Lost luggage compensation is not something most passengers are aware of, despite the fact that airlines lose, damage or delay millions of bags every year.
Imagine you make it to your destination, but the wheels of your favourite suitcase are broken so now you have to drag it down the street or carry it in your arms. Or even worse - you arrive on safe and sound and on time, but your bags don’t make it to your final destination. ClaimCompass will equip you with the right information so you know exactly what to do and what you’re entitled to when your luggage is damaged, delayed or lost altogether.
Sometimes, you arrive at your destination on time, but your luggage doesn’t. Thankfully, US regulations and the Montreal Convention protect your rights if this happens to you.
The Montreal Convention protects passengers whose luggage was delayed on an international flight between member states which ratified it. It classifies a baggage as “delayed” for 21 days. After this period, it is declared “lost”.
You claim claim up to 1,131 SDR as compensation. Special Drawing Rights (SDR) are the currency created by the International Monetary Fund. As of December 2017, the exchange rate was:
1 EUR = 0,84 SDR
1 USD = 0,70 SDR
You can follow the exchange rate here.
Follow these steps when your luggage is delayed on and international or EU flight and you want to claim compensation:
As soon as you find out that your bags are missing, find the lost luggage desk of your operating carrier and report it. Don’t leave the airport without filing a Property Irregularity Report (PIR).
Note your PIR reference number as you will need it to track the status of your request and the actions taken by the airline.
Keep all receipts of the unplanned expenses that you’ve incurred because your luggage was lost. You can can get reimbursed for most of these expenses once you file your claim.
Once you have received your baggage, you have 21 days to submit a claim. Create a detailed list of what was inside. The airline will most likely ask you to provide receipts for these items as well, so try to locate them, or get other type of proof like bank or credit card statements, etc. Note that there are many exceptions and you cannot get reimbursed for everything.
File a delayed luggage claim with the airline, either online or via mail. Attach your receipts and the list of items that were in your bag.
Learn more about your international air passenger rights and your rights in the EU.
For domestic US flights operated by US carriers, US regulations protect passengers against luggage problems.
You can claim up to $3,500 for your delayed luggage, but it is very unlikely that the airline will pay this amount as compensation. They will rather replace the necessary items like toiletries and change and offer a small compensation for the delay.
The claiming process is very similar to what is prescribed by the Montreal Convention.
As soon as you find out that your bags are missing, find the lost luggage desk of your operating carrier and report it. Don’t leave the airport without filing a Property Irregularity Report (PIR).
Note your PIR reference number as you will need it to track the status of your request and the actions taken by the airline.
Keep all receipts of the unplanned expenses that you’ve incurred because your luggage was lost. You can can get reimbursed for most of these expenses once you file your claim.
Ask the airline for a bag fee rebate. Not all airlines offer one, it depends on their policy. If they refuse, you might add it to the list of your expenses.
Once you have received your baggage, you have 21 days to submit a claim. Create a detailed list of what was inside. The airline will most likely ask you to provide receipts for these items as well, so try to locate them, or get other type of proof like bank or credit card statements, etc. Note that there are many exceptions and you cannot get reimbursed for everything.
File a delayed luggage claim with the airline, either online or via mail. Attach your receipts and the list of items that were in your bag.
Learn more about your rights in the US.
Generally, if your luggage has been missing for over 21 days, it is declared officially lost. In certain cases, the airline might admit it cannot be traced and mark it as lost even prior to this period.
The claiming process for lost bags is very similar to that of delayed baggage. If you’re flying within the EU or internationally, make sure to follow these steps when your luggage is lost.
As soon as you find out that your bags are missing, find the lost luggage desk of your operating carrier and report it. Don’t leave the airport without filing a Property Irregularity Report (PIR).
Note your PIR reference number as you will need it to track the status of your request and the actions taken by the airline.
Keep all receipts of the unplanned expenses that you’ve incurred because your luggage was lost. You can can get reimbursed for most of these expenses once you file your claim.
If your luggage has been declared lost (after 21 days) create a detailed list of what was inside. The airline will most likely ask you to provide receipts for these items as well, so try to locate them, or get other type of proof like bank or credit card statements, etc. Note that there are many exceptions and you cannot get reimbursed for everything.
File a lost luggage claim with the airline, either online or via mail. Attach your receipts and the list of items that were in your bag.
For more information on lost luggage, visit this link.
Learn more about your international air passenger rights and your rights in the EU.
Since the airline has lost your luggage and what it contained, the compensation is usually higher than it is for a delayed bag. You can claim up to $3,500 for your lost luggage. Note that you will be asked to provide proof that the items were in your luggage and of their value.
Airlines are more or less understanding regarding the fact that it isn’t always easy to prove what your luggage contained. They will generally try to offer a lower amount of money, but you should be able to get away with a compensation if you follow these steps:
As soon as you find out that your bags are missing, find the lost luggage desk of your operating carrier and report it. Don’t leave the airport without filing a Property Irregularity Report (PIR).
Note your PIR reference number as you will need it to track the status of your request and the actions taken by the airline.
Keep all receipts of the unplanned expenses that you’ve incurred because your luggage was lost. You can can get reimbursed for most of these expenses once you file your claim.
If your luggage has been declared lost (after 21 days) create a detailed list of what was inside. The airline will most likely ask you to provide receipts for these items as well, so try to locate them, or get other type of proof like bank or credit card statements, etc. Note that there are many exceptions and you cannot get reimbursed for everything.
File a lost luggage claim with the airline, either online or via mail. Attach your receipts and the list of items that were in your bag.
Learn more about your rights in the US.
Generally, if your luggage arrives damaged, the airline will replace or repair it, depending on what is cheaper for them.
To have your luggage replaced or repaired, you need to follow these steps:
As soon as you find out that your bags are damaged, find the desk of the airline and report it. Don’t leave the airport without filing a Property Irregularity Report (PIR).
Note your PIR reference number as you will need it to track the status of your request and the actions taken by the airline.
Have your luggage inspected. It is important to do it before leaving the airport. The airline will then choose to repair, replace or compensate you in another way.
If some items have also been damaged, submit a complaint.
Keep in mind that the airline is unlikely to replace or provide compensation for all the items in your bag. Electronics and fragile items will in most cases not be compensated. If you’re carrying valuable items, you can take an additional insurance at the airport for an additional fee: should something happen to your luggage, you would be covered for all your items.
You will be asked to provide proof of the value of your items, which is why having their receipt will help support your claim and get a higher amount of compensation.
Learn more about your international air passenger rights and your rights in the EU.
Learn about your rights in the US.
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