English edition · checked 2026-10-18

Delayed, damaged or missing baggage: report and claim checklist

Report the problem to the airline handling your baggage and keep its written case number. Delays, visible damage, missing contents and travel-insurance claims can use separate workflows.

Report the problem before leaving the airport

1. Go to the operating airline’s baggage-service desk and say whether the bag is delayed, damaged or missing items.
2. Get a file reference or Property Irregularity Report (PIR), and ask how to track the case.
3. Keep the baggage tag, boarding pass, e-ticket, itinerary and operating-carrier details.
4. For visible damage, photograph the case, handles, wheels, tags and damaged area before leaving the airport. Do not discard or repair the bag first.
5. For a delay, give a deliverable address, local phone number and collection times; keep the airline’s written report or message.

If there is no staffed desk or you have already left, use the operating airline’s official baggage portal and local contact immediately. On a codeshare, ask which carrier will open and manage the file.

Keep evidence for each type of problem

• Delayed bag: the file number, bag description, tag number, arrival flight, delivery address and itemized receipts for necessary purchases due to the delay.
• Visible damage: the airport report, clear photos, repair/replacement records and the carrier’s inspection information.
• Missing contents: photos of the case and locks, an inventory, receipts and any proof the airline requests.
• Not located after the initial search: the delay case number, contact history, tracing result, baggage tag and route; follow the carrier’s next-stage property-loss process.

An insurance form does not replace a report to the carrier. Check the airline’s own instructions first, then file separately with your insurer under the actual policy.

Carrier deadlines and stages differ

Delta asks passengers to report a missing bag at the airport and keep the file reference. Its page separates bags found within five days from a potential property-loss claim for bags delayed six days or longer. American Airlines also recommends filing a report before leaving the airport and provides online steps for certain follow-up cases. Singapore Airlines has a separate online damaged-baggage reporting channel for its operated flights with a stated submission window.

These are examples of the carriers’ current workflows, not a universal deadline. Use the current instructions of the carrier handling your baggage and the rules for the itinerary’s jurisdiction.

Documents you may need

• Booking confirmation, e-ticket and boarding pass;
• baggage tag and PIR/file reference;
• photos of the case, label and damage or contents;
• receipts for essential replacement items or repair;
• written communications and delivery records from the airline;
• insurance policy, proof of payment and claim number, if applicable.

Submit within the airline’s and insurer’s separate deadlines. Keep copies, dates of calls, case numbers and the name or channel of the team you contacted.

Official sources

• Delta: delayed, lost or damaged baggage.
• American Airlines: delayed or damaged bags.
• American Airlines conditions of carriage.
• Singapore Airlines: delayed or damaged baggage.
• Checked 18 October 2026. Reporting windows, portals, reimbursement review and insurance terms vary by carrier, destination and policy.

Keep reading: Checked baggage allowance · Check travel-insurance conditions · Through-checked baggage