Who do I file for lost luggage on code-share flight?

Airline Baggage Liability

General Responsibilities

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

Compensation for Baggage Issues

• Lost Baggage: Airlines must locate missing bags and compensate passengers if bags are declared lost, typically between five to fourteen days after the flight.
• Delayed Baggage: Airlines are responsible for reimbursing reasonable incidental expenses incurred due to delayed baggage, without arbitrary daily limits.
• Damaged Baggage: Airlines must repair or reimburse for damage occurring while the bag is under their control. They are not liable for pre-existing damage or damage from improper packing.

Code-Share Flight Responsibilities

Operating vs. Selling Carrier

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

Important Considerations

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

• Airlines may exclude liability for certain items, such as fragile goods or electronics, which should be noted in their contracts of carriage.

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