Credit Cards That Cover Lost Luggage Fees

Lost luggage is an unfortunate hassle many travelers eventually experience. Some travel credit cards provide coverage that reimburses checked bag fees airlines may charge when bags get delayed or lost. Understanding how this benefit works allows you to avoid fees if separated from your belongings.

What Are Lost Luggage Fees?

Lost luggage fees refer to charges imposed by airlines when checked bags fail to arrive at a destination as planned. They typically include:

• Initial checked bag fees on outbound flights
• Charges for returning delayed bags that arrive later
• Delivery fees for home shipment of found bags post-trip
• Potential clothing and toiletries costs during baggage delays

These fees ensure travelers have access to essentials despite airline mishandling of checked baggage.

How Credit Cards Cover Lost Luggage

Many premium travel rewards cards offer lost luggage protection that:

• Reimburses standard checked bag fees if bags are lost or delayed
• Covers costs of clothes and toiletries purchased when bags are late
• Applies when traveling domestically and/or internationally
• Requires submitting covered expenses for reimbursement after the trip

This benefit saves on airline imposed fees resulting from circumstances outside the traveler’s control.

Do All Travel Credit Cards Offer This Benefit?

While common, lost luggage protections are still not guaranteed across all travel cards. Review your card’s features to confirm coverage specifics.

Inclusion often depends on:

• Annual fee – Premium cards more likely to offer
• Card network – World Elite Mastercards commonly include protection
• Issuer provided benefits – Each structures packages differently

Do not presume this benefit is included. Verify ahead of travel.

Examples of Credit Cards Covering Lost Luggage

Here are some popular credit cards that include lost luggage protections:

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

• Up to $100 per day for 5 days when bags are delayed 6+ hours

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

• Up to $100 per day for 5 days if bags delayed more than 6 hours

Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card

• Up to $100 per day for 3 days for carry-on/checked baggage delays

U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card

• Baggage delay coverage with varying limits

Always confirm current coverage details for your card in case policies get updated.

Benefits of Credit Card Lost Luggage Protections

Key advantages of lost luggage coverage from credit cards:

• Reimbursement for airline imposed fees out of your control
• Covers costs for essential clothing and toiletries when bags delayed
• Often applies to both domestic and international flights
• May supplement frequent flyer elite status coverage
• Easy claims processing directly through existing issuer

Drawbacks and Limitations

Understand restrictions that limit lost luggage protections:

• Reimbursement caps limit daily and total claims
• Coverage may expire after 3-5 days max
• Only applies to bags checked with common carrier
• Documentation and receipts required to receive reimbursement
• Carry-on “gate checked” bags may not qualify

As with any insurance, know exclusions that apply to maximize value.

Alternatives Beyond Credit Card Coverage

Other forms of lost luggage protections include:

• Airline loyalty elite status baggage coverage
• Travel insurance purchased separately or provided by employer
• Using a card with generous return protections to replace clothes
• Asking airlines for courtesy expense reimbursement
• Purchasing individual trip insurance through online providers

Compare costs and key coverage factors based on your common carriers.

Steps to File a Lost Luggage Claim

To file a claim using your credit card’s lost luggage protections:

1. Note baggage tracking numbers and obtain delay documentation from the airline.
2. Save receipts for replacement clothes, toiletries, or any paid airline fees.
3. Submit claim forms detailing incident to card issuer.
4. Provide documentation confirming delays and demonstrating expenses.
5. Accept reimbursement once claim reviewed and approved up to limits.

Maintaining thorough documentation is key to successfully submitting claims.

Impact on Other Card Protections

Some credit cards provide both lost luggage and trip delay coverage:

• The two benefits may overlap if bags delayed require overnight stay
• Coordination enables comprehensive protection for baggage issues
• May allow higher total reimbursements combining two benefits
• Streamlined claiming through the same issuer card account

Check for opportunities to stack protections addressing lost luggage during longer delays.

Tax Implications of Reimbursements

One consideration when claiming lost luggage reimbursements:

• The reimbursement amount is generally not taxable
• But you cannot claim checked bag fees reimbursed as a tax deduction
• Keep records documenting any claim payouts

Consult a tax professional to understand any impacts of claiming credit card travel reimbursements.

Key Takeaways on Lost Luggage Protections

• Review your card’s features to check if this benefit is included
• Understand coverage limits, airline eligibility, and documentation needs
• Save all receipts and claim paperwork to submit reimbursement requests
• File claims promptly within issuer provided timeframes
• Compare value to alternatives like purchased travel insurance plans

While restrictions apply, lost luggage protections can provide vital coverage for stressful baggage mishandling events when you use eligible premium travel rewards cards.