Guide to United Airlines Lost Baggage Claim, Baggage Tracking, Compensation

United Airlines Lost Baggage

Last Updated on Oct 4th, 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 US baggage tracker 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 US 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.

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. 

MyTicketsToIndia

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.

Discuss this post ?

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  1. MATTHEW SMART says:

    I flew from San Diego to Vancouver, Canada on July 1st to begin a 7 day cruise on July 2, 2023. My luggage never arrived, after untold numbers of calls and promises. My bag contained ALL my clothes as wells as some of my children’s. My bag never arrived, but was returned to my home in San Diego on July 23 without as much as an apology. I have tried MULTIPLE TIMES TO USE THE ONLINE REIMBURSEMENT WITHOUT AVAIL. Does United just want us all to go away? It was bad enough that as a 6’7′ I had to spend my precious vacation time trying to find a pair of pants that I could wear, but that of course if of no concern to United. I have all my receipts if only UNITED would come through.

    1. Renu Dahiya says:

      Hello Matthew,

      We’re truly sorry to hear about the unfortunate experience you had with United Airlines. It’s indeed distressing when luggage mishaps disrupt a well-planned vacation, and we understand your frustration. Since you mentioned that you’ve had difficulty with the online reimbursement process, we recommend reaching out to United Airlines’ customer service directly. You can also try contacting their representatives through their website’s chat feature, as it may provide a more immediate response and assistance.

      It’s essential to provide all the necessary details, including your case number and receipts, to help expedite the resolution process. We genuinely hope that United Airlines will address your concerns and provide you with the compensation you deserve. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us, if you have any further queries. 🙂

      Warm Regards,
      Team MyTicketsToIndia

  2. John hutchinson says:

    I have flown at least once weekly with United and have numerous bag delays especially coming out of Canada. This latest one is now 4days running and each CSR gives a different story. Some say it’s on its way, some say it was never loaded on the plane. In the meantime, my work bags with over $800 worth of tools are still missing. So much for being a premium preferred frequent flyer

    1. Renu Dahiya says:

      Hello John,

      We are sorry for the inconvenience and frustration you have experienced with United Airlines regarding your delayed baggage. In this particular situation, we recommend you continuously be in contact with United Airlines’ customer service. Clearly express the importance of your work tools and their value, emphasizing the urgency of their recovery. Request a specific point of contact or a reference number to track the progress of your claim. This will enable you to follow up on the status of your bags more effectively.

      Also, document all your interactions with the airline, including the names of the customer service representatives you spoke with, the dates, and the details of the conversations. Having a record will assist you in future communication and serve as evidence of your efforts to resolve the issue.

      We hope that United Airlines resolves this matter promptly and locates your missing bags as soon as possible. Should you require further assistance, please feel free to reach out to us. We are here to help you navigate the necessary steps for resolving the issue.

      Warm Regards,
      Team MyTicketsToIndia

  3. William Elias says:

    My parents came to visit me in Australia and did not find their suitcases In Sydney Australia, and no one help them do anything, so they took the fight to Perth Western Australia. since the days they arrived, I been trying to lodge a claim with the airlines but neither Virgin Australia nor United Airlines are taking any responsibility and they keep me going from one office to the other and now the travel insurance is saying that because we didn’t provide the PIR number in 24 hours, they are not going to pay anything. Now I have my mum and dad with not suitcase, and they have the medication that they require daily. Can someone help, I have no help from the airlines and now I don’t know what to do.

  4. Judy Crawford says:

    I lost my suitcase that was my first time flying so I don’t know what to do to report my luggage as lost I’ve tried calling everyone but no luck

    1. Renu Dahiya says:

      Hello Judy,

      We are very sorry to hear about your lost luggage incident. First-time air traveling is indeed the most special feeling, everyone wants this experience to be the best. We understand how frustrating and disheartening it is to not find the luggage on time. But, don’t worry! Be Calm and followed the above-mentioned guidelines to get your luggage at the earliest possible and claim for the same. You can also contact the customer representatives of the airline to get direct help. We’ve mentioned the contact details in the blog. Hope this will help you and you’ll get your lost luggage very soon. Stay positive! 🙂

      Do let us know if you face any other issues, We’ll try our best to help you.

      Warm Regards,
      Team MyTicketsToIndia

  5. David Dunne says:

    How do I claim for items purchased , due to delayed in baggage arriving

    1. Renu Dahiya says:

      Hello David,

      So Sorry to hear that you faced problems due to the delay in your baggage arrival. To get compensation for items you’ve purchased during the period of absence of your luggage, contact a United Airlines representative at the baggage resolutions center, you’ll find the contact details on the official website of the airline. Please ensure that you have the original receipt or invoices for the items you purchased. They will ask you to present the same. Hope this helps! 🙂

      Do let us know if you face any problems or have any other queries, we’re always here to help.

      Warm Regards,
      Team MyTicketsToIndia

Stay Informed: Subscribe Now!
1 Adult, Economy
Done
Navratri flight deals live
Fly To India with Upto $54* Off! Use Code
NAV-MTI54