Losing your items when flying can be frustrating - after all, it ruins your overall experience. But you don’t have to worry as long as you travel with United Airlines. Being one of the largest air carriers in the world, United handles this annoying situation gracefully by offering a dedicated Lost and Found section.

So, if you were traveling with this airline and unfortunately lost your luggage, don’t lose hope, as you are not totally powerless. Turn to the United Airlines Lost and Found section and use strategies that may help you find the lost item or at least minimize the impact of delayed or damaged baggage. Let’s compile step-by-step instructions to contact the airline’s Lost and Found department and track your lost items. Scroll down to know more.

How to Contact the United Lost and Found Department?

Have you missed your baggage on board and are wondering how to track your lost items? Contact the United Lost and Found Department at 1-800-335-2247 and get immediate assistance about your lost/ damaged/ missing baggage.

The service is available in English and Spanish only. If you are calling from Asia Pacific and Europe, please dial 001-866-563-3244, Country Access Code +800-33-55-2247. Use this toll-free number at any point in time and report your lost baggage immediately.

What is United Airlines Lost Baggage Policy?

While United Airlines handles your luggage with care, it still has a dedicated Lost and Found department to settle baggage-related queries. If you are traveling with United Airlines and accidentally lost item, don’t lose your calm. Visit the airline’s Lost & Found center to fix the problem.

  • The airline’s lost baggage policy handles your queries regarding lost, damaged, and delayed items.
  • You can get reimbursed if the airline fails to locate your baggage within a specific period.
  • Travelers can report any problems with their bags in person, online, and over the phone.
  • The airline’s Lost Baggage department gives you a unique file reference number with which you can check your claim status at any time.
  • According to the United Airline Lost and Found policy, Passengers can also file a claim for Reimbursement using their flight confirmation number or the file reference number.
  • You must submit the claims for flights in the US within 45 days of arrival.

How Can I Report Lost Items on the United Airlines Flight?

Nothing is more frustrating than leaving your valuables on the flight. So, if anything has happened to your baggage, don’t panic, and report an issue as soon as possible. The airline understands your emotions and frustration, thus pushing their boundaries to return lost items to you.

Here’s how to report lost items with the United Lost and Found department.

Step 1: Complete a Form

  • If you leave something on a flight, visit the United airline’s official site and locate the airline’s Lost Item Center.
  • Fill out the form and provide a detailed description of the lost item.
  • Make sure you mention every detail, as it helps the airline’s executives find it as soon as possible.
  • Please don’t send multiple emails regarding the same lost item, as this creates confusion and delays the process.

Step 2: Track your Item

  • As soon as you submit the details and complete the form, the airline will send you a confirmation email with a tracking number.
  • You’ll receive a series of updates 2, 3, 13, and 30 days after you report your lost item.
  • Use this number to track the status of your lost item.

Step 3: Wait for Updates

  • The lost and found department of United Airlines tries its best to find your lost item.
  • You’ll get the email once they locate your item on the aircraft. The airline will also inform you if it cannot find the item within 30 days.

How to Report Checked Baggage Issues with United Airlines?

While mishandling is never done on purpose, sometimes, things are not in the airline’s control, resulting in lost or damaged baggage. Travelers can report any problems regarding United Airlines damaged baggage, lost items, or missing luggage online, in person, and over the phone.

Here’s how to report issues with the airline’s lost and found center.

At the airport

If you are still at the airport and wish to report to United Airlines for your lost baggage, follow the instructions below to get immediate help.

  • Go to the airline’s Baggage Service office near the baggage claim area.
  • File a complaint against your lost or damaged bag.
  • Provide them with the complete information.
  • Get the file reference number from the airline’s baggage service office to track the delayed luggage.

After Leaving the airport

In case you’ve left the airport and are wondering how to lodge the complaint, then look no further and dial United Airlines Lost and Found phone number 1-800-335-2247, and share the baggage details.

  • Those in the US, including the US Virgin Islands, Guam, and Puerto Rico, must report within 24 hours of their arrival.
  • If you are outside of the US, you can reach the United Airlines website and report the baggage claim within seven days for damaged bags and within 21 days for delayed or lost baggage.

Can I Request Reimbursement from the United Lost and Found Center?

United Airlines assures reimbursement if it fails to locate your baggage within a specific period. So, if you have lost baggage, follow the steps below and claim reimbursement from United Airlines.

Damaged Bags

  • To seek reimbursement for damaged bags, travelers must provide a valid photo ID and proof of purchase.
  • The airline will then process the reimbursement within 6 - 8 weeks.
  • Please be mindful that the airline won’t cover the existing defect, the bag’s poor quality, overpacking, and ordinary wear and tear.

Lost Bags

  • According to the United Airlines Lost Baggage Policy, the traveler can claim reimbursement for their lost baggage.
  • You must submit the claim within 45 days of arrival for a flight within the US.
  • Reimbursement for any expenses will depend on the proof of claim.
  • Visit the United Airlines site, enter your File Reference Number, Last Name, and First Name, and submit the information to get a lost baggage claim.

Missing Item

  • Travelers must submit proof of their valid ID and upload receipts for their missing items to get reimbursement.
  • United Airlines will then check your lost item and make reimbursements within 6 to 8 weeks

How to Check Your Claim Status with United Airlines?

Once you report your baggage issue to the airline, you can check the claim status at any time. Here’s how to do so.

  • Go to the United Airlines’ official site.
  • Open the Lost and Found section.
  • Scroll down to the “Check Claim Status” option.
  • Search for a claim by using your File Reference Number/  Confirmation Number and Last Name.
  • Click “Check Status” to track your progress.

Summing Up

United Airlines strives to make its travelers’ journey convenient and hassle-free. But there are times when the airline fails to meet customer expectations. If you were flying with United and lost your baggage or left your valuables on the aircraft, fret not and contact United Airlines Lost and Found section for further assistance. The airline’s executives will be there to offer instant support.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of bag issues are handled by the United Lost and Found Department?

United Lost and Found section handles multiple baggage issues, such as damaged bags, missing items, and Delayed and Lost bags.

What is United Airlines' baggage liability limit for Checked Baggage?

United’s liability for damaged, delayed, or lost checked baggage is up to $3,800 per ticketed passenger.

Where should I call if my items got missed during security screening?

Call the TSA contact center at 1-866-289-9673 to file a claim if your items are missed during security screening.

How will your lost item be returned to you?

If the airline finds your lost item, it informs you about the same. You must pay the shipping fee to the airline to get your valuables back.

Can I call someone for special attention?

All travelers are equal for the airline, so you must wait for at least 30 days to get your lost item back. Due to the high volume of calls, the airline’s professional won’t update you on daily basis.