What Do I Do If My Bag Is Lost on My American Airlines Flight?
Learning that your bags are delayed while traveling is a stressful experience. American Airlines is one company that seeks to make this a less stressful process. Simply report your bags missing to an AA agent as soon as you land and you'll be given a reference number that you will need when tracking your claim status. You'll receive an email with any updates or you can get in touch with AA directly.
American Airlines was founded in 1926 as American Airways, and is to date the largest airline when measured by fleet size. So, what is its recommendation should any passengers lose their luggage? Read on to find the answer.
Delayed Bag Procedure
American Airlines treats missing bags as delayed bags, as the company hopes to help you locate your bags first before assuming they are missing. If you're unable to find your bags, please report it as soon as possible to an AA representative after you land, or you'll need to return. The representative will provide you with a 13-character reference number when you file your claim. The company has a Find Your Bags tool that uses your first and last name as well as the reference number that makes this process easier. The tool is located here https://app.nettracer.aero/pax/american/auth/login
Five Days or Longer
If you still haven't heard anything after 5 days, then the company states that it needs more information to help. You would need to fill out a Passenger Property Questionnaire located here https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/baggage/delayed-or-damaged-baggage.jsp. Next, send your claims details and the completed questionnaire forms to American Airlines using its online contact form here https://www.aa.com/contact/forms?topic=BG#/. Please choose Delayed Bag Expenses as the subject of the contact form.
Next Steps
The company's Central Baggage Resolution Office will do its best to locate your missing luggage but if not, you rest assured that it will make a decision in accordance with the Conditions of Carriage and Liability for International Flights policies. You will receive the status updates by email, but you can use the contact form to receive updates on your claim at any time. Please use Status of Delayed Bags from the subject pull-down menu. You can also reach out to American Airlines Customer service here if you have any questions.
Reimbursement and Mail-in Address Alternative
If you need reimbursement while away from home and without your luggage, please submit the 13-character reference number, copies of the ticket receipts and baggage claim checks, as well as your original and dated itemized receipts through the online contact form. Please note that the online form is the fastest way to submit your claim documents, but the airline does have an alternative option. You can mail the needed documents here:
American Airlines Central Baggage
4000 East Sky Harbor Boulevard
Phoenix, AZ 85034
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