Compensation for lost or delayed luggage

AirClaim can help you recover compensation of up to 1,300 EUR for damaged, lost, or delayed luggage by airlines.

Compensation for delayed or lost luggage: Key Aspects

Understanding your rights is essential when claiming compensation for lost luggage. Here’s what you should know if you encounter this scenario!

1. Airlines are responsible for delivering passengers' luggage promptly.
2. In cases of lost, damaged, or delayed luggage, you must file a compensation claim with the airline and purchase essential items as soon as possible.
3. Report the issue to the airline immediately upon reaching your destination. If airline staff is unavailable, submit a claim to the lost and found service, take a photo of the claim, and keep a copy for yourself.
4. Passengers are entitled to reimbursement for essential items bought during luggage delays. Be sure to keep all receipts!
5. Remember, there are specific deadlines for filing claims related to delayed, damaged, or lost luggage.

What to do when your luggage is delayed, damaged, or lost

The anticipation while waiting for your luggage at the carousel can be tense. But what happens if your luggage is delayed, damaged, or even lost?

Definitions to Clarify:

1. Delayed luggage: Your luggage doesn’t arrive at the final destination on time.
2. Lost luggage: Your luggage hasn’t arrived after a certain period. This timeframe varies significantly between airlines (ranging from 5 to 21 days).
3. Damaged luggage: The luggage is damaged either externally or internally.

Why your luggage might be delayed, lost, or damaged:

• Mishandling during transfers;

• Mislabeling or other issues that can arise during baggage transportation.

If your luggage cannot be located in time, airlines offer compensation for essential items.

Steps to take when your luggage is lost, damaged, or delayed: Recommendations

1. Before leaving the airport, ensure you have all relevant documents. Keep your boarding pass, checked baggage receipt, and any other travel documents. These will serve as proof if you need to claim compensation.
2. If you notice your luggage is lost, damaged, or delayed, report the issue immediately to the airport’s Lost & Found office or the airline you traveled with. Reporting deadlines vary by airline, so acting promptly is recommended.
3. Complete a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) or a Damage Report. These documents are crucial in the compensation process, so fill them out carefully, providing all relevant details.
4. Use your claim reference number to check the status of your luggage.
5. Keep receipts for essential items you replaced and list the contents of lost luggage.
6. In the case of damaged luggage, prepare it for inspection before leaving the airport. Airlines will often work with you to find a solution.

What compensation can you receive for lost airline luggage?

The compensation amount for delayed, lost, or damaged luggage varies depending on your travel location.

European Union

The European Union guarantees passenger rights for delayed, damaged, or lost luggage. This applies to both domestic flights with any airline and international flights to or from the EU with any airline.

According to Regulation (EC) No 889/2002, which incorporates the provisions of the Montreal Convention into EU law, airlines are liable for any delayed, damaged, or lost luggage. Passengers can receive compensation of up to 1,300 EUR in such situations.

Additionally, in the context of compensation for canceled flights, the same EU legislation stipulates that passengers are entitled to canceled flight compensation, which may vary depending on the flight distance and the length of the delay.

United Kingdom - Compensation for lost airline luggage

UK law entitles passengers to compensation for lost luggage on both domestic and international flights, with airlines responsible for up to 1,000 pounds.

USA - lost luggage compensation

The US Department of Transportation has set a maximum limit for lost, damaged, or delayed luggage compensation on domestic flights, currently around $3,500 per passenger. However, the actual compensation amount depends on the value of the luggage and its contents.

Canada

Airlines in Canada are liable for lost, damaged, or delayed luggage, with compensation up to 2,350 Canadian dollars.

Documents needed to file a luggage compensation claim

• Contact details

• Detailed description of the luggage and its contents

• Baggage claim stubs

• Boarding passes

• A copy of the damage claim or Property Irregularity Report

• Receipts to support the reimbursement claim

Frequently asked questions & answers

• How long does it take for an airline to deliver luggage?

  Approximately 3 days.

• What to do before filing a claim for damaged, lost, or delayed luggage?

  Report the issue to the airline and check your travel insurance to see if it covers any baggage issues.

• What to do if your luggage is delayed and you have a connecting flight?

  Inform the airline staff at your connecting airport. They may assist in arranging luggage delivery to your final destination if possible.

• Do airlines cover all items in case of damage?

  Airlines may exclude certain items, such as fragile, perishable, or high-value items, from compensation. Policies vary by carrier, so it’s advisable to check with the airline directly to understand what damages are covered.