Am i responsible if the airline loses my luggage

Short answer: Carrier can be held liable up to 1,288 SDR per passenger under Montreal Convention. File a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) at airport immediately, keep boarding pass plus tag stubs, save all purchase receipts for essentials, and lodge a written claim with carrier within set time limits.

Step-by-step actions: 1) File PIR before leaving arrival area and note PIR reference. 2) Photograph damaged items and any tag labels. 3) Keep originals of boarding pass, baggage tag, purchase receipts, warranty cards. 4) Use carrier tracking portal for status updates and follow up by email so there is written record.

Key legal benchmarks: Montreal Convention sets maximum liability for checked bags at 1,288 SDR per passenger; for delayed delivery, submit claim within 21 days from date of receipt; for damaged items, file claim within 7 days; limitation period for formal action is 2 years from date of arrival. SDR to USD conversion fluctuates, so 1,288 SDR equals about $1,700–$1,900 depending on exchange rate at time of settlement.

Practical protections: Declare high-value items at check-in and pay for declared-value coverage if available; use travel insurance with explicit baggage coverage and check whether credit card used for ticket purchase offers extra protection; keep proof of emergency purchases for reimbursement. If carrier contract denies adequate remedy, escalate to national aviation consumer protection body or pursue small claims court using PIR and receipts as primary evidence.

Who Pays When a Carrier Misplaces Your Baggage?

File a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) at the airport desk immediately and keep the receipt – without PIR most claims are denied.

Immediate steps

At the carousel: obtain PIR and a claim reference, keep boarding pass and bag-tag stub, photograph exterior and interior of container, list serial numbers for electronics and high-value items, retain original purchase receipts. Buy only necessary emergency items and keep receipts; combine those receipts with the PIR when submitting a claim.

Do not discard or repair damaged items before an inspection request; if you sign any document, obtain a copy. For delayed items, submit expense claims quickly and follow the operator’s written claim procedure.

Compensation limits, timing and proof

For international movements under the Montreal Convention liability for checked baggage is limited to 1,288 SDR per passenger (roughly USD 1,700–1,900 depending on exchange rates). Many regimes require written notice of damage within 7 days of receipt and expense claims for delay within 21 days; formal legal actions are typically subject to a two‑year statute. Always check the contract of carriage shown on your ticket for specific deadlines and caps that apply to your trip.

Declare and pay for increased value at check-in if available for high‑value items; without a declaration typical carrier limits will apply. Provide an itemized inventory with receipts and serial numbers – carriers and insurers reimburse replacement cost less depreciation. Use credit card travel protections or a standalone policy to cover amounts above carrier limits and to speed up reimbursement for essentials.

If a settlement is offered, obtain it in writing and note any salvage or subrogation clauses (operators often seek recovery from third parties after paying a claim). If a claim is denied, request a written reason, escalate to the national regulator or consumer protection office, and consider small claims court with your PIR, receipts and photos as evidence.

If recovered textiles need cleaning or minor repair, handle them with protective gloves such as best gloves for restaurant dishwashers.

Immediate steps at airport to report missing baggage and obtain a Property Irregularity Report (PIR)

Go straight to baggage service desk and file a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) before leaving terminal.

1. Locate service point: follow signage near arrival belts or consult airport information for baggage services or lost & found.
2. Have ready: boarding pass, claim tag stubs, passport or government ID, booking reference, mobile number and delivery address.
3. Describe bag precisely: brand, color, dimensions, distinguishing marks, contents summary with estimated values; include serial numbers for electronics where possible.
4. Confirm PIR form contains: passenger name, flight number, date, origin and destination, claim tag numbers, bag description, delivery address, contact phone/email, agent name and signature, PIR reference code.
5. Obtain and preserve copies: photograph PIR page and all tag stubs; request a printed copy if available and email a scan to personal account immediately.
6. Request tracing info: ask agent for expected tracing timeframe and PIR reference (commonly a 10–12 character alphanumeric code) for online or call-center tracking.
7. Collect receipts for essential purchases (toiletries, clothing): keep originals and note purchase dates; many carriers require receipts for interim reimbursement.
8. If immediate delivery needed, provide a local address and phone; confirm whether delivery cost will be covered or charged.
9. If desk is closed or agent refuses to issue PIR, visit ground handling office or submit report via carrier app/website and record submission timestamp and confirmation number.
10. Note deadlines under Montreal Convention for international travel: 21 days for delay claims, 7 days for damage complaints after receipt, 2 years for loss claims from expected delivery date.

