Compensation for Lost or Delayed Baggage

Rights regarding delayed or lost baggage 

To be eligible for compensation, you must submit a written complaint to the airline within 21 days of receiving your baggage. In your complaint, claim compensation for the expenses you incurred due to the delay and/or damage to your baggage.

When you submit your claim to the airline, attach your documentation for reasonable replacement purchases and, if possible, a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) from the airport as evidence that your baggage is damaged/delayed/lost. You can typically obtain a PIR report at the airline's counter in the arrival terminal.

What is a PIR Report and How Do I Get One?

You've landed at the airport, patiently waiting for your suitcase. But it hasn't arrived - what now?

As soon as you realize your baggage hasn't arrived, or if you've been informed in advance of baggage delays, contact either the airline or the baggage handlers at the airport. They will fill out a PIR report for you. 

A PIR report (Property Irregularity Report) is your proof that your baggage is delayed and is necessary for you to receive compensation for delayed baggage.

It's essential to get the PIR report done immediately before leaving the airport, or you'll have to return within 7 days to get it done. 

The PIR report has a unique case number, allowing the lost baggage to be tracked. You can contact the airline, which can then trace the baggage, or you can use the website WorldTracer.aero, used by more than 2,800 airports.

Even for delayed baggage, you can continue your journey as planned. You just need to cover the necessary replacement purchases yourself until the delayed baggage arrives. It is later possible to claim reimbursement for reasonable replacement purchases.

Create your case here

When Should I Report My Baggage as Delayed?

As soon as you know your baggage is delayed, contact your airline or the baggage handlers at the airport. They will fill out a PIR report, as mentioned above. 

The sooner you report the delayed baggage, the sooner the airline can start tracing it. Therefore, it's crucial to report delayed baggage as quickly as possible.  

Delayed Baggage: How Much Can I Buy?

As an air passenger, you are entitled to purchase reasonable necessities if your baggage is delayed or lost. Reasonable necessities can include underwear, t-shirts, medicine, mobile phone or laptop chargers. The definition of 'reasonable necessities' should consider the circumstances. For example, if you need to attend a business meeting, wedding, or funeral, it would also be acceptable to rent a suit. 

Only make purchases within a reasonable limit for delayed baggage

It's important not to make unreasonably large purchases but to keep it at a reasonable level that covers your basic needs. Reasonable expenses for replacement purchases can always be claimed from your travel insurance or the airline. The amount you are entitled to buy depends on how long the baggage was missing and your travel destination. In addition to getting the replacement purchases covered, you can request compensation of up to 1,300 EUR for baggage that hasn't arrived. 

When Can I Seek Compensation for Delayed Baggage?

You have 21 days to claim compensation for delayed baggage. The 21-day period starts from the day you receive the delayed baggage, so the compensation only covers the intervening period when you were without your suitcase. 

When claiming compensation for delayed baggage, it's essential to attach all receipts and other relevant documentation. 

When Is Baggage Considered Lost?

You have reported your baggage as delayed and received a PIR report, but it may happen that the airline cannot find your baggage. If you have not received your baggage within 21 days after the report, it will be considered a lost suitcase.

You must contact the airline in writing if you have not received your baggage after 21 days. You cannot expect the airline to contact you as soon as the baggage is considered lost.

Lost Baggage: Compensation

As mentioned above, your baggage is considered lost if it has not arrived after 21 days, and you can seek compensation for the lost baggage.

If you seek compensation for lost baggage from the airline, this must comply with the international rules under the Montreal Convention, which allows covering the bag's value up to 1,300 EUR. The size of the compensation depends, of course, on an assessment of your specific loss 

However, if you seek compensation for lost baggage through your insurance, a much higher amount is often covered. It will typically be your home insurance or travel insurance that covers in this case. The specific coverage amount depends on your insurance company and your policy. Contact your insurance company for more information.

When Should I Report My Baggage as Lost?

You should start by reporting your delayed baggage the moment you land at the airport. If your suitcase has not been found after 21 days, it will be considered lost baggage. Therefore, you must report lost baggage to the airline in writing after 21 days.

