If an airline loses your checked luggage on a U.S. domestic flight, report the missing bag immediately at the airline's baggage service counter before leaving the airport to obtain a file reference number or Property Irregularity Report (PIR). Then file a formal written claim with the airline for compensation up to the domestic baggage liability limit set by 14 CFR Part 254, which applies to U.S. carriers on flights using large aircraft with more than 60 seats. This federal regulation caps airline liability at a formula-adjusted amount and requires airlines to provide notice on applicable tickets.
Controlling U.S. Federal Rules for Domestic Lost Luggage
U.S. domestic baggage liability falls under 14 CFR Part 254, a Department of Transportation (DOT) regulation for U.S. air carriers operating flights with large aircraft--defined as any aircraft designed for more than 60 passenger seats. This rule sets the maximum liability for lost, damaged, or delayed checked baggage on domestic segments or tickets that include them.
The liability limit starts from a $2,500 base established in 1999 and adjusts using the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U): multiply $2,500 by the ratio of the July CPI-U for the year of adjustment to the December 1999 CPI-U, then round to the nearest $100. Airlines must deliver conspicuous written notice about this limit on or with tickets for covered segments. Compensation typically covers the depreciated value of proven contents, not exceeding this cap.
| Aspect | Rule from 14 CFR Part 254 |
|---|---|
| Applies to | U.S. carriers, domestic flights with large aircraft (>60 seats) |
| Liability formula | $2,500 × (July CPI-U adjustment year / Dec 1999 CPI-U), rounded to $100 |
| Notice requirement | Conspicuous written material on/with ticket for applicable segments |
| Scope | Lost, damaged, or delayed checked baggage |
Immediate Steps After Discovering Lost Luggage
Head directly to the airline's baggage service counter or desk at the arrival airport upon noticing the absence of your bag. Reporting before leaving preserves your claim eligibility under standard airline procedures tied to DOT expectations. Staff will inspect the carousel area, check for misloads, and issue a PIR or file reference number--essential for tracking and any formal claim.
Gather supporting evidence right away: photograph bag tags, your boarding pass, receipts for baggage fees or recent purchases of contents, and a detailed inventory list with estimated values. Use the airline's app or website to monitor real-time status with your reference number. These steps position you to file a timely claim.
Evidence Checklist
- Property Irregularity Report (PIR) or file reference number
- Photos of bag tags and airport baggage area
- Boarding pass and itinerary
- Receipts for baggage fees and contents
- Itemized list of lost items with descriptions and values
Filing a Formal Claim and Compensation Process
Submit a written claim to the airline--typically the last carrier on your itinerary--using their online portal, app, or mail, including your PIR number, itemized contents list, photos, and receipts. Airlines process these per their contract of carriage, reimbursing up to the 14 CFR Part 254 limit for verified losses. Expect them to assess depreciated value based on item age and condition.
What Does Not Control Lost Luggage Claims
DOT domestic baggage rules under 14 CFR Part 254 govern U.S. carrier liability on covered flights; they do not extend to international flights, foreign carriers, or unchecked carry-on items. TSA claims handle only damage from screening, not lost bags post-security. Credit card chargebacks or travel insurance operate separately from airline liability and require their own evidence processes.
Escalation If Airline Does Not Resolve
If the airline denies or delays your claim, contact their customer service with your reference number and documentation for review. For unresolved issues, file a complaint with the DOT at dot.gov/airconsumer/file-consumer-complaint. DOT tracks patterns but does not resolve individual claims.
FAQ
Does the liability limit apply to all U.S. airlines?
No, 14 CFR Part 254 covers only U.S. carriers on domestic segments with large aircraft (>60 seats).
What if my flight was international?
Domestic rules do not apply; check airline policy and treaties like the Montreal Convention separately.
How do I prove the bag's contents value?
Provide an itemized list, receipts, photos; airlines typically use depreciated value up to the liability cap.