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Does United Airlines Lost Baggage Policy Work

united airlines lost baggage policy

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When your baggage is lost or missing at the airport or during connecting flights, you must contact the airline’s ground staff immediately. Likewise, when you face an issue with United Airlines, you can follow some instructions and speak to the helpline according to the United Airlines lost baggage policy. 

Specifications of United Airlines Baggage Policy

On the United Airlines flight, you can bring carry-on baggage, checked baggage, and personal items, which you can keep under the seat. You can get a maximum of 9*14*22 inches, including handles and wheels, carry-on baggage that must fit in the overhead bin, and personal items that do not exceed 9*10*17 inches. 

The checked baggage allowance on United Airlines depends on your class type and whether you travel on domestic or international flights. 

The maximum dimensions for your baggage must be: 

  • 76*52*20 cm.

Weight Allowance 

  • Economy and Premium Economy Class: 23 kg
  • United Business, United First, United Polaris, and Business class: 32 kg.

However, there can be times when your baggage is lost or damaged. In these scenarios, you must take measures, yet before that, you must immediately inform the ground staff. 

Delayed Baggage

When baggage arrives late, it is considered delayed. According to the United Airlines baggage policy, you must inform the airline soon, and you will get a reference number. 

If your baggage is delayed, you will get a baggage fee refund:

  • A bag is delayed for 12 hours on a domestic flight.
  • If your baggage is delayed for over 15 hours on an international flight and less than 12 hours.
  • A baggage delayed for more than 30 hours and longer than 12 hours. 

Lost Baggage 

Per the United Airlines lost baggage policy, you must file a delayed complaint before claiming lost baggage. You can report at the airport, and if your baggage has been delayed for more than 12 hours, you can also report using the official website or by calling the United helpline. 

Meanwhile, United Airlines suggests reporting your baggage as lost if it is not received within 5 days. Also, provide details about your items, receipts, and photo ID. The airline will inform you as soon as they find your baggage. Thus, if your baggage is lost, United Airlines will compensate you according to your destination. 

Missing Baggage on United Airlines

If your checked baggage is missing or does not arrive, you must soon contact:

  • United Airlines agent in the baggage service officer or baggage claim area of the airport. 
  • File an incident report or delayed baggage report.
  • You must report the file within four hours of arriving for domestic flights and within 21 days for international flights.  

How to Submit a Lost Baggage Claim on United Airlines?

While traveling on United Airlines, if you lose your baggage, you must contact the ground staff immediately and file a report for your baggage. The agent will ask you about your belongings and specific documents, per the United Airlines lost baggage policy. 

The form includes: 

  • Your first and last name.
  • Passport and booking number.
  • Documents, including proof of purchase for claimed items. 

Compensation for Lost Baggage on United Airlines 

According to the policy, you can get compensation when your baggage is lost on United Airlines. It depends on the domestic or international route you are traveling to. United Airlines’ maximum compensation is $3800 for domestic routes and $1900 for international flights. 

Preventive measures to take with Baggage While Traveling

  • You must attach a tag with your checked baggage, including the name, contact number, and address. 
  • You must inform United Airlines of special baggage, like sports equipment. 
  • Moreover, United Airlines mentions the maximum baggage allowance for each class on the tickets, and you must check your stuff while packing.
  • If the airline finds any unnamed checked baggage, it will send it to the lost and found baggage counter, where you can pick it up. 
  • For instance, if you change your flight on United Airlines, the baggage weight will be applicable according to the new flight. 
  • The baggage policy only applies to United Airlines-operated and codeshare flights shared between interline agreement flights. Thus, check the policy depending on the flight. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What documents do I submit for lost baggage on United Airlines?

You must submit certain documents while reporting lost baggage, including your full name, passport number, booking ID, and proof of purchase for claimed items.

Can I file a report for lost baggage on United Airlines?

If your baggage is lost and has yet to come from the belt, you can file a report within four hours of arrival from domestic routes. When traveling internationally, you can file up to 21 days after arrival.

Are special items allowed on United Airlines?

Special items, including musical and sports equipment, can be brought on United Airlines as carry-on or checked baggage. However, you must inform the airline at least 24 hours before departure.

Can I fill out a form online for lost baggage on United Airlines?

Yes, when you file a report for delayed baggage, your baggage is later lost on United Airlines. You can file a report online through the Manage My Booking or call the helpline number.

How much compensation does United give for lost baggage?

If your baggage is lost, United Airlines cannot return it. So, you can claim a refund, and the airline will provide you the maximum they can give. For domestic routes, you will get compensation of about $3800; for international routes, it is $1900.

After how long can I get a refund for delayed baggage on United?

If your baggage is delayed, you will get a baggage fee refund if it is delayed for 12 hours on a domestic flight, over 15 hours on an international flight, or less than 12 hours.