Do airlines pay you if they lose your luggage

Immediate actions: Report missing checked baggage at the airport counter and obtain a PIR number before leaving the terminal. Retain boarding pass, bag tags, travel itinerary and photographs of the packed items. Purchase essential replacements (toiletries, one change of clothes) and keep original receipts; most carriers reimburse reasonable emergency expenses while tracing the item.

Legal limits and timeframes: For international travel governed by the Montreal Convention, liability for checked baggage is capped at 1,288 SDR per passenger (roughly USD 1,700 – check current SDR exchange rates). Written claims for damaged baggage must be submitted within 7 days of receiving the bag; claims for delayed delivery must be made within 21 days from the date the bag was placed at passenger disposal; actions for permanent non-delivery have a two-year statute of limitations for civil claims. Domestic carriage limits depend on the carrier’s contract of carriage – verify the published maximum liability for the specific operator.

Documentation to include in any claim: PIR number, completed carrier claim form, boarding pass, bag tag stubs, itemized receipts proving value, photos of damaged items or the packed contents, proof of emergency purchases, and credit card statements if card benefits were used to buy replacements. If theft is suspected, attach a police report.

Claim strategy and escalation: File the written claim within the carrier’s stated deadline and demand itemized calculation of any offered settlement. If declared value was purchased at check-in, reference that contract and the paid fee. If the carrier’s offer is inadequate, present supporting receipts and invoke Montreal Convention limits for international cases or seek relief through the national aviation consumer protection authority, travel insurer, credit-card issuer (for paid fares), or small-claims court.

Practical tips to increase recovery chances: Register expensive items on the manifest or declare higher value at check-in when applicable; photograph contents before travel; store passports, electronics and irreplaceables in carry-on; purchase trip insurance that covers permanent loss and delayed-baggage purchases; log all correspondence with the carrier and keep copies of submitted claims. Follow up by email every 48–72 hours during active tracing and escalate if no substantive response within the carrier’s published timeframe.

How to report missing baggage at the airport and which paperwork to obtain

Report missing baggage immediately at the airport baggage service desk and obtain a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) with a written reference number before leaving the terminal.

Documents to collect at the desk

Request a printed PIR copy and the PIR reference number; retain the boarding pass and the checked-bag tag stubs (pieces torn at drop-off). Obtain the booking reference (PNR) and a written contact card for the carrier’s local baggage office (phone and email). Ask for a written estimated delivery window and a local file number assigned by the ground handling agent. If theft is suspected, request assistance to file a police report at airport police and obtain a police reference document.

Evidence and paperwork for a claim

Compile an itemized inventory listing brand, model, serial numbers, approximate purchase dates and current values for contents; attach original purchase receipts or credit-card records where available. Photograph the suitcase exterior and interior, item damage, and baggage tag stubs. Keep copies of passport/ID, travel itinerary, boarding passes and ticket receipts. Save all emergency purchase receipts (clothing, toiletries) with date/time and seller details for potential reimbursement. Download and complete the carrier’s official claim form; send any written claims via registered mail or confirmed email and retain proof of submission.

Observe time limits: submit written notice for damaged items within seven days of receiving baggage and for delayed delivery claims within 21 days from the date baggage was made available. Civil actions under the Montreal Convention generally must be filed within two years of the arrival date. Store all originals and digital copies until the case is resolved.

How much carriers typically compensate: Montreal Convention limits, U.S. DOT rules and common carrier policies

Immediate recommendation: declare high-value items or buy supplemental coverage before check-in; Montreal Convention liability for checked baggage on international itineraries is 1,288 SDR per passenger (approximately $1,700–$1,800, conversion varies by date).

For international travel governed by the Montreal Convention the maximum statutory liability for destruction, total loss or damage of checked baggage is capped at 1,288 Special Drawing Rights (SDR) per passenger. Claims for damage must be filed within 7 days of baggage receipt; claims for delay must be filed within 21 days from the date baggage was placed at passenger disposal. Conversion of SDR to local currency fluctuates; use the IMF rate on the claim date when calculating compensation.

