Using a credit card for lost, damaged, and delayed checked baggage

Airlines may try to limit the reimbursement they provide to reasonable expenses if your bag is delayed, but fortunately there are some credit cards that cover baggage delay under security benefits. Once your bag is delayed for a certain amount of time (usually 6 to 12 hours, depending on the card), you may be reimbursed for expenses incurred as a result of the delay. The best part is that this isn’t limited to expensive premium cards; It is also offered by some for low fees.

Here is a sample of travel rewards credit cards with baggage delay coverage along with relevant details of the policy:

As you can see, these cards can add some good value if your bag is mishandled. However, you usually need to purchase part (or sometimes all) of the flight with the card to receive baggage delay benefits, so be sure to check the individual policy to understand what is and is not covered. And remember, this is secondary coverage and thus only applies after you submit a claim with the airline that delayed your luggage.

What is included in baggage delay protection?

Generally, baggage delay protection covers the necessities you need while your bags are delayed. Think about a change of clothing and toiletries – but depending on your situation, other items may also be permitted. Credit cards have different maximum limits and restrictions.

Chase cards that offer baggage delay protection usually have restrictions. For example, usually only a cell phone charging cable can be purchased and the following items are excluded:

• contact lenses, glasses, or hearing aids
• artificial teeth, dental bridges or prosthetic appliances
• Tickets, documents, money, securities, cheques, travelers checks and valuable papers
• business samples
• Jewelry & Watches
• Cameras, video recorders, cellular telephones and other electronic equipment and their accessories, other than charging cables for cellular telephones

How do I get coverage?

Eligibility requirements vary from card to card, so check your guide to benefits to make sure. But most of the cards discussed in this guide provide coverage as long as some portion of the common carrier fare is paid for using the card or at access points associated with the card. Therefore, paying taxes and fees on an award ticket counts as paying for part of the flight with the card for most of the cards discussed in this guide – so when booking an award ticket, you’ll want to use a credit card that offers the benefit, even if you only pay taxes and fees on awards using the card.

One final restriction worth noting: Most of the cards mentioned in this guide do not offer baggage delay protection in case your bags are delayed when returning home to your primary residence.

Credit Cards That Offer Coverage

Note that most of the cards listed in the table above also have the following restrictions:

• Coverage is secondary, so you’ll need to file a claim with the airline and another source (like travel insurance) first;
• Immediate family is covered even if you book tickets for them with your card but are not traveling with them;
• Coverage is not provided when your destination is your permanent residence.

How to file a claim

Before filing a claim with your credit card benefits department, you must:

• Notify the airline about delayed or lost baggage. Usually this is done by filing a report at the airline’s baggage service desk before leaving the airport. Get a copy of this report, as you will probably need to submit it with your claim.
• Receive documentation from the airline about delayed baggage and what actions the airline is taking to locate and return the baggage. If the airline offers any reimbursement for items you need if your bag is delayed, find out how to file a claim.
• Keep original, detailed receipts for all essential items you purchased while your luggage was delayed.
• Retain any documents provided at the time of delivery of your late bag. This will prove at what time the goods were delivered.

Take a look at your credit card’s benefits guide to determine next steps or call the number on the back of your card if you don’t have a benefits guide or you have questions. But don’t delay, as you’ll need to start the claim process relatively quickly.

If you purchased travel with an eligible Chase credit card, you typically have 20 days to file a claim notice after your bag was delayed. Then, you will be sent a Proof of Loss form. You must return proof of loss forms, receipts and other documents within 90 days after your bag was delayed. From there, approved claims can take up to 60 days to be paid.