Are you standing at the baggage carousel, but your suitcase never shows up? Or did you receive your belongings back with torn handles and cracked shells? Under US DOT regulations and international aviation law, the airline is liable. However, you must act immediately: There are extremely strict and short reporting deadlines for luggage issues. Use our free generator to create a claim letter to JetBlue Airways Corporation now.
Editorially verified on: 07/05/2026
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Compare the best (free) travel credit cardsDepending on your travel route, your baggage rights are protected by two powerful legal frameworks. For domestic flights within the United States, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) strictly mandates under Title 14 CFR Part 254 that airlines like JetBlue Airways Corporation are liable for verifiable baggage loss, delay, or damage up to $3,800 per passenger. For international flights, the Montreal Convention applies, capping liability at roughly 1,288 Special Drawing Rights (SDR), which equates to about $1,700 per passenger. Regardless of the route, airlines are strictly liable for the mishandling of checked baggage.
If you arrive at your vacation destination and your suitcase is missing, you are permitted to purchase essential items at the expense of JetBlue Airways Corporation (referred to as incidental expenses). The main legal principle here is the duty to mitigate damages. This means you cannot go on a luxury shopping spree. Reimbursements cover items absolutely necessary for the purpose of your trip. This includes toiletries (toothbrush, shampoo), underwear, and appropriate clothing (e.g., a replacement suit for an urgent business meeting or a swimsuit for a beach vacation). Keep all receipts safe and claim the expenses back using our template.
If your luggage does not turn up even after an intensive search, it is legally considered lost (total loss) after exactly 21 days. From day 21, you have the right to claim the full value (accounting for depreciation) of the suitcase and the entire contents from JetBlue Airways Corporation, up to the maximum liability limit. It is best to create a detailed packing list from memory and attach any old purchase receipts if available.
If you arrive home (at your primary residence) and the suitcase is missing, you are generally not allowed to make emergency purchases at the airline's expense. Airlines and the DOT assume you have sufficient clothes and toiletries in your closet at home. However, any permanent damage or the total loss of the suitcase will still be fully compensated.
Ideally, you still have the purchase receipts for the suitcase or the valuable items inside. However, JetBlue Airways Corporation will usually apply a deduction for depreciation (wear and tear over the years of use). If the suitcase is physically destroyed, it is best to get a local luggage shop to confirm in writing that a repair is not economically viable.
No, never send original purchase receipts to the airline by mail! Always attach legible copies or scans to your claim letter. The airline is required to accept copies. Keep the originals safe at home in case you need to file a formal complaint with the DOT or pursue legal action.
JetBlue Airways is headquartered in Long Island City, New York, with major operations centered on New York's JFK Airport and Boston Logan. JetBlue publishes a formal Customer Bill of Rights that goes beyond baseline DOT requirements, promising cash or credit compensation for controllable delays and cancellations. The airline is also bound by standard DOT rules on denied boarding compensation and ticket refunds, and by the Montreal Convention for baggage issues on international itineraries. If JetBlue does not resolve a complaint satisfactorily, travelers can file with the DOT.
Our guides and generators are based on strict analysis of current DOT regulations, federal laws, and the Montreal Convention.
They are developed by Marc (Project Lead) & Team to empower travelers to enforce their rights securely against airlines and travel agencies.
Important Note: Our tools provide help-for-self-help regarding flight delays, hotel issues, or baggage claims. They do not replace individual legal counsel from an attorney.
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