Few things ruin a trip faster than discovering your suitcase didn’t make it onto the carousel. If your luggage was delayed, damaged or never arrived at all on a British Airways flight, you may be entitled to compensation. This guide explains the terminology, details your air passenger rights, outlines how to file a claim and shows how our online form can simplify the process.
Terms Used for Baggage Issues
British Airways classifies baggage problems into three categories. Knowing which one applies to you is the first step toward a successful claim.
🚫 Lost Baggage
A bag is considered lost when it hasn’t been located within 21 days of arrival or British Airways confirms that it cannot be traced. At that point you can seek British Airways lost baggage reimbursement by submitting a detailed list of missing items along with receipts or photos as proof of value.
🕒 Delayed Baggage
When your bag doesn’t arrive with you but is delivered later, it is classified as delayed baggage. While waiting, purchase only essential items (toiletries, underwear, basic clothing) and keep the receipts; these expenses may be reimbursed under compensation for delayed baggage. File a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) at the airport.
🔧 Damaged Baggage
If your suitcase or its contents arrive broken, torn or otherwise unusable, it counts as damaged baggage. British Airways compensation for damaged baggage may include repair, replacement or reimbursement. Photograph the damage and report it immediately at the baggage claim desk.
📦 Misrouted Baggage
Baggage sent to the wrong airport is classified as misrouted. It falls under delayed baggage and should be reported immediately using a PIR.
Passenger Rights in Case British Airways Delays, Loses, or Damages Baggage
Passengers flying with British Airways are protected by international rules. Under the Montreal Convention, the airline is liable for baggage delay, loss or damage up to 1,519 SDRs (about £1,600) per passenger.
💬 What Is an SDR?
An SDR, or Special Drawing Right, is an international accounting unit defined by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). It reflects the value of a basket of major global currencies and is used in aviation law to standardize compensation across different countries and currencies.
This liability limit applies regardless of your travel class. However, you can increase the maximum compensation by declaring a higher value for your baggage at the time of check-in.
British Airways will also reimburse “reasonable” expenses for essential items you have to buy while waiting for a delayed bag. The UK Civil Aviation Authority confirms that most airlines refund these necessary purchases. If your bag is permanently lost, compensation depends on the documented value of your belongings, though in practice it rarely exceeds about £1,000.
Baggage is Delayed
- File a PIR at the airport. Report the delay to the baggage services desk and obtain a Property Irregularity Report. Delayed bags should be reported within eight days.
- Report the delay online. Use British Airways’ baggage portal (mybag.aero) if you’ve already left the airport. You’ll receive a missing‑baggage report number (five letters and five digits) that you can use to track your bag and update delivery details.
- Keep receipts. Buy only essentials and retain all receipts; BA will reimburse only reasonable, documented expenses.
Baggage is Lost
- Wait 21 days. If your bag remains missing after 21 days, British Airways classifies it as lost.
- Compile an inventory. List everything in the bag and provide receipts or photos. This documentation is crucial for British Airways lost baggage compensation.
- Submit a claim. Use the British Airways claim form or our streamlined online form (see below). Provide your report number, boarding pass, bag tag and evidence. Consider involving your travel insurer if the value of your belongings exceeds the airline’s liability limit.
Your bag is missing- your claim doesn’t have to be.
Baggage is Damaged
- Report the damage immediately. Show the damaged bag to an agent before leaving the baggage hall and take photographs.
- Retain the bag. British Airways may offer repair or replacement; don’t dispose of the bag until your claim is resolved.
- Submit your claim within seven days. Claims for damaged baggage or missing contents must be made in writing within seven days of receiving the bag.
📸 Pro Tip: Take photos of your bag inside and out before flying to document its original condition.
British Airways Delayed or Lost Baggage Compensation
Under the Montreal Convention, British Airways’ liability for baggage delay, loss or damage is capped at 1 519 SDRs (about £1 600) per passenger. This limit applies regardless of travel class. Compensation covers the depreciated value of lost or damaged items and reasonable expenses incurred due to a delay. You may increase this limit by declaring a higher value at check‑in.
Deadlines for Claiming
Missing the filing deadlines can jeopardise your claim. Submit your claim within the following timeframes:
| Claim type | Deadline |
| Damaged baggage or contents | 7 days after receiving your bag |
| Lost or stolen items (damage claim) | 7 days after receiving your bag |
| Delayed or unreturned baggage | 21 days after the flight or receiving your bag |
| Declared lost baggage | As soon as the loss is confirmed |
💡 Important: always submit your claim in writing and include the PIR, boarding pass, bag tag and receipts.
How to Claim British Airways Delayed or Lost Baggage Compensation
Filing a baggage claim on your own can be time‑consuming. Our online claim form simplifies the process and increases your chances of success:
- Complete our online form. Describe what happened, specify whether your baggage was delayed, lost or damaged, and provide your report number. The form is quick, secure and tailored to your situation.
- Upload your evidence. Attach the Property Irregularity Report, boarding pass, baggage tag, receipts and photos of any damage. British Airways requires these documents to assess your claim.
- Let our experts handle the rest. Once we receive your submission, our team will prepare your claim and negotiate directly with British Airways to secure the highest possible compensation under the Montreal Convention.
Using our online form saves time and ensures professionals manage your case from start to finish. If you prefer to claim directly, you can use the British Airways form, but the process may be slower and more complex.
By knowing the terminology, understanding your rights and using our easy online form, you can quickly recover costs for delayed, lost or damaged baggage on British Airways.
Pro Tips for Your Claim
- 📸 Photograph your luggage and contents before travel. Photos can serve as proof of condition and contents.
- 📝 Make a clear inventory. Document everything you packed along with approximate values.
- 📑 Keep every receipt. BA reimburses only documented expenses.
- ⏰ Act quickly. The sooner you file, the stronger your case; remember the 7‑ and 21‑day deadlines.
- ⚖️ Mention your rights. Reference the Montreal Convention and BA’s liability limit in your correspondence to show you know your entitlements.
Key Takeaways
- British Airways must compensate passengers for delayed, lost or damaged baggage. The liability limit is 1,288 SDRs (around £1,600).
- Claims for damaged baggage must be submitted within seven days, and claims for delayed baggage within 21 days.
- Keep all evidence (PIR, boarding pass, bag tag, receipts) and submit your claim promptly.
- You can file directly with British Airways, but using our online form saves time and ensures professionals handle your case.
Your journey doesn’t have to end with missing luggage. Knowing your rights and taking swift action will help you secure the compensation you deserve from British Airways.
British Airways aims to return delayed baggage within 72 hours, but this may vary depending on location and customs clearance.
Yes. If your baggage is delayed, you can buy essential items like toiletries, underwear, and basic clothing. Keep all receipts, as British Airways will only reimburse reasonable and documented expenses.
You can still submit a compensation claim by providing photos, descriptions, estimated values, or links to similar products. While receipts help, they are not mandatory if other evidence is provided.
Yes. You must report the damage before leaving the baggage hall or within 7 days in writing. Attach photos, boarding pass, PIR, and receipts for repairs or replacement. British Airways may repair, replace, or compensate for the damage.
Yes. Misrouted baggage (sent to the wrong destination) is treated as delayed baggage. You should file a PIR and may claim compensation for emergency expenses until the bag is returned.
A Property Irregularity Report (PIR) is an official document you file at the airport when your baggage is delayed, lost, or damaged. It includes your bag’s details and acts as the first step in any compensation process. Without a PIR, airlines may refuse to process your claim.
