Lost, Delayed, or Damaged Baggage — assistive devices
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.
accessibility · official figure · reviewed 2026-10-04
Compare an Assistive-Device Loss with Airline Liability
On a domestic flight, airline liability for a lost or damaged wheelchair or other assistive device is the original purchase price. The $4,700 baggage cap does not apply.
What this guide helps you do
Subtract the airline offer from the original purchase price of an assistive device.
The figure that changes the result
A $20,000 device is a $20,000 domestic liability. The baggage cap does not cut it to $4,700.
Calling the airline and being quoted the baggage cap takes a long call. DOT's own example is a $20,000 device.
Who this is for
A passenger whose wheelchair or other assistive device was lost or damaged on a domestic flight.
Steps
Step 1
Find the original purchase record for the device.
Step 2
Use this tool for a domestic flight.
Step 3
Subtract the airline offer from that price.
Step 4
Do not accept the $4,700 baggage cap as the limit.
Step 5
Send the purchase record with the claim.
Worked example
A domestic device bought for $20,000, with an offer of $4,700, has a shortfall of $15,300. DOT says the airline is liable for the $20,000 purchase price.
The offer is $15,300.00 under the original purchase price.
- Original purchase price: $20,000.00.
- Airline offer: $4,700.00.
- Shortfall: $15,300.00.
- Domestic baggage cap of $4,700: not used.
On domestic flights, airline liability for a lost or damaged assistive device is the original purchase price. The $4,700 baggage cap does not apply.
Where this goes wrong
An international itinerary is not priced here. A baggage-contents claim is a different tool. Do not use fair-market value if the DOT domestic rule uses the purchase price.
What the source says
Limits
The tool does not decide repair versus replacement.
It does not apply the Montreal Convention.
Keep the purchase record. The tool does not store it.
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
Subtract the airline offer from the original purchase price of an assistive device.
Open Subtract the Offer from the Device Price
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This guide uses short, direct instructions as an ASD-STE100-style writing target. It is not a formal certification.