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The Traveler’s Nightmare: Delayed Baggage

Let’s face it: travel can be stressful enough without adding lost or delayed luggage into the mix. We’ve all been there, staring at that empty baggage carousel, a sinking feeling washing over us as everyone else happily collects their belongings. Waiting at baggage claim can delay the start of your trip, and careless bag handlers could damage your luggage. The worst by far, though, is when your luggage isn’t there when you finally reach your destination. Even if the airline can tell you the location of your luggage, it still may take a while to be reunited with your bag. And while airlines sometimes offer paltry reimbursements for essential items, navigating that process can be a headache. Luckily, there’s a solution I’ve relied on countless times: credit cards with baggage delay protection. By simply using the right credit card to pay for your flight, you unlock a valuable benefit that can save you time, money, and a whole lot of frustration.

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What is Baggage Delay Protection, Really?

Essentially, baggage delay protection is a perk offered by select credit cards that reimburses you for the cost of essential personal and business items while you wait for your checked bag. We’re talking about things like a change of clothes, toiletries, and other necessities you might need while you’re stranded without your luggage. To clarify, a common carrier is a company that transports any public passenger who pays a fare or buys a ticket and provides service on a regular schedule; common carrier examples include planes, trains, ferries and cruise ships. It’s a lifesaver when you’re stuck in a new city with nothing but the clothes on your back!

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Deciphering What’s Covered

Now, what exactly can you claim under baggage delay protection? Generally, you can expect coverage for items you need immediately because your bag is delayed. I’m talking about necessities like a change of clothes, toiletries, and maybe even some basic business essentials if you’re traveling for work. Of course, the specifics vary depending on the credit card, so always check your card’s benefits guide for the fine print.

For example, Chase cards often have exclusions. I’ve learned the hard way that you can’t claim expenses for things like hearing aids, artificial teeth, tickets, documents, money, securities, jewelry, cameras, or recreational equipment. These are definitely items you should pack in your carry-on bag!

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Activating Your Coverage: It’s Easier Than You Think

The best part about baggage delay protection is how easy it is to activate. Generally, you simply need to pay for some portion of your common carrier fare – typically your airline ticket – with your eligible credit card or by redeeming points associated with the card. In many cases, even paying the taxes and fees on an award ticket with your credit card counts as paying for part of the flight! That’s why I always ensure that I use a card that provides benefits even when I redeem miles or points.

However, be aware of one common restriction: many cards don’t offer baggage delay protection if your bag is delayed on your return trip to your primary residence. Keep that in mind when deciding which card to use for your trip home.

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My Go-To Credit Cards for Baggage Delay Protection

So, which credit cards offer this valuable perk? Here’s a breakdown of some of my favorites. Keep in mind that most of these cards provide reimbursement up to $100 per day for up to five days, but the specific terms can vary:

* Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: This is one of my top recommendations because it offers comprehensive travel insurance benefits, including baggage delay protection, at a reasonable annual fee. * Chase Sapphire Reserve®: If you’re a frequent traveler, the Reserve offers even more robust benefits and higher coverage limits, making it a worthwhile investment. * Aer Lingus Visa Signature® Card: This card is for those who specifically fly Aer Lingus regularly. * Aeroplan® Credit Card: For those who regularly fly Air Canada, this card is a great option. * British Airways Visa Signature® Card: This card is a good option for those who frequently fly British Airways. * Iberia Visa Signature® Card: This is a great option for those who fly Iberia often. * IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card: If you’re a frequent guest at IHG hotels, this card provides excellent rewards and travel protections. * Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card: This card is perfect for business owners who want to earn points on travel and other business expenses while also enjoying travel insurance benefits. * Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card: Southwest flyers should consider this card for its baggage delay coverage and other perks specific to the airline. * Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card: Another excellent choice for Southwest enthusiasts, offering a good balance of rewards and benefits. * Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card: A solid option for Southwest business travelers seeking a mix of rewards and travel protection. * Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card: For frequent Southwest flyers, this card offers valuable points and baggage delay protection. * Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card: This card is a top pick for Southwest loyalists who want the most comprehensive benefits and rewards. * United℠ Business Card: United flyers can benefit from this card’s baggage delay coverage and other airline-specific perks. * United Club℠ Card: This premium card offers access to United Clubs and comprehensive travel benefits, including baggage delay protection. * United℠ Explorer Card: An excellent choice for occasional United flyers who want to earn miles and enjoy travel protections. * United Quest℠ Card: This card provides a balance of rewards and benefits for United flyers, including baggage delay coverage. * World of Hyatt Credit Card: Hyatt enthusiasts will appreciate this card’s hotel points and travel insurance benefits, including baggage delay protection.

Also, note that the AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard® provides baggage delay insurance if your bag is delayed for 12 hours or more. You’ll receive up to $100 per day for up to three days.

Keep in mind that most of the cards listed above also have these restrictions:

* Coverage is secondary, so you’ll need to file claims with the airline and any other sources (such as travel insurance) first * Immediate family is covered even if you book a ticket for them with your card but aren’t traveling with them * Coverage isn’t provided when your destination is your permanent residence

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Filing a Claim: What You Need to Know

So, your bag is delayed, and you need to file a claim. What do you do? Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Notify the Airline: Before leaving the airport, file a report with the airline’s baggage services desk. Get a copy of the report, including a reference or tracking number. 2. Gather Documentation: Get written confirmation from the airline about the delay and their efforts to locate your bag. If the airline offers any reimbursement, get details on how to file that claim as well. 3. Keep Receipts: Save original, itemized receipts for all essential items you purchase while your baggage is delayed. If you’re buying non-covered items, pay for them separately to avoid confusion. 4. Delivery Documentation: Keep any paperwork you receive when your delayed bag is finally delivered, as it proves the time of delivery.

Once you have all your documents, check your credit card’s benefits guide or call the number on the back of your card to start the claim process. Act quickly, as there’s usually a limited time frame to file a claim. For example, with eligible Chase credit cards, you typically have 20 days from the delay to file a claim notice.

After filing the initial notice, you’ll receive a “Proof of Loss” form that you need to return with your receipts and other documentation within 90 days of the delay. Keep in mind that approved claims can take up to 60 days to be paid.

Finally, if you’re flying Alaska Airlines or Delta Air Lines, don’t forget to file a claim for bonus miles if your bag doesn’t reach baggage claim within 20 minutes of arrival.

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The Bottom Line: Travel Smarter, Not Harder

While baggage delay insurance is unfortunately still relatively uncommon among credit cards, the good news is that many excellent cards offer this protection. Booking your flight with a credit card that offers a delayed baggage benefit can provide peace of mind and financial protection in case your luggage goes astray.

The most important thing is to check your card’s guide to benefits for the specific details of its baggage delay protection. That way, you’ll know exactly what to do and what you’re entitled to if your luggage is delayed on a future trip. Safe travels!