‘I’ve Done It Twice Now’: Charlotte Woman Goes On $4,000 ‘Shopping Spree.’ Then She Gets American Airlines To Reimburse Her After Flights To Miami, San Diego. Here’s How

What if every time your baggage was delayed, you got to go on a $4,000 shopping spree? For one traveler, that fantasy became reality twice.

A delayed baggage nightmare turned into hours of shopping thanks to an airline reimbursement policy most passengers don’t know exists.

Here’s how you can tap into this policy, too.

Shopping Spree Courtesy Of American Airlines

In a trending video with more than 29,000 views, content creator Lexie (@lexieb93) walked viewers through the exact process she used to get reimbursed for delayed baggage. Though she noted airline staff weren’t always forthcoming with information about the policy.

“I’ve gotten a few questions on how I’ve successfully had American Airlines reimburse me—first time over $3,000, second time over a grand—for delayed baggage,” Lexie said.

Her first experience occurred when she flew into Miami and her baggage was delayed. After going to the customer service baggage area at the airport, a staff member handed her a piece of paper explaining the reimbursement policy.

“He’s like, you can get replacement items, and we will reimburse you up to $3,800. He highlights the number, and I was like, ‘Come again?’ I didn’t believe him. I was like, ‘There’s no way,'” Lexie said.

The employee explained that while certain items, like expensive jewelry, watches, and cameras, couldn’t be reimbursed, everyday necessities like clothes, makeup, and similar items were covered.

Lexie kept all her receipts, submitted them online within the 30-day period, and got reimbursed for about $3,100.

Not So Easy The Second Time Around

When Lexie’s baggage was delayed again in April during a trip to San Diego for a work gala, the customer service representative claimed to have never heard of the reimbursement policy.

“I’ve never heard of that,” the woman told her.

When pressed, the employee responded vaguely, saying “reasonable” would probably be OK.

Since the in-person worker wasn’t being helpful, Lexie contacted American through the app’s chatbot.

“I immediately get a response like, ‘Of course, be sure to keep your receipts, be sure to keep your claim number, and we will reimburse you for any items that you need while your luggage is delayed,'” the person told her.

Plus, she found out the reimbursement limit increased to over $4,000.

Lexie’s Tips For Getting Reimbursed

Here’s Lexie’s advice on what to do if you end up in the same situation:

• Before leaving the airport, file a delayed or lost baggage claim with customer service. This generates a claim number needed to track the case. Keep the bag tag receipt from when the luggage was checked.
  Ask airport staff about the reimbursement policy for replacement items. If they’re not helpful, use the chatbot.
  Keep all receipts, and submit them within 30 days of filing the claim.
• “I bought now probably over $4,500 worth of stuff that American Airlines has paid for, so thank you American Airlines, love you guys,” Lexie says.

Airlines Are Actually Required To Pay You Back

Here’s the thing most travelers don’t know: airlines are legally obligated to compensate you when your bags are delayed.

Under U.S. Department of Transportation regulations, airlines must reimburse passengers for verifiable incidental expenses, we’re talking up to $4,700 per passenger for domestic flights, NerdWallet reported.

Everything Lexie said about the process checks out.

American Airlines typically takes four to six weeks to process reimbursements. And as Lexie discovered, the airline doesn’t always advertise how much you can actually spend, even though the maximum liability follows federal guidelines.

It’s not just American Airlines, either. Alaska and Delta sweetened the deal with bonus miles if your bags take longer than 20 minutes to show up. And if you have a travel credit card, you might be sitting on even more coverage. Some cards offer up to $100 per day for delayed baggage.

Commenters React

“Rest assured is the chat bots favorite phrase,” a top comment read.

“What if you buy everything and they don’t reimburse you,” a person asked.

“Tragically they lost my entire luggage en route to Antarctica and didn’t reimburse me despite me having to drop 4K,” another shared.

“Girl!!! This is amazing!! I would cry if they lost my bag but this makes it better,” a commenter wrote.

BroBible reached out to Lexie for comment via email and TikTok direct message and to American Airlines via