You expect your bags to land when you do- but what happens when they don’t? Even with a trusted airline like AirBaltic, luggage can sometimes go missing, arrive late, or get damaged. The good news? Air passenger rights, protected under international regulations like the Montreal Convention, ensure you may be entitled to compensation. That means if AirBaltic mishandles your baggage, you could claim reimbursement for delays, losses, or damages.
Terms Used for Baggage Issues
Airlines classify baggage problems into three main categories. Understanding the difference between them will help you file the right type of claim.
- 🚫 Lost Baggage: Your bag is officially considered lost if it hasn’t been delivered within 21 days after your flight, or if AirBaltic confirms earlier that it cannot be located. In this case, you can submit a claim for AirBaltic lost baggage compensation or compensation for lost baggage. To support your claim, always keep receipts, proof of purchase, and an inventory of your belongings.
- 🕒 Delayed Baggage: If your luggage doesn’t arrive with your flight but is returned later, it’s classed as delayed baggage. Passengers may request AirBaltic compensation for delayed baggage or baggage delay compensation for essential purchases like clothing, toiletries, and other necessities. To qualify, you must file a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) at the airport and retain all receipts.
- 🔧 Damaged Baggage: When your suitcase arrives broken, dented, or with damaged contents, you may be eligible for AirBaltic compensation for damaged baggage. The airline may cover repair costs or provide reimbursement for replacement. Inspect your baggage before leaving the airport, take photos of the damage, and file a report immediately at the service desk.
- 📦 Misrouted Baggage: Sometimes your bag ends up at the wrong airport or is loaded onto the wrong flight. In such cases, it is considered delayed, but AirBaltic is still responsible for tracking and rerouting it.
Passenger Rights In Case AirBaltic Delays, Loses, or Damages Baggage
Passengers flying with AirBaltic are protected by international aviation rules. Two main frameworks apply:
- EU Regulation 261/2004 (EU261)– EU Regulation 261/2004 (EU261) – This law mainly covers flight delays, flight cancellation, and denied boarding. While it does not directly regulate baggage issues, it may apply if a flight disruption causes additional baggage problems.
- The Montreal Convention– This global treaty provides direct protection for passengers. AirBaltic can be held liable for up to 1,288 Special Drawing Rights (about €1,600) per passenger in cases of lost, delayed, or damaged baggage.
✅ Can You Claim AirBaltic Baggage Compensation?
🕒 Was your baggage held up for more than 24 hours after arrival?
🚫 Has your luggage been officially declared lost after 21 days with no recovery?
🔧 Did your suitcase or its contents show visible damage on arrival?
🛑 Did AirBaltic fail to provide proper support or clear information?
If you said YES to any of the above, you could qualify for compensation of up to €1,600.
Baggage is Delayed
If your bag doesn’t arrive on time, you may be entitled to AirBaltic delayed baggage compensation. To qualify, you must:
- File a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) at the airport.
- Keep all receipts for emergency purchases (clothing, toiletries, essentials).
- Submit your claim within 21 days of receiving your baggage.
💡Example: If your bag arrives 2 days late and you purchase toiletries and underwear, you can be reimbursed- but only with receipts.
Baggage is Lost
When luggage is missing for 21 days, or AirBaltic officially declares it lost, you can claim AirBaltic lost baggage compensation or lost baggage reimbursement. To strengthen your claim:
- Provide a detailed inventory of your belongings.
- Attach receipts or proof of purchase.
- Submit your claim promptly once the loss is confirmed.
Your bag is missing- your claim doesn’t have to be.
Baggage is Damaged
If your suitcase or its contents arrive broken, scratched, or missing items, you may request AirBaltic compensation for damaged baggage.
- Inspect your bag immediately at baggage claim.
- Take photos of visible damage.
- Submit a written claim within 7 days of receiving your luggage.
AirBaltic Delayed or Lost Baggage Compensation
If your baggage is lost, delayed, or damaged, AirBaltic is liable under the Montreal Convention, which sets a maximum compensation limit of 1,288 Special Drawing Rights (SDRs)– approximately €1,600 per passenger.
Depending on the nature of your case, you may qualify for:
- Reimbursement for essential purchases during baggage delays (toiletries, clothing, etc.).
- Compensation for lost luggage, based on the value of its contents.
- Repair or replacement coverage for damaged baggage.
You may also declare a higher value for your checked baggage at the time of check-in by paying an extra fee. This increases AirBaltic’s liability if your bag is mishandled.
To make your claim valid, always keep receipts, photos, and submit a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) at the airport immediately after discovering the issue.
Deadlines for Claiming
If you experience baggage problems with AirBaltic, strict deadlines apply for submitting claims. Missing these limits can result in your request being denied, even if your case is otherwise valid.
| Type of Baggage Issue | Deadline to Claim | Details |
| Damaged baggage | Within 7 days of receiving your bag | File a written claim including photos and a detailed report of damage. |
| Delayed baggage | Within 21 days of receiving your bag | Submit your claim promptly; receipts for emergency purchases must be attached. |
| Lost baggage | After 21 days of not being found | Once AirBaltic confirms the bag is lost, you may file for lost baggage reimbursement immediately. |
⏳ Acting quickly ensures your documents, receipts, and evidence remain valid, giving your claim the best chance of success.
How to Claim AirBaltic Delayed or Lost Baggage Compensation
Making a successful claim requires the right documents and proper timing. To simplify the process, we’ve narrowed it down to two key steps:
- Fill in the form– Use our secure online claim form to submit your case. Add your flight details, PIR reference, baggage tags, receipts, and photos if applicable.
- Get help from our specialists– Once submitted, our team reviews your documents, prepares a formal request, and negotiates with AirBaltic to secure your compensation quickly and fairly.
By following these two steps, you avoid common mistakes, save valuable time, and significantly increase your chances of receiving the full amount you’re entitled to under international law.
Smart Tips for a Stronger Baggage Claim
- 📸 Document Before You Fly– Snap photos of your bag and its contents; they can serve as proof if issues arise.
- 📝 Keep a Detailed Inventory– Note down packed items and assign approximate values for easier reimbursement.
- 📑 Hold on to Receipts– Expenses for essentials or repairs are only covered if backed by receipts.
- ⏰ Act Without Delay– File your claim quickly; the faster you move, the stronger your case will be.
- ⚖️ Refer to Your Rights– The Montreal Convention supports your entitlement to compensation, so reference it if necessary.
FAQ
Up to 1,288 SDR (~€1,600) per passenger, per the Montreal Convention.
Yes, essentials like toiletries and clothes are covered- if you keep your receipts and file within 21 days.
No, the Montreal Convention only covers financial loss, not emotional or psychological impact
As long as you filed a PIR and can show expenses, AirBaltic is still liable- even if the disruption began earlier.
No. The claim can be made directly under international law, regardless of insurance coverage.
