The next time you’re standing at baggage claim watching the carousel spin endlessly, know there’s a simple travel hack that could earn you 2,500 free airline miles (or $25 off your next flight) — and all it takes is setting the timer on your phone.
How to get 2,500 free airline miles
If you’re flying Delta or Alaska Airlines, pay close attention to your baggage claim experience. Both carriers have implemented generous 20-minute baggage policies that work in your favor when things go wrong. If your checked bags don’t appear at baggage claim within 20 minutes of your flight’s arrival at the gate, you’re entitled to compensation. Not within 20 minutes of you getting to baggage claim — within 20 minutes of arrival at the gate! Once your plane pulls up to its destination, set your phone’s timer, and voila! You’re off to the races.
Alaska Airlines will offer you either 2,500 Mileage Plan miles or a $25 discount code toward a future flight. The catch? You must contact their baggage office within two hours of your flight’s arrival to claim your compensation. Delta offers similar compensation but gives you a way more generous three-day window to file your claim. (There are several reasons we love Delta, and this is one of them.)
Both airlines have streamlined the process with easy-to-use online forms, making it simple to get your reimbursement without lengthy phone calls or complicated paperwork. Score.
What about delayed baggage rules?
Federal regulations provide additional protections for delayed baggage that many travelers are unaware of: If your checked bag is significantly delayed, your baggage fees become refundable under specific circumstances.
For domestic flights, you can get your bag fees back if your luggage isn’t delivered within 12 hours of arriving at the gate.
International flights have different thresholds: for flights 12 hours or less, the cutoff is 15 hours. Flights longer than 12 hours allow up to 30 hours before fees become refundable.
The Department of Transportation requires airlines to automatically refund these fees within seven to 20 calendar days once a qualifying delay occurs. You don’t have to fight for it — it’s your legal right.
What about damaged bags?
Damaged luggage presents another opportunity for compensation, though it requires immediate action. Always inspect your bags thoroughly before leaving the airport, as most airlines only give 24 hours or less to report damage. After that window closes, getting reimbursement becomes much more difficult. Once you report damage within the required timeframe, airlines handle reimbursement on a case-by-case basis, typically covering repair costs or replacement value, depending on the extent of the damage.
With just a bit of effort, a few small steps can turn travel frustrations into valuable rewards.