What Are Your Rights? DOT Rules and Swiss International Air Lines Policy
This is not a favor Swiss International Air Lines is doing you. It is a legal obligation.
For domestic US flights, the Department of Transportation sets a liability cap of $3,800 per passenger as of 2026. That is the ceiling for proven losses, not a flat payout you automatically receive. You need to document what was in the bag and what it was worth.
For international flights, the Montreal Convention governs your claim. The limit sits at roughly $1,700, calculated using Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), which fluctuate with currency exchange rates. Most SWISS routes to and from the US fall under this treaty.
While your bag is delayed, Swiss International Air Lines is required to cover reasonable interim expenses. That means toiletries, a change of clothes, a phone charger if you need one for work. Keep every receipt. "Reasonable" is the operative word, so a $400 jacket probably won't fly, but $60 in basics usually does.
For the full federal framework, see the DOT's official baggage page. For SWISS-specific policy, check the SWISS Baggage Help page.
How Much Compensation Can You Get from Swiss International Air Lines?
The short version: it depends on your route and what you can prove.
| Trip Type |
Governing Rule |
What It Covers |
| US Domestic |
DOT domestic baggage liability (up to $3,800 per passenger) |
Lost, damaged, and delayed bags up to the cap |
| International (most routes) |
Montreal Convention (SDR-based, approx. $1,700) |
Loss, damage, and delay up to the treaty cap |
The cap is per passenger, not per bag. If you and your travel partner both lost luggage, each of you has a separate claim ceiling. Swiss International Air Lines can choose to pay more than the cap, but they are not required to. Most don't.
How to File a Baggage Claim with Swiss International Air Lines: Step by Step
This part happens after the airport, usually 24 hours to 21 days after your flight. This is about getting paid, not just reporting. You will be navigating the SWISS claims portal, uploading receipts, and entering payment details. Take it one step at a time.
