Lost baggage on Southwest? Here's what to do next

Losing your baggage or missing it while traveling can completely destroy your mood and also cause problems during the journey. Whether you forgot your item on the flight or your checked bag never arrived. Well, worry not because for this scenario, Southwest Airlines has designed a reporting page where you can file your report and get your baggage easily. Passengers can also track their report. 

In this blog, we will discuss the Southwest Airlines lost and found policy in a very simple way. And also know how to report a file, how to check bags, and what the options are if your bag is never recovered. 

How to proceed with Southwest Airlines lost and found? 

The Southwest baggage claim process is very easy and designed with the passengers' comfort in mind. After knowing the process, passengers can act quickly and get their bags early. The first thing to do after discovering that you have left one of your items at the airport or have not received your baggage is to immediately contact the customer service at the airport. 

If you have left the airport without filing a report, you can also file a Southwest lost and found report online. 

It is essential to file the report within 14 days of losing the article. The earlier you file the report, the better the chances of finding the items will be. 

How to file a report with Southwest Airlines? 

It is advised that passengers report the loss of baggage immediately after acknowledging that they have lost the baggage. 

1. If they are at the airport, reach the airport counter of Southwest Airlines and file your report. 
2. If you have left the airport, you can go for the online method or simply contact the Southwest lost and found phone number. 
3. Visit the Southwest lost and found page on your browser.
• Provide your contact information. 
• Flight number and date.
• Seat number.
• And detailed information about the lost item.
4. Please provide accurate information. Passengers have to provide the information while using any mode of contact; this is how the airlines will find your item. 

What is the return process of Southwest Airlines? 

If the airlines find your item, they will send you an email or contact you via call, and provide the item's description to match and complete the Southwest baggage claim process. If they get clarification that the item is your’s, then they will mail you with a shipping checkout link, after which you have to verify your information and pay any charges, if any, to claim your baggage. In some cases, airlines don’t find the bag; these are the options you get in this case:

• Airlines search for the item for 30 days after getting the report. If the item is not found in 30 days, then the airlines will email you and inform you that they are unable to locate the item and the search has ended. 
• If you have lost your carry-on item on the flight, airlines have no responsibility for it, and they will provide no compensation for it either. 
• If you don’t provide your email, you’ll only be contacted by call; however, you’ll not get real-time updates in this scenario. 

What are the options if the checked baggage is delayed or lost? 

Southwest lost item regulations provide that if your checked baggage has been missed or delayed, you can get a claim through the Southwest Airlines baggage claim portal. Here, you can track your items and also claim if the airline has lost your items. Read other regulations also: 

• For damaged baggage, please file the report within 24 hours if traveling domestically and within 7 days if you are traveling internationally. 
• For delayed or lost baggage, please file the report within 4 hours for domestic flights and for international flights within 21 days.
• Once the checked bag is found, it will be delivered by courier, and you can track the delivery online. 
• Southwest will not provide any compensation in case of damage to cosmetic wear and tear, scratches, small dents, or if the bag was over-stuffed. 
• If the bags remain unclaimed for 30 days, the airlines will salvage them and donate them to charity. 
• If you have lost your ID or passport, it will be returned to the government agencies. 

Tips to increase the recovery chances: 

• If the item is lost at the airport, contact the Airport Lost and Found immediately. 
• Make sure that the bag is yours, check the serial number and tag, and ensure they are securely placed. 
• File the report as soon as possible and ensure the information is correct and the provided number and email are active. 
• Check the seats properly and count the items before boarding and leaving the flight.