Losing your luggage can be a stressful experience, but knowing the right steps to take can help you recover your belongings or receive appropriate compensation. Whether your bag is delayed, misplaced, or lost, this guide will provide clear steps to navigate the situation. We'll even show you how to make it easier with CLEAR Scout.

What to Do If Your Checked Luggage Is Lost

If your checked luggage doesn’t arrive at baggage claim, don’t panic. Head straight to your airline’s baggage service office to file a report.

1. Report the Missing Bag Immediately

• Go to the airline's baggage service office as soon as you realise your bag is missing.
• Provide your baggage claim ticket and a detailed description of your bag, including size, color, brand, and any distinguishing features.
• Obtain a reference number for your claim, which will be essential for tracking the status of your bag.

‍

2. Understand the Airline's Process

• Most airlines use tracking systems and baggage tags to help ensure someone finds your bag as quickly as possible, typically within 24 to 48 hours. You can find resources online for each airline’s policies, such as Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, JetBlue, or American Airlines.
• Airlines typically consider a bag officially lost if it hasn't been found within 21 days.
• During this period, the airline will attempt to locate and return your bag.
• If the bag is declared lost, you may be entitled to compensation for lost contents

‍

3. File a Claim for Compensation

• Submit a detailed claim form provided by the airline, including an inventory of your lost items and their estimated value.
• Attach any relevant receipts or proof of purchase for valuable items.
• Be aware of the airline's liability limits, which may vary depending on whether the flight was domestic or international

‍

While it’s never fun to deal with lost bags, using an airport fast pass service like CLEAR+ can ease the rest of your travel day, getting you through security faster and helping you stay focused on what matters most.

‍

‍

How to File a Claim for Lost Baggage

If your bag is officially declared lost, it’s time to file a compensation claim. Here’s how to do it:

• Start with the Lost Baggage Report: If you filed a report while you were at the airport, that’s step one. If not, contact the airline immediately and file one online or by phone. You’ll need your bag’s reference number and flight details.
• Submit a Claim Form: Most airlines require you to fill out a separate claim form for reimbursement. You’ll be asked to provide:
  
  • A detailed list of what was in your bag
  • Receipts for high-value items (if available)
  • A copy of your boarding pass and bag tag
  • Your contact info and mailing address
• Check the Compensation Limits: Under U.S. law, airlines are required to reimburse up to $3,800 per passenger for domestic flights. For international travel, the limit is lower—around $1,800 under the Montreal Convention.
• Use Your Credit Card Perks: If you booked your trip using a travel rewards credit card, you might have additional lost luggage coverage. Check with your provider and file a separate claim if you're eligible.
• Follow Up: Once submitted, stay in touch with the airline. It can take a few weeks to process your claim.

‍

Tip: Take photos of your packed bag before traveling. It helps with inventory and speeds up the process if you ever need to file a claim.

‍

Recovering Items Lost Within the Airport With CLEAR Scout

If you've misplaced an item within the airport, such as at a security checkpoint, lounge, or an in-airport restaurant, CLEAR Scout can assist in locating and returning your belongings.

While travelers often turn to the airport lost and found, CLEAR Scout offers a faster, more coordinated way to help reunite you with your item, even after you’ve left the terminal. Here's how it works:

• Report the Lost Item: When filing a report, provide details about your lost item, including a description, the location where you last saw it, and the time it was lost.
• Coordination: CLEAR Scout will coordinate with airport authorities and relevant departments to locate your item.
• Retrieval: Once your luggage is found, arrangements will be made to return it to you, even if you've already left the airport.

‍

Lost or Delayed? Here’s How to Tell

Before you panic, know that most “lost” bags are just delayed baggage and often arrive within 24 hours. When your bag doesn’t show up at baggage claim, here’s how to figure out if your bag is officially missing:

• Wait a few minutes: Bags can come off in waves, especially after international flights or if multiple airlines are sharing one carousel.
• Check nearby carousels: Sometimes luggage gets rerouted to a neighboring belt, especially during busy travel times.
• Go to the airline’s baggage service office: Located near baggage claim, this is your go-to spot for real-time updates. Airline staff can scan your bag tag number and tell you whether it’s simply delayed or truly missing.
• Use your baggage tag number: This is your best tool. Every checked bag comes with a tracking number, which you’ll need when filing a claim.

‍

Most of the time, bags that don’t appear at baggage claim are just delayed. They might have missed a connection or been placed on the wrong flight. That’s why the Department of Transportation (DOT) requires airlines to trace and recover bags for a certain period before officially declaring them lost.

Here’s how it usually works:

• Within the first five days: Your bag is considered delayed. The airline is actively trying to locate and return it. During this time, it’s tracked through internal systems and often arrives on a later flight.
• After five days: If your bag hasn’t been found, your case is escalated to the airline’s central baggage tracing team. You may be asked for more detailed info like a description, contents list, or photos.
• After 21 days: If the bag still hasn’t turned up, the airline will typically declare it officially lost and begin the compensation process, including reimbursing you for the value of the bag and its contents.
• For international flights covered under the Montreal Convention, the 21-day window still applies. 

‍

‍

Preventing Lost Luggage Woes: Consider Shipping Your Bags Ahead 

Worried about your bag not making it to your destination? Consider shipping your bags to your destination in advance with Ship&Play.

Ship&Play—a service CLEAR+ Members can access at a special rate—lets you ship luggage straight to your destination. No hauling bags through the airport. No wondering if they’ll show up on the carousel. Just a lighter, more reliable way to travel.

With Ship&Play, you can skip the stress of baggage claim and the risk of delayed or lost luggage altogether. Here are some of the benefits:

• Peace of mind: Avoid the risk of lost or delayed checked baggage.
• Less airport chaos: Travel lighter and move faster with fewer bags to check or carry.
• Door-to-destination delivery: Ship your bags directly to your hotel, vacation rental, or final stop.
• Real-time tracking: Know exactly where your bags are at every step of the journey.
• Ideal for longer trips or sports travel: Perfect for spring break, family vacations, business trips, or weekends on the slopes.

‍

Planning ahead with Ship&Play means your luggage is already where you need it, so you can focus on the trip, not your stuff. 

Learn more about how to ship luggage with Ship&Play.

‍

Final Tips for What to Do if Your Luggage Is Lost

By taking these precautions and knowing the steps to follow if your luggage is lost, you can minimize disruptions to your travel plans.

• Use Luggage Trackers: Devices like Apple AirTags can help you monitor the location of your bags.
• Keep Essentials in Carry-On: Always pack important items, such as medications and valuables, in your carry-on bag.

‍

Stay Informed: Familiarize yourself with the airline's baggage policies and procedures before traveling. Consider using the airlines' app which will allow you to track your luggage during your journey.