Damaged, Delayed or Lost Baggage
We're sorry you're experiencing an issue with a checked bag and apologize for the inconvenience. To help resolve your issue, select the option below that best describes your scenario.
If your bag was damaged in transit, you can submit a claim to potentially repair or replace it.
If your checked bag is delayed and not at baggage claim when you arrive, make a report so we can help you find it.
If your checked bag isn’t found within 21 days of your arrival, it is likely lost. We can help you get reimbursed for your bag.
If items are missing from your checked bag after arrival, submit a claim to request reimbursement.
Review Guidelines for Damaged, Delayed or Lost Baggage
Resources to help you manage bag disruptions are below. Whether your bag is delayed, damaged, lost, or items are missing from your checked bag, we’re here to help.
Damaged Bag
Damaged Bag
If your bag is damaged in transit, we may be able to repair or replace it. Please visit the Delta Baggage Service Office (BSO) for assistance in submitting a claim before you leave the airport.
Damaged Baggage Claim
- Visit the Delta Baggage Service Office to report your damaged bag
- Keep the file reference number provided by the Delta Baggage Service Office – you’ll need it to fill out your claim.
- Select “Begin Claim” below to start the claims process.
- Select “Damaged Bag Claim” on the claim form and include any relevant receipts for reimbursement with your bag claim.
a. You must report damages within 6 hours* of arrival for domestic tickets and within 7 days of arrival for international tickets or your claim will not be accepted.
We’ll contact you to discuss the status of your claim. Please note, Delta does not reimburse for normal wear and tear.
TSA Bag Inspection Damage
If the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) selected your bag for random search, a written note of inspection will be inside your bag or attached to a seal on the outside. If you believe your bag was damaged during the search, please contact TSA directly at 866-289-9673 for help.
*For tickets issued before October 8, 2025, you can report damage to your bags within 24 hours of arrival for domestic flights. Certain types of damage qualify for an exception to the requirement of reporting bag damage at the Delta Baggage Service Office within 6 hours of arrival: (1) damage to mobility devices such as scooters or wheelchairs; (2) pilferage or damage that is not readily apparent from exterior inspection (for which any loss or damage must be reported within 24 hours of arrival at the final destination); (3) bags that were delayed (for which any damage must be reported within 24 hours of return to the customer); and (4) bags checked by Unaccompanied Minors or Persons with Disabilities (for which any damage must be reported within 24 hours of arrival at the final destination). For each of the exceptions (1) through (4) listed above, Delta will accept damaged baggage claims reported through Delta Reservations or delta.com, in addition to claims reported in person at the Delta Baggage Service Office.
Delayed Bag
Delayed Bag
We apologize for the inconvenience of a delayed bag and we’re here to help.
Bags Delayed 5 Days or Less
To begin your bag search, report the delay at the airport:
- Visit the Delta Baggage Service Office (BSO) to file a delayed baggage report.
- Save your file reference number and baggage report for tracking purposes.
If we find your bag within 5 days of your arrival, your bag will be delivered to you based on the information provided in your baggage report and no further action is needed.
Sometimes, you may need to request reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses caused by a delayed bag. To begin, submit a claim and select Out-of-Pocket Expense Claim. Once your claim is submitted, we’ll review it and contact you with next steps and any applicable reimbursement.
Bags Delayed 6 Days or More (Potential Property Loss)
If it’s been 6 days or more, submit a property loss claim:
- Use the baggage report you made with the BSO to find your file reference number.
- Select “Begin Claim” below and enter your file reference number when prompted.
- Select the “Potential Property Loss Claim” option and include relevant receipts for reimbursement with your bag claim.
Speed Up Bag Reunification with Apple Share Item Location
If you have already reported your bag as delayed at the Baggage Service Office and your bag contains an AirTag or "Find My" accessory (iOS Only), you can share its location to help speed up reunification.
How to Share Your Item’s Location
- Open the Find My app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
- Select the item placed inside your delayed bag, then tap Share Item Location, and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Copy the link provided.