On domestic U.S. sectors the U.S. Department of Transportation requires carriers to publish baggage liability in the contract of carriage but does not impose a single statutory cap equivalent to Montreal for internal trips. Major U.S. carriers commonly set liability limits for checked items in the range of about $3,000–$3,800 per ticketed passenger for irretrievable loss or irreparable damage; exact figures appear in each carrier’s tariff. Carry-on damage claims follow the same contract provisions; documentation (receipts, serial numbers, photos) is decisive.

Typical carrier policies and practical limits: declared-value coverage (purchased at check-in) increases maximum reimbursement but generally requires a fee and original purchase receipts; many operators exclude cash, negotiable instruments, jewelry and certain electronics unless declared and separately insured. Interim expense reimbursement for delayed baggage is usually limited to reasonable essential purchases with receipts, often capped per day (examples: $50–$200/day) and by an overall ceiling stated in the contract of carriage.

Claim preparation checklist: keep boarding pass and tag receipts, photograph contents and damaged items, retain original purchase invoices and serial numbers, declare high-value goods before travel, and obtain written confirmation of any interim expense approvals. For higher coverage, compare the carrier’s declared-value option with travel insurance and premium credit-card protections–some cards offer automatic reimbursement for delayed or damaged checked items up to specified limits.

For details on carrier-specific caps and filing procedures consult the contract of carriage and national regulator guidance; for unrelated home or gear cleaning needs see best pressure washer for cleaning windows.

Which out-of-pocket expenses are reimbursable (toiletries, clothing, urgent purchases) and how to submit receipts

File a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) at the airport and submit original receipts with the PIR/reference number within 21 days of the first emergency purchase for delayed or missing checked baggage; include boarding pass, ticket and bag-tag copies on the claim form.

Commonly accepted categories and practical guidance:

Toiletries – basic hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, contact lens solution): typical single-claim totals range $5–$75.

Clothing – one change of clothes and undergarments needed for immediate travel or work: reasonable single-claim amounts usually fall between $20–$200 depending on destination and purpose of trip.

Prescription medication – full cost of urgent Rx replacements with pharmacy invoice and prescription copy; submit pharmacy contact details.

Baby/child supplies – diapers, formula, medication: original itemized receipts required.

Business-necessities – one set of professional attire or urgent presentation materials when travel is for work; include employer confirmation if available.

Electronics and valuables are generally excluded from interim reimbursements unless the carrier explicitly authorizes emergency replacement; retain proof of prior ownership for later claims.

Suggested spending limits observed in practice: many carriers issue an interim allowance or accept claims in the $25–$150 range for immediate essentials; larger claims will require stronger justification and clear documentation. Keep purchases modest and focused on necessities to avoid denial for excessive replacement costs.

Documentation checklist for submission:

1) Original PIR/reference number and copy of the airport report.

2) Flight details: booking reference, flight number, date, boarding passes and bag-tag stubs.

3) Original, itemized receipts showing date, merchant name, items purchased and totals.

4) Proof of payment (credit-card statement, bank transaction, or cash receipt).

5) Prescriptions and pharmacy invoices for medications.

6) Short written explanation tying each purchase to the emergency (one line per item, e.g., “toothbrush and toothpaste purchased at [store] on [date] after arrival”).

How to submit: use the carrier’s online baggage-claim portal when available – attach scanned receipts (PDF or high-resolution photos) and enter the PIR/reference number in the designated field; if no portal exists, send a printed packet by tracked mail to the carrier’s claims address and keep copies of everything. Always retain originals until reimbursement is received.

Sample claim header to include with receipts:

Passenger name: [Full name]; Booking reference: [PNR]; PIR/reference: [PIR]; Flight: [Flight number and date]; Contact: [phone/email]; Total claimed: [amount and currency]; Preferred reimbursement method: [bank transfer / check / credit reversal]. Below this header list each receipt as Date – Merchant – Item – Amount.

Currency and conversion: submit receipts in the original currency. For claims that require conversion, include a credit-card statement showing the conversion or state the official exchange rate used and date; carriers often apply the bank/card conversion rate on the transaction date.

