Personal Finance News
Delta Updates “20-Minute Bag Guarantee” Luggage Policy
A popular Delta policy is getting an update — but remains mostly intact.
About Delta’s 20-Minute Bag Guarantee and the Adjustment
When Delta SkyMiles members check a bag on a domestic itinerary, the airline guarantees that their luggage will arrive at the baggage claim carousel within 20 minutes of the flight’s arrival at the gate. To back this up, in the event of a delay, passengers can file a claim to earn 2,500 bonus SkyMiles. Previously, flyers had three days (72 hours) from the date of the flight to file. Now, that’s being reduced to just two hours.
This update is now reflected on Delta’s website (which is where customers can file their eligible claim). To file, passengers will need to enter their name, date of departure, departure city, arrival city, confirmation number, and SkyMiles number. Note that flyers must be SkyMiles members at the time of travel in order to qualify for bonus miles. Also, this offer is limited to one per passenger per route (outbound and return) and not per bag.
As for other fine print, as mentioned, the 20-Minute Bag-to-Claim Guarantee only applied to domestic flights (including Puerto Rico). It also only applies to flights operated by Delta Air Lines and Delta Connection carriers. However, codeshare flights may be eligible if the final leg is marketed and operated by Delta. Lastly, oversize or overweight baggage as well as special items are exempt from this offer.
Delta currently charges domestic passengers $35 for their first checked bag (up to 50 lbs) and $45 for a second bag. Those with Delta SkyMiles Silver Medallion status or higher as well as those with the Delta SkyMiles Gold, Delta SkyMiles Platinum, or Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express cards can get their First Bag Free. This perk applies to them and up to eight travel companions on the same itinerary.
What They’re Saying:
In a statement to The Points Guy, a Delta spokesperson reiterated the updated policy, but noted, “To streamline the process, Delta asks customers to submit those claims utilizing the quick and easy process on delta.com/bag-guarantee no later than two hours after their flight arrives at the gate.”
My Thoughts:
Obviously, shortening the window to file from three days to two hours is a pretty drastic change. Nevertheless, I need to give Delta kudos for keeping this program alive. Funny enough, I have a Delta loyalist in my life who checks bags simply because they want the opportunity to earn bonus miles if their bag doesn’t arrive on time. Unfortunately for Delta, he’s racked up several miles as a result (to be fair, he does fly at least once a week).
Apparently, Delta isn’t the only airline that offers such a guarantee either, as Alaska has a similar policy. But the big difference there is that you’ll need to visit the baggage office to file a claim. Put into that context, Delta giving you two hours to do it online still sounds pretty darn generous.
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