One of the most unpleasant situations passengers can face is lost or damaged baggage. Although airlines try to avoid such incidents, passengers often find themselves dealing with lost or damaged luggage.
But did you know that the law is on your side? Did you know that you are entitled to compensation?
In this article, we will explain what you need to do.
As soon as you realize your baggage is missing, head to the “Lost & Found” desk and file a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). This is one of the key documents. Make sure to keep a copy of the PIR – without it, it will be difficult to prove that your baggage was lost or delayed.
Within a certain period (usually 7 days for damaged baggage and 21 days for lost baggage), you need to submit a written complaint to the airline. In your complaint, you should describe the damage or the missing baggage in detail and include a copy of the PIR, boarding pass, baggage receipt, and any other relevant documents. Most airlines offer online baggage tracking systems, and in most cases, you will receive information within 48 hours about the location of your baggage.
What costs are covered for delayed baggage?
If your suitcase does not arrive with you, you are entitled to reimbursement for emergency expenses. Emergency expenses include clothing, toiletries, medications, and other essential items. Keep all receipts – they will be used to file a compensation claim with the airline. The deadline for submitting a claim is typically 21 days from receiving your baggage.
What should you do if your baggage is not found?
If after 21 days your baggage has not been located, it is considered lost. When this happens, the airline is required to compensate you. Under the Montreal Convention, compensation can reach up to 1,288 Special Drawing Rights (SDR), approximately 1,500–1,600 euros, but the exact amount depends on the proven value of the contents of the baggage and any damages. If you have travel insurance, you may receive additional compensation. If your luggage contained valuable items, you will need to provide proof of their value, such as receipts, invoices, etc.
What if your suitcase is damaged?
If your suitcase arrives damaged, you have the right to request its repair from the airline. If it cannot be repaired, you are entitled to a replacement. It is important to know that the deadline for submitting a claim in this case is 7 days from receiving the damaged baggage.
Regardless of the situation, it is crucial to adhere to the airline’s deadlines to be entitled to compensation. When submitting a claim to the airline, you must include a copy of your boarding pass and baggage tag, the PIR report filled out at the airport, receipts or photos proving the contents of the baggage, and receipts for any emergency expenses in the case of delayed baggage.
At Expertissimo, our team has extensive experience with the application of Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004 and the Montreal Convention. We have helped many of our clients, air travelers, obtain compensation. If the airline refuses to fulfill its obligations or delays the payment of your claim, we can assist you with:
- Legal advice regarding your rights
- Drafting the complaint or claim against the airline
- Assisting you in negotiations with the airline so you don’t have to worry about anything
- If the airline refuses to pay the amount due, we can assist you with legal action, including court proceedings
Helpful advice from Expertissimo
- It is advisable to purchase baggage insurance before traveling, which can cover a higher value than the maximum compensation provided by the Montreal Convention.
- Do not place valuable items, money, jewelry, electronic devices, and documents in your checked baggage. Keep them in your carry-on bag.
- Take pictures of your baggage before traveling. Photos can serve as evidence of the condition of your baggage before the flight.
04/04/2025