Retain all documentation: PIR copy, claim tags, boarding pass, purchase receipts, agent contact details and all incident reference numbers; submit any required written claim to carrier’s claims department within stated time limits using an accountable method (registered mail or email with delivery receipt).

Collect these documents, photos, receipts immediately to support a misplaced-baggage claim

Gather originals and high-quality scans; submit copies to carrier and insurer within claim windows (damage: 7 days; delay or presumed loss: 21 days from date bag expected).

Documents to keep

• Property Irregularity Report (PIR) copy with file number and contact details
• Boarding pass, e‑ticket/itinerary, flight number, departure date
• Checked-bag tag stubs and barcode images showing tag number(s)
• Government ID or passport used for travel
• Proof of purchase for travel: booking confirmation, credit card statement used for ticket
• Receipts and invoices for high-value items originally inside bag (appliances, electronics, designer goods)
• Police report if theft suspected, plus report number and issuing agency contact
• Insurance policy copy and policy number, plus any prior correspondence related to claim

Photographs and visual proof

• Photos of bag before travel, if available (clear view of serial numbers, unique marks)
• Photo of checked-bag tag attached at drop-off showing barcode and tag number
• Close-ups of unique identifiers: name tag, stickers, tears, straps, locks
• Photos of damaged items or ruined contents after inspection
• Images showing brand labels and serial numbers of electronics and high-value items
• Screenshots or photos of carrier tracking updates, SMS, emails with dates and timestamps
• Example product photos for identification: best messenger bag for back pain and best rayes reverse umbrella

Itemize contents with brief descriptions and attach matching photos for every entry worth over $100.

Receipts, estimates, and financial proof

• Original purchase receipts for items claimed, showing price, date, vendor
• Credit card or bank statement lines that confirm purchases when original receipts unavailable
• Receipts for emergency purchases made because of missing bag (clothing, toiletries) with date, vendor name, amounts; keep explanation note linking expense to travel interruption
• Repair estimates or replacement invoices from authorized dealers or certified repair shops
• Shipping receipts if items must be shipped back to home or to repair facility

Use consistent file naming when scanning (example: PIR_12345_LastName.pdf, Receipt_Electronics_2025-06-01.jpg). Keep originals until claim closed; send scans by certified email or carrier portal and retain delivery/read receipts.

1. Create an itemized inventory: brand, model, serial number, purchase date, original price, current estimated value.
2. Sign and date inventory page; photograph inventory next to ID for verification.
3. When submitting claim, include cover sheet with contact info, flight details, PIR number, and concise list of attached evidence filenames.

Time limits: how long to wait, carrier filing deadlines, and statutes of limitation

Obtain a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) at arrival desk immediately; retain PIR number, staff name, and copy of report for all follow-up actions.

For international travel between Montreal Convention states: submit written claim for damaged checked baggage within 7 days from date of receipt; submit written claim for delayed baggage within 21 days from date of actual delivery or from date when delivery was expected; legal action must begin within two years from arrival at destination or from date when delivery was expected.

Many carriers treat missing baggage as officially lost after 5 days for domestic itineraries and 21 days for international itineraries, but contract of carriage often contains specific deadlines and required claim forms; review contract immediately after PIR issuance and note any shorter timeframes.

Action checklist with deadlines: obtain PIR at airport; within 7 days send written claim for damaged items with itemized contents and proof of value; within 21 days send written claim for delayed items seeking reimbursement for interim purchases and delivery costs; for high-value contents, send notice by certified mail or via carrier claim portal with delivery/read receipt and keep copies of all submissions; preserve boarding passes, baggage tags, receipts, repair estimates, and photos for at least two years.

If claim remains unresolved or compensation offer is unsatisfactory, escalate to national enforcement body (example: US DOT for US itineraries) and consider small claims court before two-year limitation expires; if ticket paid by credit card, contact issuer about chargeback option while claim is pending.

Refuse verbal-only settlements; require written, itemized settlement offer that includes deadline for acceptance (common carrier practice: 14–30 days); maintain a chronological log of calls, names, dates, and file reference numbers to support any later dispute or court filing.

Which out-of-pocket expenses you can claim while bags are delayed and how to itemize them

Claim documented essentials immediately: submit receipts for clothing, toiletries, prescription medication, baby supplies, and urgent work items within carrier deadlines.

