Baggage sent to the wrong carousel? Here’s how you could benefit
Many TPGers only travel with carry-on bags and refuse to check luggage. But for longer trips, it's sometimes hard to avoid checking a bag. (As far as I’m concerned, it’s basically why Apple AirTags were invented.)
Airlines have vastly improved their technology, so you can follow your checked bag's progress during travel and receive alerts about what luggage carousel it will land at. However, if you have recently checked a bag, you may have noticed an odd trend: The listed carousel number is often wrong.
So when does this become an actual issue and not just an inconvenience? Here's what you need to know.
What’s going on with baggage carousels?
If you’ve played this game of “luggage roulette," you probably waited for what felt like an incredibly long (like a nail-biting, is-my-bag-ever-going-to-appear long) time, only to find your bag circling on an endless loop on another carousel. You are not alone, though.
In a brief TPG Lounge poll on Facebook, we identified 16 airports where readers recently had this experience. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Ronal Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) all appeared as repeat offenders.
"This just happened last Tuesday at EWR. The announcement, app and the carousel sign were incorrect," one TPG Lounge member told us. As someone who flies out of Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) way too often, I can add that this has happened to me recently, too; United Airlines finally got my bag to me after a lengthy 45-minute delay.
Another TPG Lounge member who works at an airline gave us this inside bit of information: “As an airline employee in Denver, we usually send up the luggage on the announced and posted carousel. Every now and then we have to use a different one right next door. The reason usually is because another airline is blocking where we drop-off the bags.”
While this makes sense, the frequency with which we’ve been seeing this discrepancy makes us wonder if there’s some way to get compensated for our time (and our agita when we’re staring at an empty carousel).
Related: Lost vs. delayed baggage: How are they different and how do you protect yourself?
Do airlines offer bag guarantees?
The answer is, well, sometimes. In the case of two airlines, you can be rewarded for standing at the right carousel when your bags don't show up — if you’ve been waiting long enough.
Both Delta Air Lines and Alaska Airlines offer a guarantee for you to be reunited with your luggage. If your bags are not at the carousel within 20 minutes of your flight arrival time, you'll be entitled to 2,500 miles in compensation. (Alaska also offers the option of a $25 discount code for use on future Alaska flights; however, since Alaska miles are worth 1.45 cents each according to TPG's January 2025 valuations, you'd be much better off taking the 2,500 miles, which are currently worth $36.25.)
While you're waiting for your bag, set a stopwatch. Once you hit 20 minutes, you can proceed to claim your miles.
For Delta, you can submit the claim online — just have your travel details, including your confirmation number, on hand. The app will confirm that you were waiting past the 20-minute promised time. Then, visit the claim submission page, enter your information within three days of your flight's arrival and click "Submit." If approved, the bonus miles could take up to two weeks to post. (Note that there are some fine-print rules.)
The process is different for Alaska. There's no online submission option, so you must speak to an Alaska baggage agent at the airport within two hours of your flight's arrival to submit a claim. If you think you're eligible, make sure you don't leave the airport before speaking to someone. As I mentioned earlier, you're also not obligated to select the miles — a $25 nontransferable voucher (redeemable on the airline's website) is also an option. If you do select the miles, though, they should post within three days. You can view the full terms online.
Bottom line
Checked bags are a booming revenue stream for airlines — U.S.-based carriers collected almost $33 billion in fees in 2023 alone. But, as many of us discover the hard way, a checked bag doesn't always end up where it's supposed to be. Although having a suitcase waylaid to another carousel is more frustrating than trip-ruining, it can still be a stressful and time-consuming event.
If you're flying Delta or Alaska and your bags go to a different carousel than they're supposed to, you may be able to receive compensation (if they take more than 20 minutes to arrive). This policy is great for travelers, and it's a serious incentive to check your bag (especially if you can do so for free). Additionally, having a clear time constraint like this makes it easier for airline employees to provide top-rate service and hopefully get your bag to the correct carousel before you become loopy.
Related reading:
- Tips to help keep an airline from losing your luggage
- Why you should always check your bag tag at check-in
- 7 steps to take when an airline loses your luggage
- Best Delta credit cards
- Delta Medallion status: What it is and how to earn it
- Best Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan sweet spot redemptions you can book
- Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
- The best credit cards to reach elite status
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.