Thousands of passengers face baggage problems every day. Indeed, nothing is more unpleasant than finding yourself without your suitcase at the airport or discovering that it’s damaged.
Lost or damaged baggage on a United Airlines flight: what are your rights?
If your baggage is lost at the airport, United Airlines passengers have the right to file a claim with their airline for unsatisfactory service. Let’s follow these steps:
How do I file a claim with United Airlines for a baggage problem?
Report the problem before leaving the airport: Proceed to the United Airlines office at the airport. It’s important to document the incident as soon as possible. The airline is required to provide a claim form at its airport counter. Passengers must briefly explain the problem and specify the time, date, location, and flight number. They must also include their contact information and, if applicable, provide copies of supporting documents (such as a copy of the airline ticket and boarding pass, and if possible, photos of their baggage to strengthen their case).
Keep a copy of the claim form as evidence. The airline is required to respond within three weeks to one month.
File a baggage claim with United Airlines using the online form
You can also file a claim by sending a letter directly to the airline or, if they offer this service, by email or through their website.
United Airlines encourages its passengers to create their case online using the baggage claim form on their website.
Here’s how to fill out the form:
– Provide your contact information (first and last name, phone number, and email address), exactly as it appears on your airline ticket.
– Add your flight information: Flight number, departure date, itinerary (departure and destination cities), and booking reference.
– Baggage Details: Brief description of the baggage including dimensions, color, and tag number (assigned to the passenger upon baggage check-in at the airport).
– Specify the Problem:
Indicate if it is:
- Lost baggage: List the items inside with their approximate value.
- Damaged baggage: Indicate what was broken or damaged (the suitcase or the items inside).
Important: It is necessary to specify that the airline is not responsible for damage to fragile items during transport.
Contact the National Aviation Safety Agency. If you do not receive a response from the airline within a reasonable timeframe, or if you dispute their response, you can contact the National Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) of the Ministry of Public Works. However, to qualify, the incident must have occurred at a Spanish airport or on a flight from a non-EU country operated by an EU airline.
Lost, delayed or damaged baggage on a United Airlines flight: What compensation can you expect?
If you experience any problems with your baggage on your United Airlines flight, you must file a baggage irregularity report at the airline’s check-in counter.
You may be entitled to compensation of up to USD 1,650 (equivalent to 1,288 Special Drawing Rights – SDRs) for damage, or incidents involving your baggage.
In the event of a delay in the delivery of your baggage by United Airlines, it is essential to report the same day to its baggage counter or online on its website, by completing the Property Irregularity Report (PIR) form. This allows you to request reimbursement from United Airlines for costs incurred by essential purchases (underwear, essential cosmetic products, etc.).
Remember to keep your purchase receipts as you will need them to support your claim with the airline.
Tip: Avoid packing valuables in your checked baggage
Alternatively, if you still wish to carry valuables due to limited space in your carry-on baggage, it is advisable to declare their value before boarding, when checking in your baggage.
Deadline for filing a baggage claim with United Airlines
The deadline for filing a claim is 7 days for damaged baggage and 21 days for delayed or lost baggage. However, it’s best to file the claim immediately at the airport to quickly initiate the baggage search and increase your chances of locating it quickly, and if necessary, expedite the process of obtaining compensation.
However, it’s important to note that United Airlines adheres to the Montreal Convention, which gives passengers up to two years from the flight’s arrival date to file a claim with the airline.
Track your United Airlines baggage claim
United Airlines offers you the option to track your baggage claim and see its status online.
Before you begin, you should have the following information ready:
– Your booking reference (6 characters) or your claim number (9 characters)
– Your last name
Click on Check status.
You can also do this from your MileagePlus account.