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While American Airlines actively searches for your delayed baggage, you are generally entitled to reimbursement for reasonable and necessary expenses incurred while you are without your bags. This typically includes items like toiletries, a change of clothing, and other immediate necessities. It's crucial to keep all original, dated, itemized receipts for these purchases. Without proper documentation, your reimbursement claim might be denied.
The amount American Airlines will reimburse can vary, but generally, they aim to cover essential purchases. It's wise to spend conservatively, as extravagant purchases might not be fully covered. Once your bag is returned, or if it is declared lost, you can submit a reimbursement claim. This is usually done online through American Airlines' dedicated delayed baggage claim portal, using the 13-character file ID you received at the airport. You will typically need to upload copies of your flight ticket, baggage claim checks, and all relevant receipts. American Airlines often processes these claims within 30 days of submission. If you're confused about what items are covered, or if you need assistance in submitting your reimbursement claim, American Airlines customer help is available to guide you through the process. They can be reached at [☎️ +1-(888)-217-3805].
While American Airlines makes every effort to reunite passengers with their delayed bags, sometimes a bag is unfortunately deemed lost. If your bag has been missing for 5 or more days after you initially filed the report, American Airlines will escalate your case from "delayed" to "lost" baggage. At this point, they will require more detailed information to begin a thorough investigation and move towards a final settlement. You will typically be asked to submit an online claim for lost baggage, using your existing 13-character file ID. This claim will involve providing a comprehensive list of the contents of your bag and their estimated value.
American Airlines' liability for lost baggage is limited by international conventions and domestic regulations. For domestic flights, liability is generally limited to around $3,800 to $4,700 per passenger, as per DOT regulations. For international flights, liability is governed by the Montreal Convention, which limits compensation to approximately $1,700-$2,080 USD (1,288 Special Drawing Rights, which fluctuates with exchange rates) per passenger. It’s important to note that certain high-value items (like jewelry, electronics, cash, and important documents) are often excluded from liability if checked in. If you had particularly valuable items, purchasing excess valuation insurance at the time of check-in is the only way to ensure they are covered beyond standard limits. If you have concerns about the valuation of your lost items or the American Airlines refund policy relating to lost bags, don't hesitate to speak to a real person American Airlines by phone or chat. The support team, accessible via [☎️ +1-(888)-217-3805], can provide specific details about the compensation process and help you navigate the complexities of American Airlines Refunds or Delays related to baggage.