ACC Baggage Handling and Claims Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A passenger's bag arrives with significant damage to a wheel and the retractable handle. According to U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations and the Montreal Convention, which of the following best describes the airline's responsibility?
- The airline is not liable as these are considered normal wear and tear.
- The airline is only liable if the passenger purchased excess valuation insurance.
- The airline must compensate the passenger for the damage, as components like wheels and handles are covered. (Correct answer)
- The airline is only required to provide a generic replacement bag of lesser value.
Correct answer: The airline must compensate the passenger for the damage, as components like wheels and handles are covered.
Both U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations for domestic travel and the Montreal Convention for international travel hold airlines liable for damage to checked baggage, including specific components like wheels, handles, and zippers. Airlines are prohibited from disclaiming liability for such damage and must compensate passengers for repairs or replacement.
Question 2: A passenger reports their bag as delayed upon arrival. The airline agent creates a file in a global, computerized baggage tracing system used by most airlines and airports worldwide. What is this system most commonly called?
- BagConnect
- Global Bag-Track
- AeroTrace
- WorldTracer (Correct answer)
Correct answer: WorldTracer
WorldTracer is a global baggage tracing and management system developed by SITA and IATA. It is used by over 500 airlines and 2,800 airports to track and repatriate mishandled baggage. When a bag is reported missing, an agent creates a file (AHL - Advise if Hold) in the system, which then attempts to match it with found bag reports (OHD - On Hand).
Question 3: Under the Montreal Convention, which governs liability for international flights, a checked bag that has not been delivered within a specific timeframe is considered officially lost, obligating the airline to begin the compensation process. What is this timeframe?
- 7 days
- 14 days
- 21 days (Correct answer)
- 30 days
Correct answer: 21 days
The Montreal Convention stipulates that if a checked bag has been delayed and is not returned to the passenger within 21 days of the arrival date, it is officially declared lost. At this point, the passenger is entitled to claim compensation up to the liability limit.
Question 4: A passenger is flying from Tokyo (NRT) to New York (JFK) with a connection in Los Angeles (LAX) on a single ticket involving two different airlines. According to IATA's 'Most Significant Carrier' (MSC) rule, which airline's baggage allowance and fees will typically apply?
- The airline operating the flight into the final destination (JFK).
- The airline with the most expensive baggage fees.
- The airline operating the first international flight across IATA Traffic Conference areas. (Correct answer)
- The passenger can choose the more favorable baggage policy between the two airlines.
Correct answer: The airline operating the first international flight across IATA Traffic Conference areas.
For international itineraries not touching the U.S. or Canada, the IATA 'Most Significant Carrier' (MSC) rule applies. The MSC is typically the first carrier that crosses from one IATA Traffic Conference Area to another (e.g., from Area 3/Asia to Area 1/North America). That carrier's rules apply for the entire journey segment. However, for itineraries to/from the USA, US DOT rules state the first marketing carrier on the ticket determines the policy for the whole itinerary. In this classic MSC scenario question, the first carrier crossing the major geographical area dictates the rules.
Question 5: When a passenger files a claim for delayed baggage on a domestic U.S. flight, what is the first and most critical document the airline agent should create at the airport?
- A compensation request form.
- A customs declaration.
- A Property Irregularity Report (PIR). (Correct answer)
- An excess baggage receipt.
Correct answer: A Property Irregularity Report (PIR).
The Property Irregularity Report (PIR) is the standard, essential document created when a passenger reports mishandled (delayed, damaged, or lost) baggage at the airport. This report contains all the details of the passenger, flight, and baggage, and it generates a unique reference number used to track the claim and the bag.
Question 6: For a domestic flight in the United States, the Department of Transportation (DOT) sets a maximum liability limit for lost, damaged, or delayed baggage. As of early 2026, what is this maximum amount per passenger?
- $1,780
- $2,500
- $4,700 (Correct answer)
- $5,000
Correct answer: $4,700
The U.S. Department of Transportation periodically adjusts the maximum liability limit for mishandled baggage on domestic flights. The current regulation sets this limit at $4,700 per passenger. Airlines are required to compensate passengers for provable losses up to this amount.
ACC Baggage Handling and Claims Questions and Answers
A passenger's bag arrives with significant damage to a wheel and the retractable handle.
According to U.S.
Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations and the Montreal Convention, which of the following best describes the airline's responsibility?