If you’ve traveled much in the last few years, you’ve probably already realized that airport and airline delays are common. And it seems like airlines are always trying to get out of compensating or paying customers, so much so that the US Department of Transportation (DOT) is trying to mandate that airlines give hotel rooms to delayed passengers, rather than making them sleep on airport floors. But what may surprise some travelers is that a few airlines still do attempt to do some things on time — like getting checked bags to the baggage carousels promptly.
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Here's Why You Should Start a Timer as Soon as Your Plane Arrives
Some airlines are so confident they can deliver your bags on time that they’re willing to pay you (in airline miles) if they don’t. It’s only for domestic flights, and the length of time considered reasonable depends on the airline. That’s why you should set a timer on your phone the second your plane makes contact with the arrival gate, as it’ll help you know exactly when you become eligible for compensation.
While baggage guarantees ensure the airlines will try to get your bags to the luggage carousel in a reasonable amount of time, it doesn’t mean you’ll get there quickly. There’s no guarantee that you won’t sit on the plane for a while at the gate, or have to wait around for an airport train to get to the luggage carousel. In cases like that, your luggage may beat you there, but unfortunately, there’s no way to prove how quickly it did or didn’t get there.
To avoid extensive delays, consider trying to avoid some of the airports known for the worst delays in the US.
Airlines with baggage guarantees
If this process is delayed, you could score free miles. Photo: Tyler Olson/Shutterstock
Alaska Airlines: Alaska Airlines offers a rather speedy 20-minute baggage guarantee. If checked bags aren’t at the carousel within 20 minutes of the aircraft’s arrival at the gate, passengers can choose between a $25 discount on a future Alaska Airlines flight or 2,500 Mileage Plan bonus miles. You need to have an Alaska Airlines frequent flyer account, but it’s free to join. To cash in on the guarantee, you have to notify an Alaska Airlines customer service agent at the airport within two hours of your arrival. So make sure to do it as soon as you notice it’s been longer than 20 minutes — you can’t do it after your trip is over.
Delta Airlines: Delta also offers a 20-minute bag guarantee, giving 2,500 SkyMiles to passengers whose bags arrive outside that window. However, Delta gives flyers a bit more time to submit a request. You’ll have up to three days after your flight arrives to file a claim online. Note that you need to be a Delta Airlines SkyMiles member before you travel to file a claim, so make sure you’ve enrolled in the free program before you start your trip, just in case.
No other airlines in the US have a baggage guarantee, but major carriers like United, Southwest, and American Airlines are using new technology to reduce the number of lost and delayed bags. However, if your bag does take an unusually long time to come out (this writer waited two hours for a “priority” checked bag on United earlier this year), you’re not totally without recourse. Most airlines will allow you to contact customer service if you have an especially bad experience, and will sometimes offer a small amount of miles as compensation.
Just remember that the airlines will often blame it on factors outside their control, especially for international destinations or codeshare partners. You’re more likely to get some kind of compensation if you’re a frequent flier. With low competition and only a few airlines operating the vast majority of flights in the US, there’s unfortunately not a lot of incentive for airlines to prioritize customer satisfaction, especially if you’re just a one-time flyer.
Most major airlines do provide compensation if your bag is lost or delayed, and will usually deliver it to your hotel or home, rather than making you return to the airport to claim it. 