depending upon status)
Star Alliance Gold members
United MileagePlus cardholders
Military personnel (up to 5 checked bags if on active-duty, 3 bags if not)
Some international itineraries

Otherwise, passengers can expect to pay $35 for their first bag and $45 for their second bag if they add them to their reservation online at least 24 hours prior to departure. Prices increase to $40 and $50, respectively, upon arrival to the airport or within 24 hours.

All this said, you should absolutely request a refund for any bag fees paid if your luggage is lost. We're happy to help with this.

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Maximize your lost luggage compensation

If, after five days, your missing bags still haven't been located, then they will officially be classified as lost. At this point, you're eligible for compensation beyond reimbursement for goods you've purchased in the meantime.

Remember, the DOT mandates that passengers are protected up to $4,700 on domestic itineraries within the United States, but just because this limit is set does not mean you are entitled to it.

You'll likely need to produce proof of value for those items lost within your suitcases, particularly for more valuable items, though United does pay up to $1,500 per passenger without any further documentation.If your posessions were worth more than this, though, here are 3 tips to maximize your compensation.

1. Don't accept the first offer

If United wants you to itemize the possessions within your bags, and their corresponding value, they likely want to understand the value of your possessions lost or damaged. At times, the offer you're provided in compensation may seem low, because it likely is. Under no circumstances do you need to accept the first offer.

Don't be afraid to tell United you deserve more compensation. Use existing online prices for goods that may have been lost to help back your analysis. Sometimes, airlines try to depreciate certain goods and only compensate you on the fair market rate, like on clothing, handbags, or other items. However, there is no consistent regulation on this, and such practices do not account for the sentimental value of an item.

2. Don't neglect the cost of your bag

When luggage goes missing, it can be easy to focus on the possessions within them and neglect the actual bag itself. Don't make this mistake, as many suitcases and bags may cost up to $200 - or more.

Remember to include it/them in your list of items you need to be reimbursed for.

3. Have a professional advocate for you

Sometimes, a little external pressure makes airlines take your missing luggage claim more seriously. You have two main options here to help out:

The United States DOT accepts airline complaints and will contact United Airlines on your behalf
MyAirAdvocate will work directly with United to maximize your compensation on your behalf

Frequently asked questions

Here are answers to some of the most pressing United Airlines luggage questions.

1. How can I contact United Airlines if my bags are missing?

If your luggage is delayed or missing, you can contact United by:

Phone: Calling the Baggage Resolution Service Center at 1-800-335-2247
In Person: Visit United's Baggage Service Office

You may also track your claim status online.

2. How much does United Airlines reimburse for lost baggage?

Once a bag has been missing for at least 5 days, it is considered lost. At this point, you are entitled to $1,500 per bag, with no documentation, proofs of purchase, or receipts for missing items. If $1,500 does not cover reimbursement for lost items, you may file a claim up to the DOT limit of $4,700 per bag. United also reimburses passengers for out-of-pocket expenses incurred while locating your bags, like clothing or toiletries.

3. How do bags get lost anyway?

Most baggage delays or losses occur as a result of flight delays, cancellations, or itinerary changes. When changes occur logistically, it becomes more likely that bags will be misplaced. Human error can also play a role, when bags are inadvertently left behind and not loaded.