Do you get reimbursed for lost luggage

File a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) at the arrival desk immediately and submit a written claim to the carrier within 21 days of scheduled arrival on international routes; visible damage requires notice within 7 days.

Montreal Convention liability caps baggage payouts at 1,288 SDR per passenger unless a higher value was declared and an extra charge paid; that amount equals roughly USD 1,700–1,800 or EUR 1,500–1,600, subject to current exchange rates.

Retain boarding pass, baggage tags, PIR copy, photos of the item and exterior, plus original receipts documenting emergency purchases and original purchase invoices with serial numbers and dates; submit an itemized inventory with claim submission to increase probability of full compensation.

Most carriers compensate reasonable emergency purchases up to published policy caps (common range USD 50–200); original receipts are mandatory; consult the carrier’s Conditions of Carriage and the ticket contract to confirm maximums and claim deadlines.

Purchase travel insurance or use premium credit card benefits to cover high-value items that exceed carrier liability; declare valuables at check-in with a written statement and pay any applicable surcharge to raise the airline’s maximum liability.

If the carrier denies a claim or offers an inadequate settlement, escalate to the national enforcement authority or pursue a small claims action; under the Montreal Convention the statute of limitations is two years measured from the date of arrival or the scheduled arrival date.

Act quickly, preserve all evidence, keep detailed records of communications and amounts claimed, and compare any carrier offer with travel insurance and credit-card protections before accepting payment.

Who qualifies: airline compensation after missing checked baggage?

Eligibility typically requires a ticketed passenger who checked an item, possession of the checked-bag tag (receipt) and a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) issued at the airport; present these items when submitting a claim to the carrier.

Document checklist: boarding pass, baggage tag stub, PIR reference number, original purchase receipts proving high-value contents, and emergency purchase receipts made while awaiting return of the checked bag. Photographs of damaged items and the bag itself strengthen a damage or non-delivery claim.

Deadlines and timeframes used by most carriers: file the PIR at the airport immediately after discovery; submit a written claim to the airline within 21 days if the checked bag fails to arrive at the scheduled destination, and within 7 days for visible damage. Failure to meet these deadlines often results in claim denial.

Liability and limits: international itineraries between Montreal Convention states are subject to liability expressed in Special Drawing Rights (SDR); contract of carriage posted by the carrier specifies exact numeric caps and applicable currency conversion. Domestic routes follow carrier terms listed in the contract of carriage and carrier websites; declared-value services or third-party travel insurance provide higher coverage if needed.

Items typically excluded from carrier liability unless explicitly declared and paid: cash, jewelry, negotiable documents, certain electronics, and fragile items not packed according to carrier rules. Check the airline’s prohibited and excluded-items clause before checking high-value goods.

If a claim is denied or compensation offered is insufficient, escalate by supplying the PIR number, original receipts and photos to the carrier’s claims department, then to the national aviation authority or small-claims court if unresolved; under the Montreal Convention the statute of limitation for legal action is two years measured from the date the carrier should have delivered the checked bag.

Practical steps to increase chances of success: keep all originals (boarding pass, baggage tag, receipts), record PIR reference immediately, submit the airline claim online using the carrier’s claim portal, request written denial with explanation if applicable, and purchase declared-value coverage or travel insurance when checked items exceed standard liability limits.

How airlines calculate reimbursement limits and what monetary caps apply

Claim immediately with the carrier; submit documentation within Montreal Convention deadlines.

• Montreal Convention ceiling: carrier liability for baggage destruction, misplacement, damage, delay is limited to 1,288 SDR per passenger.
• SDR explanation: Special Drawing Rights represent an IMF-denominated unit. Convert by multiplying 1,288 SDR by the current SDR→local-currency exchange rate available on the IMF website.
• Typical USD example: 1,288 SDR has recently equated roughly to USD 1,700–1,900. Use the IMF daily rate to obtain an exact figure at time of claim.
• Claim deadlines under Montreal: damaged items must be reported within 7 days of receipt; delayed items must be reported within 21 days from the date baggage was placed at passenger disposal. Failure to meet these windows can invalidate a claim.
• Domestic flights (non‑international): many airlines set contract-of-carriage caps that differ from international treaty limits. Common carrier caps range widely; always verify the specific carrier tariff prior to filing.
• Valuation method: carriers typically evaluate claims using original purchase receipts, age-based depreciation, and evidence of current market replacement cost. Absence of receipts slows processing and may reduce settlement amounts.
• Declared/extra valuation options: several carriers allow declaration of increased value at check-in against an added fee and a signed carrier acceptance. This raises the airline’s maximum liability beyond treaty or tariff caps.
• Supplemental coverage: credit card benefits or private travel insurance often cover amounts exceeding the carrier cap. Present airline settlement details and receipts when filing with an insurer to avoid duplicate claims rejection.

