What should I do about lost or delayed baggage involving American Airlines?

Report the bag problem to American Airlines as soon as possible and keep the report number, baggage tag and receipts. Use the airline's official tracker or claim process for the next step.

What to do next

  1. Create or locate the report

    Use American's official delayed-or-damaged baggage flow and save the 13-character file reference.

  2. Match the baggage tag

    Keep the bag tag with the traveler and trip details used in the report.

  3. Preserve expense records

    Retain relevant receipts without assuming reimbursement before American reviews them.

  4. Separate tracking from a claim

    Follow the reported case first, then use only the claim step American provides for that outcome.

More booking questions

Why is American's 13-character file reference important?

American uses the 13-character file reference for delayed or damaged baggage tracking, so preserve it exactly.

Confirm before booking

  • Confirm for this trip: Create or locate the report.

Checked againstAmerican delayed or damaged baggage

Which American baggage records should be kept together?

Keep the file reference, baggage tag and relevant receipts together for follow-up.

Confirm before booking

  • Confirm for this trip: Match the baggage tag.

Checked againstAmerican delayed or damaged baggage

Is tracking an American bag the same as filing a later claim?

No. First track the reported case; any later claim depends on the issue, trip and American's current process.

Confirm before booking

  • Confirm for this trip: Preserve expense records.

Checked againstAmerican delayed or damaged baggage

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