Big changes to the Delta bag guarantee, but it's not going away
Delta Air Lines has one of the most generous baggage guarantees in the industry: If your checked luggage isn't on the baggage carousel within 20 minutes of arrival, you can request 2,500 Delta Air Lines SkyMiles as compensation.
There have been rumors of this rule's demise for years, but Delta confirmed to TPG that it's sticking around — with a caveat. There is a new deadline that you should know about.
Travelers used to have a full three days after a flight to request compensation for missing baggage, but that has been substantially reduced to just two hours. A Delta spokesperson told TPG:
"SkyMiles Members whose checked bags do not arrive at the carousel within 20 minutes of any domestic flight are eligible to receive 2,500 miles when they file a claim with Delta. To streamline the process, Delta asks customers to submit those claims utilizing the quick and easy process on delta.com/bag-guarantee no later than two hours after their flight arrives at the gate."
That's a pretty quick turnaround, but I know myself and several others at TPG are just glad it's still around at all. Note: The bag guarantee is only good on domestic itineraries.
The other good news is that it is really easy to submit your claim through Delta's online form in the bag guarantee section of Delta's website. Here's what that form looks like:
Related: I always check a bag — and I'm proud to admit it
Alaska Airlines (and Hawaiian Airlines) also offer a bag guarantee, though it's a bit more difficult to use. For these airlines, you'll need to see an agent at the baggage claim to file for a $25 discount code for use on a future Alaska Airlines flight or 2,500 Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards points.
"In the rare instance that Alaska Airlines doesn't meet the 20-minute guarantee, just get ahold of us at the baggage office within 2 hours of your flight's arrival for your discount code or points. You can simply speak with one of our customer service agents at the airport," the Alaska website says.
As with Delta's guarantee, this guarantee is only good on domestic itineraries. Alaska also has a two-hour time restriction.
Bottom line
Delta's baggage guarantee isn't going anywhere, but you'll now have just two hours to submit your claim.
I'm so happy these bag guarantees appear to be here to stay. American Airlines and United Airlines, take note.
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