- Open Delta Bag Tracking
- Paste the shared item link, your 10‑digit bag tag number, and your trip confirmation number. Then select Share.
(Note: If you’re on the Fly Delta app, insert the generated link into the “Share Find My Item Location” field in the delayed bag form.)
Item location sharing is completely optional. It will automatically end as soon as you are reunited with their bag, can be stopped by you at any time and automatically expires after seven days.
Lost Bag
Lost Bag
If you’ve already submitted a property loss claim, Go to footer note and it hasn’t been 21 days yet, we are still searching for your bag and no further action is required.
If your bag is not located within 21 days of your arrival, we regret to share that the bag is likely lost. A Delta representative will contact you to discuss a settlement and/or reimbursement for the loss.
Missing or Stolen (Pilfered) Items from Checked Bag
Missing or Stolen (Pilfered) Items from Checked Bag
If you discover items are missing from your checked bag, we apologize for any inconvenience. To help resolve this issue, follow the steps below:
- Message us to speak to a reservations specialist and report missing items.
- Keep the file reference number provided by the specialist – you’ll need this to submit your eClaim.
- Return to this page and select “Begin Claim” below.
- Select “Pilfered (Stolen) Item Claim” and include any relevant receipts for reimbursement with your bag claim.
a. You must report within 24 hours of arrival for domestic flights and 7 days of arrival for international flights.
Lost Items on Plane or Airport
Lost Items on Plane or Airport
If you've left a personal item on a Delta aircraft, at a Delta Sky Club, airport counter or gate, we'll do our best to locate and return it to you. To report your lost item:
- Visit the Lost and Found page to start a report on your lost item.
- Select "Report items left onboard aircraft, in gate area or in Delta Sky Club," to start the claim.
- Complete the form and select "Submit Report."
Existing Lost Item Claim
If you've already reported the lost item and need help managing your existing lost item report, review the Lost and Found FAQs
Reimbursement Guidelines
Reimbursement Guidelines
Out-of-Pocket Expenses: What's Covered
Reimbursement is generally intended to cover basic interim needs during a baggage delay while you are away from home and are awaiting delivery of your bag.
Reasonable purchases may include essential clothing items, toiletries and personal care items. Purchase only what you need to address essential, short-term needs and keep all itemized receipts.*
Documentation Requirements:
Receipts are required to review your claim and should include:
- Merchant name
- Date of purchase
- Itemized list of goods
- Total amount
- Method of payment
*Each claim is reviewed individually. We consider necessity and reasonableness of replacement items purchased, timing and location of purchases, duration of the bag delay, and documentation provided. You must submit a baggage claim form before any reimbursement can be issued. If your bag remains lost after 21 days, reimbursements will be deducted from your final settlement.
Submit a Reimbursement Request
Submit a Reimbursement Request
Submit a Request
Start a claim to request reimbursement for reasonable expenses caused by a damaged bag, delayed bag, or checked bag with missing items:
- Select the claim type that matches your situation
- Upload itemized receipts showing the merchant name, purchase date, items purchased, total amount and payment method
- Once you submit your claim, we'll review it and contact you with next steps and any applicable reimbursement
Checked Baggage Fee Refunds
Checked Baggage Fee Refunds
If your checked bag is delayed, then you’re eligible for a refund of the checked bag fee, depending on the extent of the delay. Refunds for checked bag fees are issued as follows:
- For domestic travel: bags not delivered within 12 hours of arriving at the gate
- For international travel, flights of 12 hours or less: bags not delivered within 15 hours of arriving at the gate
- For international travel, flights of more than 12 hours: bags not delivered within 30 hours of arriving at the gate
Exceptions apply, and bag fees will not be refunded due to a delay in bag delivery if the bag is delayed because:
- You did not pick up and recheck your bag at international customs and immigration
- You voluntarily agreed to separate from your bag
- You failed to meet the minimum check-in time requirement for a flight or are flying standby (without a confirmed seat) for a flight
a. You may still be eligible for a refund if your bag is lost or pilfered Speak with a Delta representative at the Baggage Service Office (BSO) to report your delayed checked bag and to learn more about checked bag fee refunds. Message us for additional support.
