The U.S. Department of Transportation in October clarified an existing rule that carriers cover all expenses incurred by passengers because of lost or delayed luggage up to $3,300 per traveler on domestic flights.
The department noted that several airlines had policies that would reimburse travelers only for essential items bought after 24 hours, and only on the outbound legs of their trips.
"Travelers should not have to pay for toiletries or other necessities while they wait for baggage misplaced by airlines," Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said in a written statement issued then. "We expect airlines to comply with all of our regulations and will take enforcement action if they do not."
Airlines may also offer travelers whose bags don't arrive with them some complimentary emergency items. Delta, for instance, will often give passengers a kit containing a toothbrush, toothpaste and mouthwash.
Despite the federal rules, airlines generally state in their contracts of carriage that they won't reimburse passengers for the loss of electronics, or other high-value items.
Once a delayed bag arrives, carriers typically deliver it to its owner. But Southwest will give a travel credit that can be used on a future flight if a passenger picks up the bag.
If a passenger is left empty-handed at the baggage carousel, George Hobica, founder of Airfarewatchdog, recommends that travelers keep receipts, even for clothing they've had awhile, to show for reimbursement. Taking out travel insurance before a flight is also a way to protect against potential losses, he says.
Passengers can give airlines another way to get their bags to them if luggage tags come off during a journey, says Steve Lott of the International Air Transport Association.
"It's maybe not a bad idea to put a copy of your itinerary in the bag or outside pocket," Lott says. That, he says, "would be a real easy way for an airline to find out where you're going and how to reunite you with your bag."
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