Action checklist to maximize potential compensation:

1. Report at airline desk immediately and obtain a property irregularity report (PIR) or equivalent document.
2. Photocopy and retain boarding pass, bag tags, claim form, repair estimates, purchase receipts, serial numbers, photos of damage.
3. Convert any SDR-based cap to local currency using the IMF daily rate; state the converted amount in the formal claim.
4. Request written confirmation of the carrier’s liability limit and any applicable contract-of-carriage clauses.
5. If high-value items were checked without declaration, prepare to show proof of purchase and argue replacement cost; consider pursuing extension through travel insurance or card issuer benefits.
6. File insurer claim promptly after airline settlement attempt; include airline correspondence and proof of settlement amount.

Step-by-step checklist: paperwork, deadlines and where to submit a missing-baggage claim

File a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) at the airline desk before leaving the terminal.

Immediate actions at the airport

Obtain the PIR number and a stamped photocopy from the airline representative.

Retain boarding pass, baggage tag stubs and passport or government ID; photograph those documents.

Photograph the bag, visible damage, and surrounding carousel area if applicable; request written confirmation of any interim assistance issued by the carrier.

If theft is suspected, request a police report at the airport and attach that document to the airline claim.

Paperwork checklist, deadlines and submission channels

Required documents: PIR copy, boarding pass, baggage tag stubs, passport/ID copy, itemized inventory with estimated values, original purchase receipts or credit-card statements, photos of items and bag, serial numbers where applicable, repair estimates for damaged items, police report when theft suspected, completed airline claim form, bank account details to receive payment, travel-insurance policy number when applicable.

Common deadlines: PIR at airport immediately. Initial online notification recommended within 24–48 hours. Written claim deadlines usually: damage – within 7 days from receipt of baggage; delay – within 21 days from date baggage was placed at passenger disposal; non-delivery claims typically expected within 21 days of scheduled arrival. Statutory actions under the Montreal Convention generally must be started within two years of arrival date.

Submission channels: airport baggage office (PIR), carrier claims portal on the airline website, email to the official claims address, certified mail to the airline’s claims department (keep tracking number), submission through the travel agent or tour operator, travel-insurance portal when a policy applies. Always include the PIR number in the subject line and on every page of mailed documents.

Practical handling: scan every original receipt and supporting document before sending; upload high-resolution photos when filing online; send physical copies by tracked mail when required; keep a chronological log of all communications with carrier representatives including dates, names and reference numbers.

Retain receipts documenting necessary purchases such as toiletries, clothing or medication; airlines sometimes issue an emergency advance or vouchers – submit those receipts with the initial claim.

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When travel insurance or credit card benefits cover missing baggage: coverage triggers and claimant steps

Claim primary protection applies when the airfare or trip package was charged to a card that explicitly lists primary baggage protection; otherwise, an independent travel policy typically acts as secondary coverage.

Cardholder coverage triggers: the ticket must be purchased with the card, the card account must be active at time of incident, and the airport property irregularity report (PIR) should be obtained immediately. Policyholder coverage triggers: the trip must be listed on the policy period, the incident must meet the policy definition of property loss or delay, and claim submission must respect the insurer’s stated deadline.

Monetary structure and common caps: most travel insurers set total payout caps between $1,500 and $3,000 per trip with per-item ceilings of $200–$500; jewelry, watches and high-value electronics often have separate low caps (commonly $250) unless scheduled on the policy. Premium credit cards offering primary protection present a wider range: typical secondary coverage spans $500–$3,000 per passenger with a handful of premium cards providing primary coverage up to $10,000 per trip. Delay benefits usually pay $100 per 12-hour period up to $300; deductibles commonly range $0–$100 depending on product.

