Delayed Baggage

What to do if your baggage does not arrive

Airlines carry hundreds of millions of people and their baggage every year. In general, the aviation industry is highly efficient at handling baggage, and the rate of delayed baggage drops every year. However, several factors can still cause your baggage to be delayed, many of them beyond the control of the airline or the airport (security screening, weight restrictions on the flight, etc.)

If, upon arriving at Guadalajara Airport, your baggage does not arrive with you, it is important to file a report before leaving the baggage claim area. Every airline assigns a representative to meet the flight and handle any baggage irregularity. Due to internal policies, some airlines will not open a delayed baggage report once you have left the baggage claim area, and if they do it will be as a courtesy, which means that when the bag is found you may have to come back to the airport to pick it up. If you file your report on time, the airline will usually deliver the delayed baggage to your address free of charge. If your baggage did not arrive and you cannot find anyone to help you in the baggage claim area, we recommend contacting the airline by phone for instructions

If Guadalajara is not your place of residence, the airline may authorize a certain amount of money for you to buy essential items until you recover your baggage. Amounts depend on the airline, your itinerary and how long you are without your baggage. Keep the receipts for your purchases and ask an airline representative about the reimbursement procedure.

What if my delayed baggage is never found?

Airline baggage service offices at airports usually search for your baggage for 3 to 5 days. If it is not found within that time, they escalate your case to their central baggage office, which will keep trying to locate it for another 2 to 4 weeks. If your baggage is not found, you may claim compensation. For international itineraries, compensation is calculated under the international conventions on the matter, to which Mexico is a signatory. If your flight was domestic, compensation is calculated according to the General Aviation Law.