What To Do if Your Luggage Is Delayed
Essential steps to take when luggage is delayed, including tips on making a claim, and using your travel insurance.
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For information relating to policies purchased prior to October 23 2024, please check the Policy Wording provided with your purchase. You can contact us if you need this sent to you again. For plans purchased after October 23 2024, please see below.
1. Report it to your carrier
Once you realize that your luggage is missing, report it immediately to the carrier — your airline or tour operator, for example. Get a written Property Irregularity Report (PIR) as a confirmation of the delay.
2. Ask for compensation
Check with your carrier to see if you qualify for any compensation such as for the cost of basic personal items while you wait for your bags to be returned. You should keep a copy of the exchange with your carrier that confirms or denies any coverage. The travel insurance* claims department will need to see what was approved or denied before issuing any benefits.
3. Get Blue Ribbon Bags on the case
If you have World Nomads travel insurance, you’re in good hands. All plans include Blue Ribbon Bags, a non-insurance service that finds and expedites the return of lost or delayed airline luggage so you can get on with your travels. The service covers every flight on every airline anywhere in the world, and you’ll be updated every step of the way. Simply report your lost bags after alerting the airline and Blue Ribbon Bags will take it from there. Make sure to have the file reference or record locator number and Property Irregularity Report from the airline on hand.
4. Keep your receipts
If you're not compensated by the carrier and there’s no sign of your bags, you may qualify for travel insurance coverage should the delay be a minimum of 12 hours – and if it doesn't happen on your return flight home. Keep the original receipts for any basic personal items you purchase such as toothbrushes, prescription medication or a change of clothes.
Before you go shopping for designer jeans or a new ballgown, remember that your plan has limits on what's considered a reasonable expense, and on the amount of coverage allowed per day. Read your plan carefully and contact us if you have any questions on what might be covered. (You wouldn't believe some of the extravagant claims we've seen!)
5. Get a second report
Once you get your luggage, get written confirmation from the carrier confirming the length of the delay. In order to be eligible for benefits, the bags must have been delayed for at least 12 hours after the scheduled arrival time. You won't qualify for any reimbursements for less than that amount of time.
6. Prepare your claim
Read over your insurance plan to see what's covered and to check if any terms, conditions or exclusions apply. With World Nomads, you can file your claim online and, if necessary, send in any supporting documentation afterwards. You should make your claim no later than 20 days from the incident and provide documentation within 90 days.
If you have questions about coverage or the claims process, just ask us. We’re happy to help.
*All information we provided here is a brief summary. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions, and termination provisions of the plans described. Please carefully read your state specific plan documents for a full description of coverage. Travel insurance is included as part of your travel protection plan which contains both insurance benefits and non-insurance assistance services. Material included on this page does not represent, nor is it specific to, United States Fire Insurance Company or travel insurance benefits provided on United States Fire Insurance Company’s travel protection plans.Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
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