Atlanta Airport Delayed Baggage Guide

ATL Airport Delayed Baggage Guide: What to Do

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is one of the busiest airports in the US and the world. It’s a major hub for domestic and international flights and sees millions of passengers and their bags every year. With that many people coming and going, it’s no surprise bags get delayed and passengers get frustrated. But knowing what to do when your bag is delayed will save you time and stress.

What Should I Do if my Luggage is Delayed at Atlanta Airport?

It can be stressful to discover that your luggage hasn't been delivered, especially if you are in a busy and large airport such as ATL Airport. It's important to act fast and follow the correct procedures in order to retrieve your luggage as quickly as possible. Here is what you should do as soon as you realize your luggage has been delayed.

#1. Go to the Airport's Baggage Service Office

If you believe that your luggage is lost or delayed, the first thing you should do is contact the airline or visit the airport's baggage services office. At  ATL, each airline has its own baggage claim policy. The baggage claim areas are in two locations. Staff are trained to help you locate your luggage if it is delayed or lost.

Tip: Do not leave the airport until you have reported the problem. The earlier you report the issue, the quicker the airline can begin the search.

Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport (ATL) Baggage Claim Location

Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport has two baggage claim areas, one in Concourse F (connected to other concourses) and the other on Concourse E. They work 24/7.

ATL Airport Baggage Claim Phone Number and Other Details

Passengers can call the ATL Airport baggage claim department with any questions they may have about luggage. The staff members offer the support required to get your luggage back. Here are the contact details for the Baggage claim:

#2. Report Delayed Baggage & Fill Out A Property Irregularity Report

The staff will ask that you fill out a Property Irregularity Report, which is an official document that documents the details of any delayed baggage. The PIR includes essential information, such as:

• You will need to know your flight details (flight date and time, flight number)
• Description of your luggage (color, brand, and any special features)
• Baggage tag number(s)
• Contact information (including phone number and email address)

The PIR will serve as an official record to track your luggage. Double-check all the information to avoid delays.

#3. Request a Reference Number and Keep the Receipt

The airline will give you a PIR reference number after filing it. You will need this number to communicate with customer service and track the status of your luggage. Also, ensure you get a copy or receipt of the claim, as this will serve as proof. This information should be kept safe until your luggage has been returned.

#4. Contact Information

At the baggage office, be sure to confirm your contact information with an airline representative. Provide valid phone and email numbers where they may reach out; additionally, inform them if you will be staying in a hotel or another location so they may arrange delivery of luggage if required. By providing accurate contact details quickly communication between yourself and them should remain fast.

#5. Find out if You're Eligible for an Immediate Basics Kit

Certain airlines provide complimentary amenity kits to passengers whose baggage has been delayed. These kits typically contain essential toiletries like soap and shampoo to assist passengers through any initial period without their luggage - ask your airline's baggage office if this service is offered and ask them if a kit could help ease discomfort until your bags arrive. You may be reimbursed for essential purchases by some airlines. Ask about their policy, and keep any receipts.

#6. Online Baggage Tracking

Many airlines offer online baggage tracking that allows passengers to track their delayed luggage in real time. You can ask the airline representative whether such a service exists and request instructions or a link. The tracking system usually requires the reference number from your PIR to receive updates.

Tip: Download the mobile app of your airline to get real-time updates on your luggage status. This is especially useful if you are on the go.

#7. Follow up with the Airline Baggage Services

After filing your complaint with an airline, it's crucial that you follow up regularly with them. While they do make every attempt at returning passengers' bags quickly and expediting this process as much as possible. Staying proactive and keeping in touch will only speed things along further. Check the status of baggage using the PIR reference number. Call the airline's baggage center if you don't receive an update in 24 hours.

ATL Airlines Delayed Baggage Policies

As soon as it comes to baggage delays, every airline has different rules and guidelines that should be observed. Becoming acquainted with their policies will allow for an improved understanding of rights and options for compensation.

Airlines like Delta and United will compensate you if your baggage is delayed for more than 24 hours; such airlines as these offer compensation policies that provide these benefits. American Airlines offers reimbursements up to a certain amount for essential purchases. Keep all receipts relating to expenses due to baggage delays.

The majority of airlines at ATL provide free baggage delivery service for delayed bags. This is especially true for domestic flights. Ask the baggage office if the airline will deliver the luggage at no additional cost to your destination, home, or hotel address if your bag is delayed.

Delta Airlines 

Notify one of the DELTA representatives if your bags are late. You will receive a file number that you can use to make claims or ask questions about your items. If your checked bags are delayed more than 12 hours, you may be entitled to a Bag Fee Rebate.

If you paid Delta for your checked bag and you had at least one Delta flight, then you could be eligible for a refund in the form of an electronic travel voucher. You must have paid the fee for the bag which has been delayed to be eligible for a rebate. ETCVs are issued for each paid item that is delayed. For example, if multiple bags were checked and one bag was delayed, an ETCV would be given for the first bag. You can expect to receive an ETCV if two bags are late.

American Airlines

Report delayed baggage for flights within the U.S.

• Within 4 hours of arriving at your destination
• Within 12 hours of arriving if you used Bags VIP Luggage Delivery

For international flights, report delayed bags upon arriving at your destination and before leaving the airport.

You will be reimbursed for reasonable and necessary items that you require immediately when you are away from home, without your bag. Send the following information within 30 days after your delay to be reimbursed:

• You 13-character file ID
• Copy of your baggage claim check and ticket receipt
• Original, dated, and itemized receipts

The final settlement will be reduced if the bag is not found.

Different airlines have different timelines to process delayed baggage claims. Delta and American Airlines aim to resolve baggage delays within 24 hours. Other airlines may take longer. These timelines will help you plan and set expectations.