Who do I apply for for lost luggage in a code-share flight?

airline baggage liability

general responsibility

Airlines are required to compensate passengers for lost, delayed or damaged baggage. This applies to both domestic and international travel, with specific rules governing each.

Compensation for luggage problems

• lost baggage: Airlines must locate missing bags and compensate passengers if the bag is declared lost, usually between five and fourteen days after the flight.
• delayed goods: Airlines are responsible for reimbursement of reasonable incidental expenses incurred due to delayed baggage without any arbitrary daily limit.
• damaged goods: Airlines must repair or reimburse for damage caused while the bag is in its control. They are not liable for pre-existing damage or damage caused by improper packing.

Code-Share Flight Responsibilities

Operating vs. Sales Carriers

On code-share flights, the operating carrier (the airline actually flying the aircraft) is generally responsible for the baggage liability, not the selling carrier (the airline selling the tickets). This means that if a passenger’s luggage is lost or damaged during a code-share flight, the operating carrier must handle the claim.

important ideas

• Passengers should file a claim with the operating carrier as soon as possible.

• Airlines may exclude liability for certain items, such as fragile goods or electronics, which must be noted in their transportation contract.

Understanding these guidelines helps passengers know their rights and the airlines’ responsibilities regarding baggage on both direct and code-share flights.