What happens if something is missing from your checked bag?
File a claim with TSA
- Report it to the airline. They are the ones responsible for your baggage. You should be able to file a report without speaking to a person, and they should get back to you. ...
- Report it to the police where you are. They aren't going to do anything about it, but the airline will probably require a police report.
Guns, weapons, hazardous materials or anything deemed illegal are turned over to local law enforcement. Forbidden liquids are immediately disposed of. All other items are either turned over to state agencies or kept by the TSA to be disposed of through sales, destruction or donations to charity.
“Once an airline determines that a bag is lost, the airline is responsible for compensating the passenger for the bag's contents - subject to depreciation and maximum liability limits.”
Only 3% of luggage is actually lost or stolen.
To help you avoid a stressful 'lost luggage' situation, here are the top 4 reasons why luggage gets lost and what you can do to prevent it.
If hazardous materials are found in a passenger's checked baggage, those items are brought to the attention of the airline with which the passenger is booked. Once the airline determines whether the item is permitted or prohibited, TSA officers accept the airline's determination.
This is the responsibility of the airline. The amount you are entitled to will depend on the value of the lost goods. Most airlines will also reimburse you for the bare essentials you may need to buy as a result of delayed luggage. For more information, visit our website.
There are no provisions for returning prohibited items removed from checked baggage. Passengers should contact their airline with further questions about possible hazardous materials.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is required by law to screen every bag that is transported on a commercial aircraft, regardless of whether the bag travels in the cabin of the aircraft as carry-on luggage or if it is checked with the airline.
Airlines usually keep unclaimed luggage around the terminal where it was found for about five days before shipping it to a central warehouse. After about 60 days in storage, carriers donate the bags to charity or sell them to salvage.
Do airlines actually look for lost items?
They either have a lost and found service at destination – if it's one of their hubs – or passed it on to the airport's lost and found. In either case they should be able to tell you where the stuff they find on airplanes is handled.
For domestic flights, the U.S. DOT requires airlines to pay passengers for lost domestic baggage with a cap of $3,800 per passenger. "It doesn't mean you're going to get that," Lipkind said. "It's kind of up to the airline what they're going to give you and it doesn't state a minimum either."

You may file a claim if you are injured or your property is lost or damaged during the screening process. Before clicking the 'File a Claim' button above, please review the list of airports that use private companies in the 'External Claims' section at the bottom of this page.
File a claim with TSA
If the item isn't in lost and found, it's time to file a claim with the TSA. When filing, include as much information as possible—receipts, appraisals, and the information for your flight will all help your claim to be processed in a timely manner.
Checked Baggage Screening
The majority of checked baggage is screened without the need for a physical bag search. Inspection Notices: TSA may inspect your checked baggage during the screening process. If your property is physically inspected, TSA will place a notice of baggage inspection inside your bag.
Luggage theft is becoming more common at airports around the world, and travelers would be wise to take action.
Airlines all have a maximum amount that they will pay you in compensation per piece of luggage regardless of the contents. Buy insurance or check your homeowner insurance to find out whether your policy covers items lost or stolen while you are travelling.
For the safety and security of passengers, the TSA screens all checked luggage. In some cases, the staff checking luggage must open it as part of the screening process. If a bag or suitcase is not locked, TSA staff will simply open it and check its contents.
If you're late to the airport, the airline will have to hurry when processing your luggage. Mistakes can happen and they could accidentally send your luggage to the wrong location or there simply might not be enough time left to get your luggage onboard.
Airlines must pay you when they lose your luggage. However, airlines do not always offer a fair price for losing your baggage or ruining your vacation. Some airlines might deny your claim because of a technical error or if they are suspicious of your claim.
Who pays for stolen luggage?
You have the legal right to claim compensation from the airline if your checked-in luggage is delayed, lost or damaged. You only have the right to claim for a problem with cabin baggage if it's the airline's fault.
You get a compensation of ₹19,000 for domestic and ₹66,000 for international travel if your baggage is declared lost or is not returned within 96 hrs from the time your flight lands.
Airport security staff tend to be very strict when removing dangerous items from luggage, with good reason. For example, TSA guidance is very clear: If prohibited items are found during security checks, they won't be returned to their owners.
The TSA uses x-ray machines to screen carry-on items and checked luggage.
If the lighter is in your checked luggage, your name will be called over the airport PA system. You will be directed to where your suitcase is being held, and you will be asked to open it for inspection. A security officer will examine the contents of your luggage, and they can remove any items they deem a risk.