As soon as you realize your bag is missing, delayed, or visibly damaged, act before you leave the airport. Waiting until you get home can weaken or even defeat your claim.

• Go straight to the airline’s baggage service office near the carousel.
• Ask them to create a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) and request a copy or reference number.
• For damage, take clear photos at the airport and show the damage to the agent.
• Keep your boarding pass and bag tag stickers, they connect you to the bag in the airline’s system.

The PIR and your photos become your first line of evidence if you later need to push for fair compensation.

Every airline has strict rules about when and how you must submit a written baggage claim. Missing these deadlines is one of the easiest ways to lose your rights even if the airline clearly caused the problem.

Typical timelines (always confirm with your specific carrier):

• Damaged bags: Often within 24–48 hours of receiving the bag.
• Delayed bags: Written notice may be required within a few days of the delay.
• Lost bags: A bag is usually treated as “lost” if not found after about 21 days, and the claim deadline often runs from that point.

Utah travelers must follow these federal and contract-based timelines; the fact that you live in Utah does not extend a missed deadline. Always submit the claim in writing (online form or email) and save a copy or screenshot.

For most Utah trips within the United States, airline liability is governed by U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) rules and the airline’s contract of carriage. There are caps on what airlines must pay and categories of property they can legally exclude.

Key points for domestic flights:

• Maximum airline liability is typically around $3,800 per passenger (amount adjusted periodically by DOT).
• Airlines generally do not cover cash, jewelry, heirlooms, or high-end electronics in checked bags.
• Compensation usually reflects the actual value of your items, not sentimental value or the cost to buy “top-of-the-line” replacements.

Airline compensation is only one piece of the puzzle. Many Utah residents have hidden coverage through travel insurance or credit cards that can make up the difference, especially for electronics or higher-value items.

To strengthen your position:

• Keep receipts for major items that were in your checked bag.
• Save receipts for emergency purchases (toiletries, basic clothes) while the bag is delayed.
• Check your travel insurance policy for “baggage delay” and “baggage loss” coverage.
• Review your credit card benefits guide many premium cards reimburse baggage delays and lost luggage.

These benefits often apply on top of whatever the airline pays, up to the limits in each policy. Always read the fine print: some require you to file with the airline first or submit documentation within a short time.

Q: Does Utah have its own separate luggage compensation law?

A: Not really. Utah travelers are mainly protected by federal DOT rules, international treaties (for some flights), and each airline’s contract of carriage. Utah law may come into play if the dispute grows into a broader consumer-protection or contract issue, but most baggage claims stay within the airline/DOT framework.

Q: When is my bag officially considered “lost” instead of just delayed?

A: Airlines often treat a bag as “lost” if it has not been found and delivered after about 21 days. At that point, you can usually pursue a full loss claim instead of just reimbursement for delay-related expenses.

Q: Can the airline refuse to pay for electronics or luxury items?

A: Yes. Most contracts of carriage specifically exclude or limit coverage for electronics, jewelry, cash, and other high-value items placed in checked luggage. Whenever possible, keep those items in your carry-on.

Q: What if TSA not the airline damaged my suitcase?

A: The Transportation Security Administration has its own separate claims process. If you believe TSA caused the damage during screening, you may need to file a TSA damage claim in addition to (or instead of) your airline claim.

Q: What if the airline flat-out denies my claim?

A: You can appeal to the airline with more documentation, use travel or credit card coverage, and, if you believe the airline is not following federal rules, submit a complaint to the DOT’s Aviation Consumer Protection Division. In higher-value disputes, some travelers also consider small claims court.

• Missing the airline’s written claim deadline.
• Throwing away bag tags, boarding passes, or receipts too quickly.
• Only calling customer service but never filing a formal written claim.
• Claiming excluded items (cash, jewelry, high-end electronics) without extra coverage.
• Accepting an obviously low offer without asking for a review or providing more proof.