Guide to baggage delay reimbursement
Quick insights
- Baggage delay reimbursement is a type of travel insurance coverage that may compensate you if you need to purchase essential items while you wait for your bag to arrive.
- Carriers typically offer compensation for delayed bags, but their liability limits may not be enough to cover some traveler's items.
- You may be able to get baggage delay reimbursement as a travel insurance benefit with some credit cards.
It can be frustrating when the airline loses your bags. While you wait for the airline to track down your belongings, you may need to purchase important items so that you have what you need for your trip. Baggage delay reimbursement may reimburse you for these expenses.
In this article, we'll share why some travelers get coverage through baggage delay reimbursement.
What is baggage delay reimbursement?
Baggage delay reimbursement is a type of travel insurance that may reimburse you for necessary items that you may need to purchase while waiting for your bags to arrive. If you purchase items such as clothing and toiletries, it's possible this insurance would reimburse you for it.
Airlines are responsible for compensating you when your bags are delayed, but some travelers may find that an airline or other carrier's liability limits and policies don't work for their coverage needs.
How baggage delay reimbursement works
You can get baggage delay insurance by purchasing it directly through a travel insurer. It's usually included as a part of a comprehensive travel insurance policy. You may also get travel insurance, including baggage delay and lost luggage reimbursement, through some rewards credit cards.
Before your baggage delay reimbursement coverage can apply, you'll first need to submit a claim directly with the carrier. The airline, cruise line or other carrier will process the claim.
If your claim is denied or if the claim settlement doesn't cover your losses fully, then you may submit a claim through your travel insurance. If you have travel insurance through a credit card, consult your Guide to Benefits for the contact information for the Benefit Administrator.
Your baggage delay reimbursement coverage may reimburse you for the difference between the actual cash value of any purchased items and the claim settlement from the carrier.
What's included with baggage delay reimbursement
This coverage usually includes certain limitations and exclusions. The policy may specify a maximum benefit amount per day and a maximum limit on the number of days. For example, you may be eligible for reimbursement for essential items up to $100 per day for a maximum of five days.
Your policy may define what counts as a "delayed bag." Before you're eligible for this coverage, your bags may need to be delayed for a minimum amount of time.
Finally, policies typically won't include an exhaustive list of what's covered but "reasonable incidentals" like clothing, toiletries and phone chargers are usually included. Some items may be excluded from the coverage. You may find that hearing aids, electronic equipment, tickets and jewelry are usually not covered.
Baggage delay reimbursement with a credit card
Some credit cards may come with baggage delay reimbursement as part of a suite of complimentary cardmember benefits.
If you wish to use this benefit, you'll simply need to purchase some or all of the carrier's fare with your credit card, and you'll need to have an active account when you submit your claim. Sometimes these policies will cover immediate family members when you purchase their tickets with the card.
After you submit a claim to the carrier and they settle it, you may wish to get additional compensation through the baggage delay reimbursement that comes with your credit card. You'll need to locate your Guide to Benefits to find the contact information and claims process for your Benefit Administrator.
This coverage could potentially cover the gap between what the carrier pays you and the actual value for any essential items you purchase while waiting for your bags.
Benefits of baggage delay reimbursement and other travel insurance benefits for cardmembers
If you're a frequent traveler, the cost of travel insurance for every trip can quickly add up. That's why some travelers opt to get baggage delay reimbursement and other coverages through a credit card with travel insurance benefits. In addition to cost savings on travel insurance premiums, travelers can get peace of mind with these benefits.
Here's what's typically offered:
- Lost Luggage Reimbursement
- Baggage Delay Insurance
- Travel Accident Insurance
- Travel and Emergency Assistance Services
- Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance
- Trip Delay Reimbursement
In addition to these travel protections, some credit cards may offer rewards, perks and more designed with travelers in mind. For example, these credit cards may come with travel rewards and travel insurance.
In summary
Baggage delay insurance may help you feel more confident when traveling. It can provide reimbursement if you need to purchase necessary items while you wait for your bags to arrive. The coverage is complimentary with some travel rewards credit cards.
