Lost or Delayed Baggage: How to Claim Compensation

Lost, delayed, or damaged baggage is one of the most stressful parts of air travel. You may be entitled to reimbursement for essential purchases while your bag is missing, and compensation for lost or damaged items under international rules, but you must follow the right steps quickly.

Act before you leave the airport

If your bag does not arrive on the carousel:

1. Go to the airline’s baggage service desk (or airport lost-and-found) before leaving the terminal.
2. File a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). you will receive a reference number. Keep it.
3. List the bag contents as specifically as you can (brand, color, approximate value of key items).
4. Take photos of the bag tag on your boarding pass and any damage to the bag when it is returned.

Many claims fail because passengers left the airport without filing a PIR. Airlines routinely deny claims with no airport report on file.

Delayed baggage: essential expenses

When your bag is delayed, airlines often reimburse reasonable essential purchases. toiletries, basic clothing, phone charger. for the first days you are without your belongings.

Rules vary by airline and route, but generally:

• Keep every receipt
• Buy only what you reasonably need until the bag arrives
• Submit receipts to the airline with your PIR reference

Do not assume the airline will offer this proactively. Submit a written claim with receipts.

Lost baggage: when is a bag considered lost?

Airlines often treat a bag as lost after it has been missing for 21 days (this can vary). At that point you may claim for the bag and its contents, subject to liability limits.

Montreal Convention liability limits

Most international flights are covered by the Montreal Convention, which sets maximum airline liability for baggage (amounts are reviewed periodically and tied to Special Drawing Rights).

Key points:

• Liability applies to checked baggage unless the airline proves the damage came from the bag itself
• There is a maximum cap per passenger. not unlimited replacement value
• Undeclared valuable items may not be fully covered unless you declared them and paid a supplement at check-in

For domestic EU flights, EU rules may also apply alongside or instead of international treaties depending on the route.

Damaged baggage

If your bag arrives damaged, report it at the airport before leaving when possible. Take photos. Repair quotes or replacement receipts support your claim.

What to include in a baggage claim

• PIR reference number
• Boarding pass and bag tag stub
• Itemized list of contents and estimated values
• Receipts for emergency purchases (delay) or replacement items (loss/damage)
• Photos of damage
• Written correspondence with the airline

Common airline rejections. and how to respond

Airline says	What you can do
”No PIR was filed”	If you did file, provide the reference; if not, file immediately and explain delay
”Items exceed liability limit”	Claim up to the legal cap; prioritize high-value documented items
”Wear and tear, not airline fault”	Provide photos showing damage occurred in transit
”Submit through our online form only”	Use their process, but keep copies of everything you submit

How FlightsComp can help

Baggage claims involve paperwork, timelines, and airline-specific processes. We help passengers organize evidence, submit claims, and follow up. No upfront cost, 25% success fee only if we win. See our pricing for full details.

Start your claim or email contact@flightscomp.com with your PIR reference and flight details.

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This guide is for general information only, not legal advice. Limits and deadlines depend on your route and carrier.