Lost or Delayed Baggage on the Return Journey 

If your baggage is delayed on the outbound journey, you have the right to have the purchase of reasonable necessities covered, but different rules may apply if the baggage is delayed on the return journey.

Just like on the outbound journey, you should contact your airline or the baggage handlers at the airport to report your baggage as delayed. Here, you will receive a PIR report.

You have the right to have the purchase of reasonable necessities covered, but you should be aware that the airline will assume you have the most necessary items at home. You can contact either your airline or insurance company to know what is considered necessities when you have returned home.

If your baggage has not arrived after 21 days after the return journey, it will be considered lost baggage, and you can seek compensation. Compensation for lost baggage on the return journey follows the same rules as the outbound journey.

Create your flight case here

What Do I Do with Damaged Baggage, and When Should It Be Reported? 

If your suitcase or baggage is damaged upon arrival, you can also claim compensation.

You should report the damages to either your airline or the baggage handlers at the airport as soon as possible, but no later than 7 days after receiving damaged baggage. When reporting the damage, you will receive a PIR report.

For damaged baggage, you should send a written complaint to the airline within 7 days. The complaint should include the PIR report and documentation for items you may have had to replace. The complaint should also specify when you want your compensation for damaged baggage to be paid - otherwise it can be a long process, as there are no rules specifying how quickly the money should be paid out. 

The airline must cover your expenses for repairs to the contents and/or a new suitcase. If the damaged content cannot be repaired, the airline must replace it. 

Please note that the airline is not obliged to cover damaged baggage if there are dents, scratches, or marks. They are also not obligated to replace damages that are self-inflicted or due to defects in the suitcase before departure.

You can also report the damage to your insurance company. Remember to attach the PIR report as documentation and write to the airline no later than 7 days after you have landed.

Lost or Delayed Baggage Through Your Travel Insurance 

For delayed baggage:

Your insurance company covers reasonable and necessary purchases so you can continue your journey until your suitcase arrives. Remember to save all receipts and avoid buying expensive items, as these might not be covered.

Some insurance companies do not cover delayed baggage on the return journey. Always contact your insurance company for compensation for delayed baggage. They can also provide information on coverage amounts, the reporting process, etc.

For lost baggage:

Your insurance company can cover reasonable and necessary replacement purchases so you can start your journey. If it's a lost suitcase, your travel insurance will cover it.

If it's a stolen suitcase, your home insurance will often cover it instead. Remember a police report stating the theft. 

Always contact your insurance company for compensation for lost baggage. They can also answer questions about coverage amounts, reporting procedures, etc. 

Compensation for Lost or Delayed Baggage Through the Airline

If you don't have travel insurance, you can get compensation for lost or delayed baggage through the airline you flew with.

You must report your delayed baggage immediately at the airport. When you receive your baggage again, you must submit your claim no later than 21 days after receiving it. Remember to save all receipts and documents, including the PIR report. If your baggage doesn't arrive after 21 days, it is considered lost baggage, and you can then send a written complaint.

When seeking compensation for delayed or lost baggage through the airline, they are subject to the Montreal Convention, covering up to 1.300 EUR per person. However, an assessment matching the contents' value and the suitcase will be made. You cannot receive compensation higher than 1.300 EUR  per person, so you should consider whether it's worth getting insurance before departure.. 

Fortunately - delayed or lost baggage incidents are rare 

Fortunately, delayed or lost baggage incidents are relatively rare. According to the airline information company SITA's report, there were only 7.3 baggage issues per 1000 travelers in 2015 (equivalent to 0.73%). Airlines have learned from the numerous compensation claims due to baggage irregularities, and today, it's relatively rare for airlines to make mistakes with passengers' baggage.

4 Tips for Delayed or Damaged Baggage:

• Always get a PIR report at the airport, documenting that the baggage is delayed/lost.
• Avoid making expensive replacement purchases (buy what is reasonable and necessary)
• Keep receipts for your expenses so you can later get them refunded.
• Always check if your travel insurance covers the loss before filing a claim directly with the airline.

Did you know that if your flight was delayed by more than 3 hours or the flight was canceled, you might be entitled to financial compensation of up to 600 EUR? Read all about passengers' rights.