Damaged, delayed and lost baggage

Overflowing suitcase.

We are sorry that your baggage has been mishandled

If British Airways misplaces or loses your baggage, we will make every effort to return it to you as soon as possible and deliver it to an address of your choice free of charge within 24 hours of its arrival at their final destination. The majority of bags are re-united with their owners within 72 hours.

What would you like to do?

Report delayed or missing bags

Delayed or missing bags

Tell us about a missing bag for the first time

Baggage contact telephone numbers

Update your missing/delayed bag report with new details

If you need to update the telephone number where you can be reached or delivery address where the delayed bag is to be sent, please contact us.

Baggage contact telephone numbers

Where are my bags?

Where are my bags

Check on the status of a bag that has already been reported

You can check on the status of a bag that has already been reported using the baggage tracking service if

If your baggage has been delayed, we will deliver it to you when it arrives. This service is not available in some countries due to local government restrictions, but we will advise you if this applies.

Baggage tracking service

Claim baggage expenses or compensation

Baggage expenses or compensation

Start a claim for expenses or compensation

If you have recently travelled from/through a US airport

Under their Transport Security Administration (TSA) guidelines, 100% of baggage is screened at their airports and customers are advised to leave their baggage unlocked in case the contents need to be examined. At most airports passengers do have the option to have their luggage screened prior to checking it in.

The TSA are working hard to ensure that all contents are returned to bags that are opened during the screening process. After the process they will generally place a notice inside the bag to inform the customer that their bag was opened for a TSA inspection. It will then be re-sealed with a tamper evident seal. If you feel that you have incurred loss or damage to your belongings caused by their inspection, the TSA has a claim form that you can download and complete from their website:

Download TSA claim form

or you can call their Customer Response Centre directly on 1-866-289-9673. They will assess all claims on an individual basis.

If you do have travel insurance

You may have more comprehensive cover than we can offer. We will provide you with a written report, on request, to send to your insurer as proof of loss, damage or delay to your baggage, in support of your claim – simply contact us via one of the numbers listed at the link below.

If you do not have insurance that covers you for any relevant loss, you may claim from us for:

  • baggage reported as missing over 3 days ago
  • expenses incurred because of a delay to your bag
  • damage to your bag within the last 7 days
  • items missing or damaged in your bag

or

Baggage contact telephone numbers

Check on the status of your claim

If you have already submitted a claim, and wish to find out the latest status then please contact us.

Baggage contact telephone numbers

Insurance and baggage liability limitations

Whilst we will make every attempt to ensure your baggage is handled with care, you should know that British Airways’ liability for loss, delay or damage to baggage is limited unless a higher value is declared in advance and additional charges paid.

The extent of airline liability is not based on the weight of the bag nor its value. British Airways does not accept liability for fragile, valuable, perishable articles or baggage which is packed in damaged or unsuitable containers.

Under the Conditions of Carriage we accept no liability for the loss of jewellery, other valuables and money contained in checked baggage. You are advised to keep valuables, important documents and money either on your person or in your hand baggage.

We strongly recommend that you obtain adequate travel insurance cover prior to your journey. Use the following links for further information:

Other airlines

Click an airline logo below to find out more about their services.


Information if you're travelling on American Airlines
Information if you're travelling on Iberia
Information if you're travelling on Japan Airlines

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