What to Do If I Am Having Checked Baggage Issues with United Airlines

Most people would prefer it if they only had carry- on baggage while traveling. This is because it is very easy to keep track of such luggage. However, this is not always possible. If you are having issues with checking in your baggage these helpful tips can assist you with getting help.

Nov 19, 2019

Most people would prefer it if they only had carry- on baggage while traveling. This is because it is very easy to keep track of such luggage. However, this is not always possible. Here are some problems you may encounter with checked baggage and how to get help with United Airlines:

Missing Items from Checked Baggage

If you have missing items from your checked baggage, you should report the incident immediately to the Baggage Service Office after you land. If you do not notice the missing things immediately, you can see also the Baggage Service Centre within 24 hours of arriving. This goes for all local flights.

For all international flights, you should report your missing items to the same office, or through a call within seven days of arriving.

If the above contacts don't go through, you can contact United Airlines Baggage Resolutions Service Centre. The line is open throughout that day and is toll-free.

For any checked baggage that is missing items, you can easily download a claim form from United Airline's website. You should note that all forms are in pdf format. Filing a claim within the stipulated period is essential to receive compensation

To check the status of your claim, visit United Airline's Website. From the Home page, navigate to Travel information, then Baggage information and then to Checked baggage issues. Scroll till the bottom of the page where you'll see "Check the status of a claim." When you click on the link, you will be directed to a page where you can fill in your reference number and name and be able to check the status of your claim.

Your Checked Baggage Is Damaged

United Airlines is not liable if your baggage is damaged is due to the following reasons:

  1. If your baggage has a natural defect to it.
  2. If your baggage is not of good quality, and therefore could not withstand the pressures of traveling
  3. If you over-packed your baggage. Over packed baggage is under a lot of tension and is likely to be easily damaged
  4. If your baggage has gone through the normal wear and tear after being used for a long time

Also, all checked baggage passes through security screening. If for any reason, Security Officers are forced to damage your baggage due to security screening, United Airlines will not be held liable. The correct party to file a complaint with would be the TSA.

Your Baggage Has Been Delayed

There is nothing as strenuous as getting off a flight, eager to get some rest, only to realize that your checked baggage has been delayed. This is mainly because checked baggage has the bulk of your belongings typically.

The first step after you don't find your baggage should be to report the bag as delayed. United Airlines will immediately commence a search for your baggage. You can receive continuous updates through the following channels:

  1. Through your phones. United Airlines will send you periodic updates through text message or via email.
  2. Go to United Airline's website. Go to the option for tracking your bag. You will be able to see updates of how far your bag has been tracked.
  3. You can also speak to a United Airline's representative at the Baggage Resolution Centre.

If your bag is found within three days, United Airlines will contact you via your preferred mode of communication to schedule for delivery. You don't need to worry because the delivery will be made at whatever location you'll be.

If your baggage is not located within three days, United Airlines will reimburse you $1500 for the value of your bag and all of the contents. This fee is exclusive of the amount paid to check in the bag. If $1500 is not worth the value of your bag and its contents, you can claim a higher reimbursement. The maximum you can claim is $3500

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Christian has been writing about long hold times and customer service call center experiences since 2010. He's been featured in Bloomberg, the Wall Street Journal and the Boston Globe.

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