Lost, Delayed, or Damaged Baggage
U.S. Department of Transportation · checked 2026-10-04
The app uses the figures and rules named on that page. It does not replace the page.
travel · official figure · reviewed 2026-10-04
Compare a Domestic Baggage Loss with the $4,700 Cap
On a domestic flight, an airline may limit baggage liability at $4,700 per passenger. It does not have to pay more than the proven loss.
What this guide helps you do
Compare a documented domestic baggage loss and an airline offer with the $4,700 DOT limit.
The figure that changes the result
The cap is a ceiling, not a check for $4,700. The gap is the capped loss minus the offer.
Reading the DOT baggage page and subtracting the offer takes about 20 minutes. People often demand $4,700 when the proven loss is lower.
Who this is for
A passenger with a delayed, lost, or damaged bag on a U.S. domestic flight.
Steps
Step 1
List the bag and contents with purchase prices and age.
Step 2
Use the domestic tool only for a domestic itinerary.
Step 3
Cap the proven loss at $4,700.
Step 4
Subtract the airline offer.
Step 5
Send the proof. Depreciation can reduce the proven loss.
Worked example
A $5,000 proven loss is capped at $4,700. An offer of $1,000 leaves a gap of $3,700. The $300 above $4,700 is not required.
The offer is $3,700.00 under the capped loss.
- Proven loss: $5,000.00.
- Amount inside the cap: $4,700.00.
- Airline offer: $1,000.00.
- Gap: $3,700.00.
DOT allows an airline to limit domestic baggage liability at $4,700 per passenger. It does not have to pay more than the proven loss.
Where this goes wrong
Do not use $4,700 for an international trip. Do not use it for a wheelchair. Assistive devices on domestic flights use the purchase price, not this cap.
What the source says
Limits
Airlines may exclude some items in the contract of carriage for domestic travel.
The tool does not apply depreciation.
It does not file a complaint.
This tool gives general information. It is not legal advice. Laws differ by state and change. Check the result with a licensed attorney or a legal aid office before you act.
Use the current instruction from the agency named above. This guide is a planning aid, not an official decision.
Free companion app
Compare a documented domestic baggage loss and an airline offer with the $4,700 DOT limit.
Open Subtract the Offer from the DOT Cap
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This guide uses short, direct instructions as an ASD-STE100-style writing target. It is not a formal certification.