Eligible expenses (practical guidance)

Short-term replacement clothing: underwear, socks, basic outfit per travel day. Reasonable range $30–$150 per day depending on destination and trip purpose; avoid designer or luxury purchases.

Toiletries and personal care: toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, razor, contact lens solution. Typical claim $10–$50 per day; itemize each purchase.

Prescription medication and medical supplies: full cost reimbursable with pharmacy receipt showing patient name, medication name, dosage, date. If original prescription not on hand, include doctor note or prescription copy.

Infant and child needs: diapers, formula, baby food, wipes, travel-safe medication. Keep quantity and price per unit clear on receipt.

Work-related essentials: laptop charger, uniform piece, safety boots, presentation materials. Attach employer note or evidence of trip-critical work requirement when possible.

Temporary replacements for critical electronics only with prior carrier approval or clear justification; many claims for high-value devices are denied without advance authorization.

How to itemize expenses and prepare claim package

Use a simple table format on a single page and attach original receipts: Date | Store name and address | Item description | Quantity | Unit price | Total | Currency | Payment method | Purpose linked to delayed bag | Claim reference number.

Always write carrier claim reference and bag tag number on each receipt copy. Scan receipts at high resolution and keep originals until claim closed.

If any receipt is missing, provide a signed, dated affidavit describing purchase (who, what, where, when, why) plus supporting proof such as bank or card statement, store loyalty account record, or transaction ID.

For foreign purchases include currency and conversion: show amount in local currency on receipt and add converted figure using bank card rate on purchase date or official central bank rate; cite conversion source.

Keep totals grouped by category (clothing, toiletries, medication, child care, work items) and provide a short justification line for each category (example: “two shirts for 2-day business trip; original checked bag delayed”).

Prefer card payments over cash when possible; card transactions create clear audit trail. Retain warranty receipts for any purchased electronics and note whether item is temporary replacement or permanent buy.

Submit claim packet with scanned receipts, itemized summary, copy of delayed-bag report reference, and contact details. Keep copies of all sent materials and log submission date and method.

How carrier liability limits work under Montreal and Warsaw regimes and when to seek extra compensation

Declare higher value at check-in or buy standalone insurance when total replacement cost of checked items likely exceeds 1,288 SDR.

Montreal Convention: liability for baggage (loss, damage, delay) is capped at 1,288 SDR per passenger unless a higher value is declared prior to carriage and a supplementary fee is paid. Convert SDR using IMF rate applicable on settlement date; approximate rate as of Jun 2024: 1 SDR ≈ 1.37 USD, so 1,288 SDR ≈ 1,765 USD. If a claim amount exceeds that cap and no prior declaration exists, recovery above cap requires proving carrier fault amounting to reckless or intentional conduct, a high evidentiary threshold with frequent need for litigation.

Warsaw system: multiple protocols and national implementing laws produce varied caps, often expressed in legacy gold-franc units or statutory local-currency equivalents. Resulting maximums are typically lower than Montreal caps. Which regime applies depends on route, ticket conditions and governing law printed on contract of carriage; obtain written confirmation of applicable convention and stated monetary limit.

When to seek extra compensation beyond statutory caps

Options to exceed statutory limit or obtain full replacement value:

1) Advance declaration of value – declare high value before travel and pay required surcharge; secure written receipt confirming declared amount.

2) Private insurance – buy travel or household insurance covering baggage contents for full replacement value; verify policy covers international transport and delay-related purchases.

3) Civil action for misconduct – pursue suit alleging gross negligence or willful misconduct when solid evidence exists (video, staff admissions, serial mishandling); retain counsel experienced in aviation torts before filing.

4) Settlement negotiation – present detailed inventory, receipts, market replacement quotes and a clear monetary demand; propose mediation or small-claims action if statutory cap prevents full recovery.

Practical priorities to preserve ability to recover more

At check-in: declare value when needed and get written proof. After incident: obtain written confirmation of applicable convention, save purchase receipts and serial numbers, document communications and keep copies of ticket/contract showing jurisdiction and carriage terms. If pursuing legal remedy above statutory cap, obtain legal advice quickly to align evidence preservation with forum rules and conversion method for SDR or legacy units.