Required documentation differences: issuers almost always request the PIR, the card statement showing ticket charge, boarding passes and bag tags, itemized receipts showing original purchase prices, and photographs plus serial numbers where applicable. Insurers may additionally require the complete policy declaration page, a sworn statement, a copy of the airline’s final disposition notice, and a local police report when theft is alleged. Insurer subrogation clauses allow recovery from the carrier if the carrier later issues a settlement; any carrier settlement reduces the insurer payout.

Recommended claimant actions unique to each source: when invoking card benefits, submit the card statement proving ticket purchase and complete issuer claim forms via the card portal to speed assessment. When submitting to an insurer, include the policy declaration page, itemized proof of ownership, and any airline final report; retain damaged items until inspection instructions are received. If theft is suspected, obtain a local police report and include the report number in the insurer claim packet. Photographic evidence, serial numbers, and original purchase receipts materially increase settlement likelihood.

Timing notes: airlines typically mark checked items as not recovered after 21 days; insurers commonly require claim initiation well before that window elapses, often within 20–30 days, while issuers may allow up to 90 days. Currency conversion rules and exchange-rate dates are specified in policy or card benefit wording; attach a clear calculation when receipts use non-USD amounts.

Evidence preservation tip: photograph all items, packaging and baggage condition at collection point, retain damaged bag, keep emergency purchase receipts, and avoid discarding any tags. Do not submit unrelated web guides as documentation; unrelated examples such as how to dig underground dog fence are irrelevant to claims and may delay processing.

How to appeal a denied reimbursement and escalate disputes with airlines or regulators

Submit a written appeal to the carrier’s claims department within 30 days of denial, attaching the PIR, boarding pass, itemized inventory, original receipts, serial numbers, photos and a concise cover letter.

What to include in an appeal

Always reference the original claim number and flight details; demand an itemized explanation of the denial and a calculation that cites the applicable legal regime. Attach: PIR copy, boarding pass, purchase invoices with dates and serial numbers, bank or card statements showing purchase, dated photos, repair or replacement estimates, copies of any earlier correspondence including the carrier’s denial, and certified-mail or tracked-email receipts. Provide a short chronology (date/time of incident, date of initial report, dates of each carrier reply) and an explicit monetary amount sought with a brief legal basis citation (Montreal Convention, domestic statute or carrier tariff).

Sample subject: “Appeal of denied reimbursement – Claim #12345”. Sample opening sentence: “Claim #12345; flight ABC123 on 01-Jan-2025; attached evidence supports entitlement under Montreal Convention Article 17; request reconsideration and settlement in the amount stated below.”

Escalation path, legal limits and deadlines

Cite the Montreal Convention baggage liability limit of 1,288 SDR per passenger (convert SDR using IMF daily rate at incident date). In the United States verify the Department of Transportation guidance and a commonly referenced domestic cap near US$3,800 on checked-baggage liability; confirm current numeric limits on the DOT consumer pages. Legal actions under the Montreal Convention must be initiated within two years of the incident date.

If internal appeal fails, lodge a formal complaint with the national aviation regulator: US DOT Aviation Consumer Protection Division via https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/file-consumer-complaint, the competent national enforcement body in EU member states, or the national civil aviation authority in other jurisdictions. Check whether the carrier subscribes to an Alternative Dispute Resolution scheme or an ombudsman; ADR schemes often have filing windows stated in carrier policy.

When regulator channels do not produce settlement, prepare a small-claims case in the appropriate jurisdiction (carrier incorporation venue or journey origin). File packet should include: court claim form, copies of all evidence, full appeal chronology, copies of regulator correspondence, and proof of certified delivery. Keep all originals; submit photocopies with a signed statement of authenticity if required by court rules.

Engage an attorney only after documenting every step and obtaining written denials; request clear terms (fee structure, estimated costs, jurisdictional strategy) and a short demand letter from counsel prior to litigation, as that frequently prompts renewed settlement discussions.