Processing and follow-up: typical reimbursement handling spans 30–60 days for interim essential-item claims; if no acknowledgement within 30 days, follow up with the claim reference by email and by phone. Retain records for at least two years after the incident in case of escalation or litigation.

Claim deadlines and timelines: when to file, carrier response times, and baggage tracking milestones

File a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) at the arrivals or transfer desk before leaving the airport; record the PIR reference number and photograph the printed report.

Statutory and common filing windows

• Montreal Convention: damage notified in writing within 7 days from receipt of checked baggage; delay complaint submitted within 21 days from the date baggage was placed at passenger’s disposal; judicial action must begin within 2 years from the date delivery was due.
• Typical contract-of-carriage deadlines: many carriers require written claims for delayed baggage within 21 days and for damaged baggage within 7 days; check the specific carrier’s contract for exact cutoffs.
• Domestic U.S.: no single federal filing deadline is specified by DOT for baggage claims; carriers publish their own time limits–verify those and meet the earliest one.

Operational timeline and recommended actions (day-by-day)

1. Day 0 (arrival): file PIR at the airport before leaving; keep boarding pass, bag tags and PIR code.
2. Hours 0–6: expect initial tracking records (checked, loaded, arrival scan, offloaded). If a tracking system shows a routing error, get written confirmation at the desk.
3. Hours 24–48: many delayed bags are routed and delivered within this window for domestic travel; for international travel common delivery windows extend to 48–72 hours.
4. Day 7: if bag arrives damaged, submit a written damage claim with photos within this day range to preserve Montreal Convention rights.
5. Day 21: if bag remains undelivered, most carriers will classify it as irretrievably delayed and open a final settlement process; submit any outstanding written claim and all receipts by this deadline.
6. Weeks 4–8: expect an initial formal response or settlement offer; if no substantive reply by 30 days, escalate to the carrier’s complaints department and retain all correspondence.
7. Up to 2 years: preserve the right to bring judicial action under Montreal Convention; do not let the two-year limit lapse before consulting legal options.

• Typical carrier acknowledgement times: email or case number provided within 7–14 days after claim submission; final decisions or settlement offers commonly arrive within 30–60 days but some complex cases may take up to 90 days.
• Escalation path: if no adequate reply within the carrier’s stated timeframe, file a complaint with the national aviation consumer protection body (for U.S. cases, DOT Aviation Consumer Protection) or consider small-claims court well before the two-year limit expires.
• Tracking milestones to capture in documentation: bag-tag barcode, check-in timestamp, loading/offload scans, transfer-handling notes, PIR code, attempted delivery timestamps, and delivery confirmation.
• Practical tip: keep all electronic tracking screenshots and correspondence; a clear timeline of events strengthens a claim and speeds final resolution. For unrelated repairs (example: umbrella restringing) see best rope to restring an umbrella.

What to do if a claim is denied or underpaid: appeals, arbitration, credit card protections and small-claims options

File an internal appeal with the carrier within 30 days of denial and contact the credit-card issuer for a chargeback within 60–120 days of the original transaction or denial notice.

Step-by-step actions and required evidence

1) Internal appeal: submit a written appeal to the carrier’s customer-relations or claims department. Include the original claim number, PIR/IR report, boarding pass, booking reference, chronological timeline of events, itemized receipts, photos of items and baggage condition, and any repair/valuation estimates. Request a specific remedy (reimbursement amount or replacement) and cite the relevant section of the contract of carriage if available. Send by tracked mail and by email; keep delivery receipts.

2) Escalation and arbitration: review the contract of carriage for mandatory arbitration clauses and follow that procedure if present. Typical arbitration filings require a demand, copies of the dispute file, a filing fee (commonly $100–$1,000 depending on forum) and appointment of an arbitrator. Awards are usually binding; options to vacate an award are limited and require litigation in a court of competent jurisdiction.

