What happens if the airline loses my luggage?

Under DOT regulations, if your checked bag doesn't arrive at your destination, the airline must make reasonable efforts to locate and deliver it to you. If the bag is delayed (not lost), you may be entitled to reimbursement for essential items you need to purchase while waiting — toiletries, basic clothing, etc. Keep all receipts.

A bag is considered legally "lost" after the airline has failed to deliver it for 21 days (for domestic flights). At that point, the airline's maximum liability is $3,800 per passenger for domestic flights (14 CFR Part 254). For international flights governed by the Montreal Convention, the limit is approximately $1,780 (1,288 SDRs). The airline will typically ask you to file a claim with documentation of the bag's contents and their value.

Steps to take immediately: file a report at the baggage claim office before leaving the airport — get a written claim number. Keep your baggage claim tags (the stickers on your boarding pass). Take photos of your luggage before you travel. Check the airline's bag tracking system regularly. If the bag is delayed more than 24 hours, call and ask about interim expense reimbursement. If you had high-value items, note that airlines exclude certain categories (jewelry, electronics, fragile items) from liability — this is spelled out in the contract of carriage.