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Lost or Delayed Baggage Compensation
Loss, delay, or damage to baggage during air transport can create inconvenience for any passenger. Whether it's checked baggage that doesn't arrive at the destination or arrives late, or if the contents inside have been damaged or are missing, passengers have the right to compensation, according to Regulation (EC) No 889/2002 and the Montreal Convention of 1999. These international regulations establish the responsibilities of airlines in the case of lost, damaged, or delayed baggage.
When are you entitled to compensation for lost or delayed baggage?
The baggage was permanently lost (not recovered within 21 days).
The baggage was returned with a delay compared to the flight's arrival.
The incident occurred less than two years from the date of the aircraft's arrival or the date on which the aircraft should have arrived.
The incident occurred on an international flight departing from an EU state, a flight operated by an EU airline, or an intra-community flight.
You can prove the damage (receipts for lost goods, costs for items purchased during the delay, etc.).
You filed a written complaint within the legal deadline: 21 days for delay, from the date the baggage was made available to the passenger.
If the loss or delay of baggage was caused by unforeseen and uncontrollable external events.
What compensation can you receive for lost or delayed baggage?
According to the Montreal Convention of 1999, compensation for baggage is limited to 1,288 SDR (Special Drawing Rights) per passenger (approximately EUR 1,600, depending on the exchange rate on the date of the incident).
This limit covers:
The value of the lost goods.
This limit covers:
Expenses incurred due to the delay in the delivery of the baggage.
This limit covers:
Expenses for purchasing clothes or toiletries may be covered in case of baggage delay.
How to claim compensation for damaged baggage?
To claim compensation, it is necessary to keep and present the following:
The baggage tag;
The flight ticket and boarding pass;
Proof of delay or loss (PIR report completed at the airport);
Receipts for expenses generated by the lack of baggage;
Correspondence with the airline regarding the incident;
File a complaint at the airport
Complete a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) as soon as you notice the baggage is missing.
Contact the airline
Send a written request within a maximum of 21 days for delay, from the date the baggage was made available to the passenger, mentioning all the details and attaching the supporting documents.
Submit the request
Submit the request: You can use our platform to manage the entire process, including direct negotiations with the carrier or legal action.
Receive compensation
After the claim is settled, the amount will be transferred directly to your bank account.
Frequently asked questions about compensation for lost or delayed baggage
You need to complete a form called a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) immediately after noticing the incident. This is done at the Lost & Found office at the airport.
It is much more difficult. The PIR form is essential to prove that the baggage was lost or delayed. Without it, the airline may refuse the request due to lack of evidence.
For delayed baggage, the claim must be submitted within a maximum of 21 days from the date the baggage was made available to the passenger. For damaged baggage, the deadline is 7 days from receiving it. For lost baggage, you have 2 years from the scheduled arrival date of the flight.
The responsibility usually lies with the last airline that operated the flight. However, depending on the circumstances, multiple companies may be involved.
After 21 days, delayed baggage is considered lost. You can then claim compensation for permanent loss, not just for delay.
No. If the baggage is delayed, you can immediately claim reimbursement for urgent expenses (clothing, toiletries, medication). You don't need to wait for the loss declaration.
If the hand luggage was taken over by the company's staff (e.g., at the boarding gate) and then lost or damaged, the airline's liability is similar to that for checked baggage.
Only if you declared the value of these items in writing when handing over the baggage and paid the declared value fee. Without this procedure, the compensation is limited to the standard limit.
Necessary expenses are accepted, such as clothing, toiletries, baby products, urgent medication, etc. Luxury or unjustified products may be refused.
You can request a repair or compensation proportional to the damage. It is recommended to take photos and request a damage assessment from an authorized service center.
You need to present receipts, invoices, or bank statements that prove the value of the goods in the baggage. Estimates without official documents may be rejected or reduced.
No, under the Montreal Convention, compensation is limited to proven material damage. Stress or discomfort are not covered, unless you go to court under other regulations.
Yes. You can claim compensation from both, but you cannot be doubly compensated for the same damage. The insurance may supplement the compensation offered by the airline.
The airline may offer vouchers or miles, but you have the right to refuse and request monetary compensation, according to the law.
Such indirect damages are not covered by the Montreal Convention. You can try to obtain damages in court, but they are not subject to standard compensation.
It is not mandatory, but collaborating with a specialized platform like ClaimBee significantly increases your chances of success, especially if the company refuses the request.
You must report the missing items immediately, ideally with photos and proof of the value of the missing items. The company is also responsible for theft or partial losses.