3) Credit-card protections: initiate a chargeback or dispute with the card issuer as a merchant dispute. Provide the issuer with the claim reference, PIR, receipts and denial correspondence. Common issuer timeframes to start a chargeback are 60–120 days from the transaction or from date of denial; some issuers allow longer under special programs. If the card includes travel-baggage or trip-protection benefits, file a benefits claim with the insurer linked to the card and submit the same evidence plus any insurer claim forms.

4) Small-claims court: prepare a demand letter summarizing losses and a clear deadline (typically 10–14 days) before filing. File in the county where the carrier has business presence or where the contract was performed. Typical filing fees range $30–$400; limits vary by jurisdiction (commonly $2,500–$25,000). Trial dates are usually scheduled within 1–6 months. Bring originals and copies of the booking, PIR, receipts, correspondence, witness statements and a concise damages spreadsheet.

Practical timing, costs and when to pick each route

Sample appeal wording (short): “Claim ref #________. Request reconsideration of the denial and full reimbursement of documented losses totaling $_____. Attached: PIR, boarding pass, booking confirmation, itemized receipts, photos and correspondence. Please provide a written explanation of denial citing contract clause and evidence relied upon, and an updated settlement offer within 21 days.”

If the carrier invokes a mandatory arbitration clause, obtain the exact filing instructions and fee schedule immediately; if filing a chargeback, notify the issuer before initiating arbitration to avoid procedural conflicts. For high-value claims, consult a lawyer experienced in transportation or contract law to assess feasibility of court relief versus arbitration. For international itineraries, verify treaty or foreign-law deadlines before initiating litigation.

FAQ:

What is considered “lost” baggage and when will an airline owe me money?

Lost baggage usually means your checked bags were not returned to you within a reasonable period and cannot be located. For international travel covered by the Montreal Convention, airlines generally treat baggage as lost after about 21 days of continued non-delivery; at that point the carrier is liable for compensation up to the convention limit (expressed in Special Drawing Rights, or SDRs). For domestic flights, rules differ by country and by carrier—some airlines set their own caps in the contract of carriage. Airlines also have obligations for delayed baggage (reimbursement for necessary purchases) and for damaged items. To make a claim you should file a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) at the airport and keep all travel documents and receipts.

What paperwork and deadlines do I need to meet to file a successful claim?

File a PIR at the arrival airport before leaving the terminal; this creates an official record. Keep your boarding pass, baggage tags, and any receipts for items bought because of the delay. For damage claims many carriers require a written complaint within seven days of receiving the baggage; for delays and cases of non-delivery the commonly used timeframe is 21 days from the date the baggage should have been available. Airlines may also ask for an itemized list and proof of value (invoices, photos, serial numbers). There is typically a longer period—often up to two years under international rules—to pursue legal action, but you must follow the airline’s shorter administrative deadlines to preserve your claim.

Can I be paid for expensive items like cameras or jewelry that were in checked baggage?

Checked luggage usually carries limited liability for high-value goods. Many carriers exclude valuables (jewelry, cash, fragile electronics) from full coverage if they were checked. If you expect to transport expensive items, keep them in carry-on or buy additional declared-value coverage from the airline before travel; that requires a declaration and usually a fee. When a claim is accepted, reimbursement is typically based on proof of ownership and actual loss but subject to the carrier’s liability cap or the amount declared. Also check whether your travel insurance or credit card offers extra protection—those policies often pay in addition to or when airline liability falls short. Always keep original receipts, serial numbers, and photos to support a higher-value claim.

How do airlines calculate compensation and how long does it take to get paid?

Compensation is commonly tied to documented actual loss up to the carrier’s liability limit. For international flights under the Montreal Convention, the cap is set in SDRs; for other flights the contract of carriage or national law sets limits. Carriers may offer an immediate advance for essential purchases while the search continues, then settle the full claim after assessing receipts and proof. Payments can take from a few weeks to several months depending on investigation complexity and whether you supplied required documents. If the airline denies or undervalues your claim, escalate through the carrier’s complaint process, use a national consumer protection agency, or pursue small-claims court. Keep clear records of all communications and receipts to speed resolution.