When to Contact Us
When to Contact Us
If you need additional help or prefer to speak to us directly, you can message us to connect with a reservations specialist or use the below information to reach us by phone.
Within the U.S.
- Call us toll-free at 1-800-325-8224
- If toll-free is unavailable, call us at 404-209-3034
Outside the U.S.
Visit the Help Center to review a list of contact numbers by country for assistance in a local language.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I forgot to get my file reference number at the Baggage Service Office (BSO), can I still make a baggage claim?
If I forgot to get my file reference number at the Baggage Service Office (BSO), can I still make a baggage claim?
Yes, you can still make a claim without a file reference number. Start with this form and follow the below steps:
- Select “Submit Feedback”
- Select “File a Complaint” and “Checked Bags”
- Choose the appropriate issue for your situation
- Complete the form and submit
A Delta representative will email you with status updates.
How much will Delta pay for damaged, delayed or lost bags?
How much will Delta pay for damaged, delayed or lost bags?
Liability for lost, delayed or damaged baggage claims is limited to the below:
| Type of Liability | Liability Limits |
|---|---|
| Domestic Liability Limits | $4,700 per ticketed passenger |
| International Liability Limit (governed by the Warsaw Convention) |
$9.07 per lb. up to $640 per bag (U.S. Dollars) |
| International Liability Limit (governed by the Montreal Convention) |
1,519 SDR (Special Drawing Rights) per ticketed passenger* |
*SDR (Special Drawing Rights) is an International Monetary Fund unit of currency. SDRs will be converted to U.S. dollars using the rate in effect on the mishandled bags settlement date. Delta assumes no liability for preexisting damage, including minor cuts, scratches and broken zippers as a result of over packing, or for wear and tear resulting from ordinary handling of bags. Below are the liability restrictions and exceptions:
- Maximum liability is not automatic — damage or loss value must be proven
- No maximum liability applies to wheelchairs or assistive devices
- Delta is not liable for unsuitably packed items
- Delta is not liable for loss, damage, or delay of baggage that may result from a security search conducted by any local, state, or federal agency
See Delta's Contract of Carriage for complete Baggage Liability rules.
What if I made mistakes in my claim form?
What if I made mistakes in my claim form?
If you need to change something in a claim form you submitted, please call 1-800-325-8224 to speak with a Delta representative.
What if my bag was damaged or delayed while I was on a different airline?
What if my bag was damaged or delayed while I was on a different airline?
Please file your baggage claim with the airline that operated the final leg of your trip, as they are responsible for handling all baggage-related issues. If you booked your ticket with Delta and the final carrier has not responded to your claim within 30 days, please contact us so we can assist with your claim.
What if I don’t report my damaged bag on time?
What if I don’t report my damaged bag on time?
For domestic flights, damaged bag claims must be reported at the Delta Baggage Service Office within 6 hours of arrival for tickets issued on or after October, 8 2025, and within 24 hours of arrival for tickets issued prior to that date.
Certain types of damage qualify for an exception to this requirement: (1) damage to mobility devices such as scooters or wheelchairs; (2) pilferage or damage that is not readily apparent from exterior inspection (for which any loss or damage must be reported within 24 hours of arrival at the final destination); (3) bags that were delayed (for which any damage must be reported within 24 hours of return to the customer); and (4) bags checked by Unaccompanied Minors or Persons with Disabilities (for which any damage must be reported within 24 hours of arrival at the final destination). For each of the exceptions (1) through (4) listed above, Delta will accept damaged baggage claims reported through Delta Reservations or delta.com, in addition to claims reported in person at the Delta Baggage Service Office.
For international flights, damaged bag claims must be reported within 7 days of arrival.
If you do not file a claim for a damaged bag within the above timeframes, your damaged bag claim will be denied.