A Detailed Guide To United Airlines Lost Baggage Claim & Baggage Tracking

Last Updated on Apr 5th, 2024 by Renu Dahiya, 9 comments

Being one of the leading carriers globally, United Airlines understands that leaving something valuable or essential on the flight can make the passenger feel stressed and upset. To find the lost item of the passenger and return it safely, United makes every possible effort. But, for claiming the lost baggage or compensation, one should act as per the rules of the United baggage claim policy. So, if you happen to have lost, misplaced, or left behind something on an aircraft of United Airlines, then the United lost luggage claim policy is what you need to learn today! Continue reading this blog as we are going to explain everything that one should learn about the United baggage tracking and claim policy. 

How To Get United Missing Baggage Claim?

United Airlines handles all lost luggage requests/queries by itself, instead of outsourcing to any third-party agencies. The airline understands the physical and sentimental value of every item of their passengers.  After realizing that the airline has misplaced your luggage, you should immediately file a complaint about the same. Now, let’s understand the rules you need to follow while filing or getting a claim for United lost/missing baggage. With these, you will easily find your misplaced luggage or get top compensation for lost baggage.

Suggested Read: United Airlines Baggage Policy

Delayed Baggage

• The very first thing you need to do after finding that your luggage is misplaced is to file a delay report/complaint at the United baggage claim desk at the airport. 
• The airline will contact you directly via email or SMS to arrange the delivery of the reported luggage whenever they find it. 
• They will also provide you with further instructions concerning the delayed baggage which you should follow to complete the luggage delay report. 
• If you didn’t receive any further instructions through SMS or email from the airline, you should fill out the report online or contact them at the United lost luggage desk. 
• You need to provide some important information to the airline for filing a delayed baggage report such as Name, flight information, baggage receipt number, a complete description of the missing baggage, and contact details. 
• Try to give them as many details about the lost items as you can. This will improve the chances of getting the luggage found quickly. And, after filing a complaint and providing all the information, the airline will issue you a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) that will help you to keep a track of your delayed luggage. 
• If the airline will not be able to find your luggage within 72 hours, you can fill out the online lost time form and can claim reimbursement for the same. 

Lost Baggage

• United Airlines will declare the luggage lost between 15 to 30 days from the date of the missing baggage report filed.
• After declaring the luggage lost, the airline is liable to compensate the passenger for the things that were in the lost suitcase (subject to depreciation and maximum liability restrictions). 
• You can claim reimbursement as per the United lost baggage compensation policy only after providing the purchased invoices or any other proof.
• For domestic lost baggage, the airline will compensate you with up to 3,800 USD (approx.) and up to 1,780 USD (approx.) for international lost luggage.
• The airline will also refund you the checked baggage fee (or additional baggage fee, if any).

Damaged Baggage

• The lost baggage claim team of United Airlines is completely responsible for repairing or reimbursing the traveler in case any damage happens to the baggage and/or the items while it is under the control of the airline during transit. 
• If damage to the bag happens because of wrong packing or occurred before its arrival, the airline is not liable to reimburse for the same.
• The airline will repair the damage that happened to the passenger’s bag, but if the damage is not repairable, they will negotiate a reimbursement according to the value of the bag (subject to depreciation). 
• The airline avoids compensating for the items they have excluded from the contract such as fragile items, items in the form of electronics, perishable items, other valuables, etc. 
• They will not compensate you for normal wear and tear, poor quality of the bag, overpacked luggage, or inherent defect. 

United Baggage Tracking

United Airlines offers one feature of mobile bag tracking to their passengers which helps them to see the status of their luggage easily through the United app. Let’s find out how one can keep track of the checked baggage with United Airlines.

Suggested Read: United Airlines Online Check-In Policy

• For United baggage tracking via mobile bag tracking feature, you need to have the united app on the mobile phone and a flight reservation with checked luggage. 
• You can also trace your bags on the official website of United Airlines, you just need to select the ‘travel information’ option from the menu.
• After this click on the ‘Baggage information’ tab, then you’ll find the ‘track your bags’ option on the page. 
• And, then select this option and fill out the file reference number, first name, and last name.
• By clicking on the ‘continue’ button you’ll be able to trace your baggage like when it is loaded on the flight when it is unloaded, and when it is at the lost baggage claim counter. 

United Baggage Claim Status 

Everyone knows that there is no 100 percent surety of getting the lost or misplaced item back, but the chances can be enhanced if you act fastly and smartly. You just need to keep one thing in mind, inform the concerned authorities at the earliest possible and provide them with complete information regarding your lost luggage to make the recovery faster and easier for them. 

