Lost, delayed, or damaged baggage can be incredibly frustrating for travelers, especially when planning important business trips or long-awaited vacations. Fortunately, the Montreal Convention protects passengers’ rights in such cases, allowing compensation of up to $1,385 for any baggage-related inconveniences caused by the airline.
In this article, we’ll look at your rights as a passenger and how to claim compensation for delayed, damaged, or lost baggage.
Delayed, Lost, or Damaged Baggage Compensation
Delayed Baggage Compensation
If the luggage is delayed, the passenger has the right to buy change clothes and cosmetics. Later on, the airline company is obliged to compensate for the costs if they are reasonable. The amount of compensation is up to 1,385 euros per passenger.
Now, what do we mean by reasonable? For example, if the suitcase arrives at the place of your residence late, there is no reason to buy any replacements. Therefore, you won’t have the right to reimbursement, but if the suitcase is delayed for 24 hours, expenses for cosmetics and a change of clothes are reasonable.
Airlines usually pay 50% of the clothing’s price, as it can be reused. When talking about cosmetics, the cost is fully covered. It is important that passengers must inform the airline about the expenses within 21 days after the luggage is finally received. The report must be written and include the corresponding attachments to prove the purchases.
Damaged Baggage Compensation
If your suitcases are damaged, the airline is obliged to compensate for the damage if it occurs during the flight. The compensation for damaged luggage is now up to €1,385 under the updated Montreal Convention rules. The amount of reimbursement is based on the suitcase’s current value, with depreciation typically calculated at 10-30% of the original purchase price per year.
The airline can also repair your suitcase if that is possible. Keep in mind that the airline company will not refund the damage to the suitcase’s contents because the passengers are responsible for its proper protection. For example, it could be tech equipment or something fragile. So, damaged baggage compensation excludes the contents of your luggage.
Lost Baggage Compensation
For lost luggage, compensation is available when the suitcases are delayed for more than 21 days. Passengers can expect to receive up to €1,385. The reimbursement is similarly based on the current value of the suitcase, factoring in an estimated annual depreciation rate of 10-30%.
Deadlines for Claiming Compensation
Passengers claiming compensation must strictly adhere to the deadlines for receiving compensation. Below is a table to help you with this:
| Reason for claiming | Deadline |
| Missing or delayed baggage compensation | Within 21 days after the flight |
| Damaged baggage | Within 7 days after receiving the suitcase |
| Damaged or lost contents | Within 7 days after receiving the suitcase |
| Lost baggage (if it is missing more than 21 days) | Right after it is officially lost |
How to Claim Compensation
Understanding the right way to file your compensation claim is crucial for success. Our simple steps will make the process less stressful and significantly increase your chances of receiving your rightful compensation.
Here’s what you should do to proceed with your claim:
- Fill out the claim form.
Submit your flight details, including flight number, date, and a description of your baggage issue. Make sure to include all relevant information about your bags and the inconvenience caused.
- Let our experts handle your case.
Once you submit the form, our legal team steps in. With extensive knowledge of air passenger rights, we will strive to secure your compensation. Remember – you only pay if we win your case.
Documents You’ll Need
To get your airline baggage delay compensation, you must prepare certain documents. Without these, it would be impossible to receive a refund. The airline company can consult you on the required package of documents. Here’s what you usually need to have:
- A boarding card.
- The luggage labels with a registration number.
- Proof that you reported your issue (for instance, an email from the airline company).
- The receipts for stuff you bought due to the delay.
- Proof of purchase for damaged/lost stuff.
- Pictures of the damaged suitcase or contents.
- Proof of repair work (for example, from a repair company).
What To Do If My Baggage Is Delayed, Lost, or Damaged?
If you’ve discovered issues with your baggage, acting quickly and following the right steps is essential. Here’s what you need to do to protect your rights and increase your chances of receiving compensation.
- Report the issue: Immediately notify the airline about your delayed, lost, or damaged baggage at the baggage claim area.
- Save all the receipts: Keep all receipts for essential items you need to purchase due to your baggage issue, including toiletries, clothing, and other necessities.
- Track the status: Keep in regular contact with the airline to check your baggage status and claim progress.
- File a compensation claim: Submit your compensation claim to the airline, including all relevant receipts, photos, and the PIR (Property Irregularity Report).
- Maintain documentation: Keep copies of all correspondence with the airline and any documents related to your claim.
Following these steps carefully will significantly increase your chances of receiving fair compensation for your baggage troubles.
FAQ
First, report your missing baggage at the airline’s desk before leaving the airport. You’ll receive a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) with a tracking number. Next, file your claim with flight details, bag description, and list of contents. Remember to keep all documentation and follow up regularly until resolution.
Under the Montreal Convention, airlines must compensate passengers up to $1,385 for lost baggage. The exact amount depends on the declared value of your items and supporting documentation like receipts. This compensation covers both the bag and its contents.
Under the Montreal Convention, you can get up to $1,385 for damaged baggage. This is the legal maximum amount for international flights.
Yes, airlines are responsible for any damage to your baggage during the flight. However, you must report the damage before leaving the baggage claim area and file a formal claim within 7 days.
Yes, airlines must compensate passengers for necessary expenses incurred due to delayed baggage. This includes essential items needed during the delay period, such as toiletries and clothing, so make sure to keep all the receipts.
Reasonable expenses include essential toiletries, necessary clothing, and basic personal care items. The key is to buy only what’s necessary for the delay period and keep all receipts. Luxury items typically aren’t covered.
Yes, airlines must pay for any damage that happens to your bags during the flight. Yet, it is critical that you report the damage at the airport and file your claim within 7 days.
Airlines must compensate up to $1,385 for damaged baggage under the Montreal Convention. The compensation amount depends on the extent of damage, the age of the bag, and the value of the affected items.