Every airline handles lost luggage differently — different phone numbers, different claim processes, different compensation timelines, different deadlines that can void your claim. We’ve mapped the claim process for every major U.S. carrier so you don’t have to navigate their customer service labyrinths yourself. Select your airline below for the complete guide.
Find your airline
Mishandling rates are from the DOT Air Travel Consumer Report, full year 2024. [1]
What every guide covers
Each guide includes the carrier’s dedicated baggage phone number, step-by-step claim filing process, interim expense policies, reporting deadlines, and the compensation limits that apply to your specific flight. All U.S. airlines are required to compensate passengers up to $4,700 for lost bags on domestic flights. [2] On international routes, the Montreal Convention sets the limit at approximately $2,025 (1,519 SDR). [3]
How the airlines compare
| Airline | Rate | Phone | Standout |
|---|---|---|---|
| JetBlue | 0.35 | 1-800-538-2583 | 24/7 baggage services, lowest Big 6 rate |
| Frontier | 0.40 | 1-801-401-9000 | Third-best rate despite ULCC model |
| Southwest | 0.42 | 1-800-435-9792 | Two free checked bags, point-to-point network |
| Delta | 0.44 | 1-800-325-8224 | RFID tracking, 20-min carousel guarantee, $50/day expenses [5] |
| Alaska | 0.58 | 1-800-252-7522 | Guest Guarantee, app-based tracking |
| United | 0.66 | 1-800-335-2247 | First AirTag integration, 45-day expense window [6] |
| American | 0.79 | 800-433-7300 | Largest passenger volume, AirTag support [4] |
| Spirit | 0.79 | 1-855-728-3555 | Same $4,700 federal rights as full-service carriers |
Rates are mishandled bags per 100 passengers, full year 2024. [1]
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which airline loses the most luggage?
- American Airlines and Spirit Airlines are tied for the worst mishandling rate at 0.79 per 100 passengers (full-year 2024). JetBlue (0.35%) and Frontier (0.40%) have the best rates among major carriers.
- How much can I get for a lost bag on any U.S. airline?
- All U.S. airlines must compensate up to $4,700 per passenger for lost bags on domestic flights. On international routes, the Montreal Convention sets the limit at approximately $2,025 (1,519 SDR).
- How long does an airline have to find my bag before it is declared lost?
- Airlines typically declare a bag lost after 21 days without recovery. Most delayed bags are found within 24-48 hours. Once declared lost, you can file a formal compensation claim.
- Does Southwest Airlines charge for checked bags?
- No. Southwest is the only major U.S. carrier that lets you check two bags free. Every other airline on this list charges for at least one checked bag.
- Which airline has the best baggage tracking technology?
- Delta uses RFID tracking on all checked bags with real-time updates through the Fly Delta app. United was the first airline to integrate Apple's AirTag Share Item Location feature (December 2024).
Sources
DOT Air Travel Consumer Report, Full Year 2024 -- mishandled baggage rates for all reporting carriers
transportation.gov/briefing-room/air-travel-consumer-report-december-2024-full-year-2024-numbers14 CFR Part 254 -- Domestic Baggage Liability, setting $4,700 minimum liability floor effective January 2025
ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-II/subchapter-A/part-254Montreal Convention (MC99) -- Article 22(2), liability limited to 1,519 SDR per passenger
legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2002/263/schedule/1/madeAmerican Airlines Delayed, Damaged, or Lost Baggage Policy
aa.com/i18n/travel-info/baggage/delayed-or-damaged-baggage.jspDelta Air Lines Delayed, Damaged, or Lost Baggage Policy
delta.com/us/en/baggage/delayed-lost-damaged-baggageUnited Airlines Delayed, Damaged, or Lost Baggage Policy
united.com/en/us/fly/travel/baggage/delayed-lost-damaged.html