How Do I File a Lost Baggage Claim with Southwest Airlines?
Southwest Lost baggage, Help with Southwest Airlines lost baggage, southwest lost my bags
Formed in 1967 and currently the largest low-cost airlines in the world, Southwest Airlines handles about 4,000 daily departures during peak season. Of course, with such a large number of passengers in and out of the terminal, there is the increased chance of your bags becoming lost. This guide will show you some steps along with some tips to keep the risk of losing your baggage as low as possible.
Step 1. Report the Problem
Regardless of your baggage being lost, damaged or even delayed, a report needs to be filed within 4 hours of your arrival at your destination and in person at the Southwest Airlines Baggage Service Office. You'll be able to find it in the baggage claim area or the ticket counter. Please note that in the case of damaged baggage, Southwest isn't liable for manufacturer defects, normal wear and tear, damages from overstuffed baggage or the passenger compartment.
Step 2. After the Report is Made
You will be given a receipt of the report after you've spoken with one of the Southwest Airlines Baggage Agents. From there, you will also receive updates on the status of your baggage along with the direct contact number in case you wanted to check on the status of your bags yourself. Currently, there is no way to check the status online. Only by calling Southwest here.
Step 3. Getting Your Baggage to You if Found
Southwest's policy is to streamline this process and they have options of returning your bags to you once found, including delivering your baggage to a location of your choice. The options are largely influenced by what caused your baggage to be lost or delayed and the delivery location.
Step 4. What if? The Unthinkable and Inconvenient
Southwest will do whatever they can to locate your lost baggage within 5 days of you filing the report. When you made the initial report, a Baggage Agent would've have told you the steps to file an actual claim in case your baggage isn't found. Visit the baggage claim web portal https://app.nettracer.aero/pax/southwest/auth/login and use your incident number to access the forms needed to send a claim.
Some Final Tips
To lessen the chance of lost baggage, the following are just a few tips that may be able to lower the stress of your flight as well.
- Check in on time and choose baggage that is as unique as you are.
- Book a non-stop flight.
- Remove old baggage tags.
- Ship your baggage.
- Place identifying information in the baggage, such as your name, phone number and next destination.
- Take a photo of your baggage.
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