• Claim Compensation For The Damaged, Delayed, and Lost Baggage

You can claim compensation from the airline if your luggage has been damaged, delayed, or lost by them. It is their responsibility to reimburse you for your loss. Here are some essential facts about lost baggage claim status that you must know before filing a report for reimbursement.  

Damaged Baggage – United Airlines won’t reimburse you if damage to your luggage occurred prior to its arrival or because of incorrect packing. If the bag’s damage is irreparable, the airline will give you compensation based on the value (and depreciation) of the bag. It is true that the airline will not compensate for normal wear and tear, but it would still be accountable for damage to baggage handles, wheels, and other parts.  

Delayed Baggage – If your luggage is delayed more than 72 hours then you can seek reimbursement from the airline. The airline will give you compensation for daily expenses such as toiletries, medications, necessary clothes, etc. you have incurred during the delayed luggage period. Also, please remember to keep all the receipts of the purchased items until you get your delayed baggage safely. 

Lost Baggage – You can claim reimbursement if your baggage has been declared lost by the airline. United is liable to compensate you for the contents in the lost bag but only after checking the original receipts or other proof of loss. Passengers are liable to get approximately 3,800 USD for domestic lost luggage and approximately 1.780 USD for international lost luggage. The airline is also required to refund the baggage fee charged during check-in. 

• United Baggage Claim Phone Number For Direct Assistance

If you realize that something is left on the flight after you’ve left the airport or you’re not able to file a claim for your lost luggage, do not fret! You can seek direct help from the airline via a phone call on the United lost baggage phone number or by sending a mail.

Find the contact details of the United baggage customer service team:

Phone Numbers:

• Customer Care Number: 1-800-864-8331
• Baggage Services: 1-800-335-2247

Mailing Address:

Baggage Resolution Service Center

•  900 Grand Plaza Drive,
•  Houston, TX 77067
•  United States

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What if one loses cash on the flight while flying with United Airlines?

A: If United Airlines finds cash on the flight or terminal, the airline may convert them into one or more prepaid cards. It allows the airline to refund money to their rightful owners safely and quickly. 

Q: How will I get the status of my United missing baggage claim query?

A: After submitting an online lost item form, the airline will send the notification on your registered email ID with a tracking number to check the status of lost luggage. With the help of a tracking number, you can easily keep track of your missing baggage on the official website of the airline.

Q: Does United Airlines have a Lost baggage claim counter?

A: Yes, United Airlines has a separate section for lost and found items. You can directly contact the lost baggage claim counter for solving all your luggage problems immediately. 

Q: How much time will United Airlines take to recover my lost baggage?

A: After filing a claim, United Airlines will take a maximum of 30 days to recover and return your luggage. If the airline still does not find it within the specified time period, they will send an email to let you know the luggage is lost and suggest you file compensation for the same. 

Q: What should I do to increase my chances of finding the luggage with United Airlines? 

A: Make sure to file the lost baggage complaint within five days and provide as much information as possible to the lost baggage team of the airline. 

Q: Can I track my luggage with United Airlines?

A: According to the United track baggage policy, you can trace your luggage through the United app with the mobile bag tracking feature or on the official website of the airline by filling in some information like file reference number, first name, and last name. 

Q: How to claim lost property if traveling with Virgin Australia?

A: You can directly contact the airline. Know all the rules on Virgin Australia lost property to know your rights and the steps to claim your belongings or get compensation. 

Q: Is there any compensation for Qantas Lost Baggage?

A: Yes, in case of a Qantas lost baggage claim, you can contact the airlines and get compensation accordingly.

That is almost everything you need to know about the United lost baggage claim policy. So, next time you have left something onboard while flying with United Airlines or your luggage got damaged or delayed, don’t panic! Consider this guide and increase the chances of recovery of your lost belongings. And, for more queries on Air France Lost Baggage Claim, Delta Baggage Claim, or otherwise, do contact us at +1-585-948-0222. 

You’ll get 24/7 assistance from experienced travel experts at MyTicketsToIndia for all your queries. We are one of the leading flight-booking agencies that deals in offering cheap flights to India from USA and vice versa. 

Be it last-minute deals, festive deals, or red-eye flights, we have almost every kind of deal for you!

About Renu Dahiya | View Posts

Renu Dahiya is a passionate writer who worships her profession. Her love for writing has encouraged her to pursue her career as a writer. Her friends call her a “travel worm” and always come to her to know some interesting traveling tips and destinations. Renu is a repository of knowledge about traveling who knows which place should be visited in which season. Oh yes, she is insanely in love with dancing too. Writer, traveler and dancer, a perfect combination! Without a doubt, she is a complete package.