The Timer Hack Every Delta & Alaska Airlines Passenger Should Know

If you’re a frequent traveler, you know how important it is to save time and maximize your flying experience. But what if you could actually earn bonus miles by using a simple trick?

Here, Erika Kullberg, a lawyer known for revealing little-known consumer rights on her Instagram account, shares a powerful hack for Delta and Alaska Airlines passengers that could help you rack up an extra 2,500 miles:

Set Your Timer as Soon as You Land

Imagine this: your flight just touched down, the plane has taxied to the gate, and you're waiting for your luggage at baggage claim. You wish you'd whipped out your phone and set a timer. Why? Because if you're flying with Delta or Alaska Airlines, they have a baggage delay policy that can work to your advantage.

“Hi, my bag just came out but we landed more than 20 minutes ago,” is the phrase you’ll need when speaking to an airline representative.

The 20-Minute Rule for Bonus Miles

Both Delta and Alaska Airlines have a policy that promises your checked luggage will arrive at baggage claim within 20 minutes of landing. If they fail to meet this deadline, the airlines will credit your account with 2,500 bonus miles. It’s that simple—if your bag doesn’t appear within the 20-minute window, you are eligible for compensation.

Erika demonstrates this in action: “Well, your terms and conditions say that if my bag doesn’t come out in 20 minutes or less, you’ll credit my account with an extra 2,500 miles.”

Fact-Checking Erika's Hack

Erika Kullberg advises passengers to start their timer as soon as the plane lands. However, some passengers reported that this timer only starts when the plane doors open and others still when you get to the gate.

So when does the timer start?

From our research, the timer starts when the plane is locked into the gate on arrival. Obviously, your bags can't start the process of being unloaded while it's taxiing from the runway.

Does This Hack Work?

According to the comments on Erika's Instagram Reel, yes! And people have used it in the past. Some employees of the airlines also confirmed this rule is correct and the hack works too:

• kristy.miller4414: "Thanks! Just got 5000 from this past trip!"
• nicolenevernicki: "Thanks!! Used for the first time last week!"
• erinhr16: "It’s true I work for Alaska but it isn’t offered in every city."

The Power of Knowing the Fine Print

It’s common for passengers to be unaware of these kinds of policies, but knowing the fine print can make a big difference. Erika points out that many airlines have hidden gems in their terms and conditions that benefit the passengers, but only if you know to ask.

Save This Hack for Your Next Flight

Don’t miss out on easy bonus miles the next time you fly with Delta or Alaska Airlines. Set your timer, know your rights, and speak up if your luggage takes longer than 20 minutes to arrive. By doing so, you could walk away with extra miles for your next trip.

Stay informed, and make the most of your travel experience with this clever timer hack!

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