I am not sure what you mean about a "5 day rule." If you checked a bag and it did not turn up in baggage claim, Southwest requires that you report it within 4 hours of arriving at your destination. Did you do this? https://www.southwest.com/html/generated/help/faqs/baggage_faq.html If your baggage has been lost, damaged, or delayed, you must report this, in person, at the Southwest Airlines Baggage Service Office within four hours of your arrival at your destination. The Southwest Airlines Baggage Service Office is located in the baggage claim area or the ticket counter at the airport. Additionally, if you can't find your bag at baggage claim: Go to the Southwest Airlines Baggage Service office located in the airport baggage claim area or at the ticket counter to report your delayed bag. The Southwest Airlines Baggage Service Agent will create a report and provide you with a receipt of this report. You will then receive updates regarding the status of your bag. We also provide a phone number that you can call to follow up on the status yourself. --Jessica
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