Delayed or damaged bags
File a bag report
If your bag is delayed or damaged, you can file a report on the go and may not need to visit the airport Baggage Service Office.
How it works:
- Find our sign with a QR code at Baggage Claim
- Scan the QR code or visit the site using your device
- Enter your last name and American confirmation code or bag tag number to begin
This service is available for trips ending in the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Have an AirTag?
Share the link to your AirTag or Find My network accessory when filing a report to help us locate your bag faster.
To share the link:
- Open the ‘Find My’ app on your iPhone, iPad or Mac
- Go to ‘Items’
- Choose the item you want to share location updates for
- Tap ‘Share Item Location’ and copy the link
- Paste the link into the delayed bag form
If you already filed the report:
- Log in to the bag portal
- Select 'Manage Tracking Device'
- Choose the type of tracking device you're using and paste the tracking link
Delayed bags
Bags can sometimes be delayed, even with our best efforts. If you can’t find your bags after landing, file a report before leaving the airport.
For flights within the U.S., report delayed bags:
- Within 4 hours of arriving at your destination
- Within 12 hours of arriving if you used Bags VIP Luggage Delivery
For international flights, report delayed bags upon arriving at your destination and before leaving the airport.
The agent will give you a 13-character file ID when you file a report. You can use the file ID to submit a claim for your delayed bags and check the status of your bags.
Find your bags Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines.
Bags delayed 5+ days
If your bag has been missing for 5 or more days, we need more information to help you. To get started, submit an online claim using the 13-character file ID you received at the airport.
Submit a claim Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines.
Our Central Baggage Resolution Office will do everything they can to locate your bag. If they’re unsuccessful a final decision about your claim will be made in accordance with our:
This decision will be sent to you by email.
Reimbursement
We will reimburse you for the reasonable and necessary items you need immediately while away from home without your bags. To be reimbursed send this information to us within 30 days of your delay:
- Your 13-character file ID
- A copy of your ticket receipt and baggage claim checks
- Your original, dated, itemized receipts
If we can't find your bag, any expense reimbursement will be deducted from the final settlement amount.
How to submit your claim
The quickest way to submit your claim and verification items is to submit them online.
Submit a claim Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines.
If you can't submit online, you can send your claim and verification items along with a completed Passenger Property Questionnaire by mail. Keep in mind it may take longer for us to receive it through the mail and our response may be delayed.
American Airlines Central Baggage
P.O. Box 619619
DFW Airport, TX 75261-9616
Complete the questionnaire (PDF) Opens a PDF in a new window.
Damaged bags
Bags may get damaged when they’re checked, even with our best efforts. If you notice damage to your bags after landing, file a report before leaving the airport.
- For flights within the U.S., file a report before leaving the airport, or within 24 hours of receiving your bags.*
- For international flights, file a report before leaving the airport, or within 7 days of receiving your bags.
We’ll give you a 13-character file incident number (file ID) when you report your bag as damaged. You can use the file ID to submit a claim.
- Submit a claim Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines.
- Liability limitations
* You must report damage to delayed bags on flights within the U.S. within 24 hours of receiving them.
If Transportation Security Administration (TSA) inspects your bag, they’ll place a written notification inside or a seal on the outside. If you think the damage was caused by the inspection, contact TSA at 866-289-9673.
- Don't over-pack. Over-packing can cause stress on seams and zippers, making it more likely to tear or break.
- Don't check bags that won’t close completely. Bags that don't close completely leaves your belongings exposed to damage.
- Avoid checking carry-on items like laptops, briefcases and totes.
- Don't travel with extremely old or worn bags. These bags are more likely to break or tear.
- Don't pack restricted items.
Missing contents
We will not accept liability for missing items inside a checked bag on flights within the U.S. unless it has been reported as delayed or damaged.
If your bag was delayed or damaged and you notice missing items after it’s delivered, you must file a missing items claim within 24 hours of receiving your bag for flights within the U.S., or 7 days for international flights.
Submit a claim Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines.
Flying on a partner airline?
Find helpful information if your trip includes 1 or more flights with our partner airlines.