Escalate a denied claim: file with consumer agencies, pursue small-claims court, and build a trial-ready case

File an administrative complaint with your national aviation consumer protection office within its published deadline, attach a concise demand letter with total damages, and prepare a small-claims filing simultaneously so you can sue quickly if the administrative route fails.

Which agencies to contact and what to include

Identify the appropriate regulator for your route and carrier jurisdiction (national enforcement body, consumer protection agency, or aviation ombudsman). When submitting a complaint, include: reference number from your initial claim, copy of the Property Irregularity Report or baggage irregularity record, dated proof of value for lost items, itemized out-of-pocket receipts, all written correspondence, and a one-page chronology summarizing attempted remedies and the outcome requested (specific dollar or currency amount). Ask the office for expected response time and escalation options such as mediation or ADR.

Small-claims court strategy and evidence checklist

Before filing, calculate a precise demand: sum of item values, salvage value if applicable, taxed conversions for foreign currency, and requested interest. Draft a one-page demand letter with a 14-day payment deadline and send by certified mail; include that a court filing will follow if unpaid.

At filing, provide:

– Chronological timeline with dates and times of flight segments, reports, and correspondence.

– Single binder containing originals and clearly labeled copies: PIR, boarding passes, bag tags, claim form, receipts, repair estimates, purchase invoices, photos of items and serial numbers, and prior settlement offers.

– Calculation worksheet showing how you arrived at total damages, including receipts for interim necessities and conversion rates.

– Affidavit or sworn statement summarizing facts; brief witness statements if someone can corroborate handling or value.

– For high-value items (> small-claims cap) obtain a professional appraisal or repair invoice; note depreciation where applicable and be ready to argue replacement versus actual cash value.

At hearing: deliver a focused opening statement (90–120 seconds), present exhibits in numbered order, answer questions succinctly, and provide a one-page judgment form for the magistrate with your requested award and court order language.

If a court judgment is awarded and payment is not made, prepare enforcement options: wage garnishment, bank garnishment, or enforcement via a judgment registrar; check local rules for time limits and fees for enforcement actions.

FAQ:

Am I financially responsible if the airline loses my checked luggage?

No. While your bag is in the carrier’s custody, the airline bears responsibility for delivery. International travel is often governed by the Montreal Convention, which limits the airline’s liability for lost or damaged baggage to a set amount expressed in Special Drawing Rights (SDR). For domestic flights, airline rules in the contract of carriage and national law determine liability limits. If your bag does not arrive, report the problem at the airline’s desk in the airport and fill out a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). Keep boarding passes, baggage tags and any receipts; these will be needed when you submit a claim.

How should I prove the value of items inside lost luggage?

Gather as much documentary proof as possible: original purchase receipts, credit-card statements showing purchases, serial numbers for electronics, warranty cards, and photos that show the items in your bag. If an item was a gift, a receipt or a seller’s invoice helps. Also include the baggage tag, boarding pass and the PIR. If you lack receipts, submit older statements, online order confirmations or estimates from authorized dealers. Airlines often apply depreciation or statutory limits, so keep realistic replacement quotes and note brand/model details to support higher valuations.

The airline offered a small settlement; how can I challenge that and seek more?

First, read the airline’s contract of carriage and the written settlement offer so you understand their stated basis and any liability caps. Send a formal written claim that itemizes losses, attaches receipts and other proof, and explains why the offer is inadequate. Keep copies of all letters, emails and claim forms. If the carrier denies or offers an amount you consider insufficient, escalate to the airline’s customer relations or claims department and ask for a detailed breakdown. If that fails, file a complaint with the national aviation authority or consumer protection agency in your country, and check whether your travel insurance or credit-card benefits cover the shortfall. For international trips governed by the Montreal Convention, you may file a suit within the applicable time limit; many passengers use small-claims court or mediation to resolve disputes without full litigation.

Are there items the airline will not cover if my checked bag is lost?

Yes. Many carriers restrict or exclude valuables placed in checked baggage unless you declared them and paid any required fee. Commonly limited or excluded items include cash, negotiable instruments, jewelry, important documents, business records and certain electronics. Dangerous goods and prohibited items are also excluded. Check your airline’s list of prohibited and limited baggage contents in the contract of carriage. To reduce risk, carry irreplaceable or high-value items in your cabin bag, keep receipts and serial numbers, and consider purchasing supplemental travel insurance or declaring a higher value at check-in when the carrier permits it.