Compensation for Lost or Delayed Luggage
AirClaim can help you recover up to €1,300 in compensation for luggage that is damaged, lost, or delayed by the airline.
Compensation for Delayed or Lost Luggage: Key Points
Knowing your rights is particularly important when you want to claim compensation for lost luggage. Here is some useful information if you face such a scenario!
- Airlines are responsible for delivering passengers' luggage in a timely manner.
- If your luggage is lost, damaged, or delayed, you must file a compensation claim with the airline and purchase essential items as soon as possible.
- File a complaint with the airline as soon as you arrive at your destination. If there is no airline staff present, file the complaint with the lost and found service. Take a photo of the complaint and keep a copy for yourself.
- Passengers have the right to request reimbursement for essential items purchased during the luggage delay. Make sure to keep all receipts!
- Be aware that there are specific deadlines for filing compensation claims in the case of delayed, damaged, or lost luggage.
What Happens When Your Luggage Is Delayed, Damaged, or Lost?
We all know that the feeling of waiting for luggage at the carousel is full of anticipation and emotions. But what happens when your luggage is delayed, damaged, or even lost?
Before getting into details, it is important to clarify the following terms:
- Delayed luggage: the luggage does not arrive on time at the final destination.
- Lost luggage: the luggage has not arrived at the destination after a certain period. The time frame varies significantly between different airlines (between 5 and 21 days).
- Damaged luggage: the luggage is damaged both externally and internally.
Reasons why your luggage may be delayed, lost, or damaged:
- improper handling during transfers;
- incorrect labeling or other issues that may occur during luggage transportation.
If your luggage cannot be located in a timely manner, airlines offer compensation for expenses incurred for essential items.
What to Do When Your Luggage Is Lost, Damaged, or Delayed: Recommendations
- Before leaving the airport, make sure you have all the relevant documents in your possession. Keep your boarding pass, the receipt for checked luggage, and any other flight documents. These will serve as evidence if you need to claim compensation.
- If you find that your luggage is lost, damaged, or delayed, report the issue immediately at the airport's Lost & Found office or to the airline you traveled with. Deadlines for reporting vary by airline, so it is recommended to act as quickly as possible.
- Fill out a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) or a Damage Report. These documents are essential in the compensation process, so it is important to fill them out carefully and provide all relevant details.
- Use your case reference number to track the status of your luggage.
- Keep receipts for essential items you replaced and make a detailed list of the contents of your lost luggage.
- In the case of damaged luggage, prepare it for inspection before leaving the airport. Airlines will usually work together to find a solution.
What Compensation Can You Receive for Lost Airline Luggage?
The amount of compensation you can receive for delayed, lost, or damaged luggage can vary significantly depending on where you travel.
European Union
The European Union guarantees the rights of passengers traveling by air in cases where their luggage is delayed, damaged, or lost. These rules apply to both domestic flights with any airline and international flights to or from the EU with any airline.
Under Regulation (EC) No 889/2002, which incorporated the provisions of the Montreal Convention into EU law, airlines are responsible for any delayed, damaged, or lost luggage. Passengers can receive compensation of up to €1,300 in these situations.
The same EU legislation also applies to flight cancellation compensation, which may vary depending on the flight distance and the duration of the delay. (Insert link to the new LP page for flight cancellation compensation).
United Kingdom – Compensation for Lost Airline Luggage
UK law provides that passengers have the right to compensation in the event of lost luggage on both domestic and international flights. Airlines are responsible for providing compensation of up to £1,000.
USA – Compensation for Lost Luggage
The U.S. Department of Transportation has set a maximum limit for compensation for lost, damaged, or delayed luggage on domestic flights. It currently stands at approximately $3,500 per passenger. However, the actual amount of compensation you can receive depends on the value of the luggage and its contents.
Canada
Airlines are responsible for any lost, damaged, or delayed luggage up to 2,350 Canadian dollars.
Documents Required to File a Luggage Compensation Claim
- Contact details
- A detailed description of the luggage and its contents
- Luggage claim tags
- Boarding passes
- A copy of the damage claim or property irregularity report
- Receipts to justify the reimbursement request
FAQs & Answers
How long does it take for an airline to deliver luggage?
Approximately 3 days.
What should you do before filing a compensation claim for damaged, lost, or delayed luggage?
Before requesting compensation, you must report the issue to the airline and check your travel insurance to see if it covers any issues related to damaged, lost, or delayed luggage.
What should you do if your luggage is delayed and you have a connecting flight?
Inform the airline staff at the airport where you have the connection. They can help arrange for the luggage to be delivered to your final destination if possible.
Do airlines cover all types of items in the event of damage?
Airlines may exclude certain items from compensation, such as fragile, perishable, or high-value items. Policies vary between carriers, so it's recommended to check directly with the airline to understand what damages are covered.
