LOST OR DELAYED BAGGAGE

Lost or delayed baggage compensation: deadlines, receipts and claim

A Property Irregularity Report starts the tracing process, but it is not always the written compensation claim. A strong case separates delayed baggage, permanent loss and damage, then proves the actual financial loss before the applicable deadline expires.

Updated 7 September 2026

The short answer

Report the missing bag at the airport immediately, keep the PIR reference and send a written claim to the operating airline. Buy only reasonable essentials while the bag is delayed and keep itemised receipts. For many international journeys, the Montreal Convention caps baggage liability at 1,519 SDR per passenger; this is a ceiling, not an automatic payout.

Identify the baggage problem

Delayed baggage

The bag has not arrived but is still being traced. Claim reasonable, necessary interim purchases with receipts.

Lost baggage

The airline has declared the bag lost, or the applicable rules treat it as lost after the tracing period. Prepare an inventory with evidence of value and age.

Damaged baggage

Photograph the damage before repair or disposal and report it at the airport. Normal wear or a pre-existing defect may be excluded.

Missing contents

Record the broken seal or opened bag immediately and list only the specific missing items you can support with evidence.

Deadlines can decide the claim

Do not wait for tracing to finish before checking the written-claim deadline. The route, airline tariff and governing convention matter.

At the airport

Report the incident immediately and retain the PIR, baggage tag and boarding pass.

Damaged checked baggage

Under the Montreal Convention framework, a written complaint is generally due within 7 days after receiving the bag.

Delayed checked baggage

For covered international travel, submit the written complaint no later than 21 days after the bag is returned.

Bag not returned

Notify the airline as soon as possible. Some regimes treat baggage as lost after 21 days; local tariffs may add steps.

Court action

Under the Montreal Convention, an action for damages generally must be brought within 2 years, separately from the shorter airline-claim deadlines.

How much can be claimed?

For international carriage covered by the Montreal Convention, the baggage liability limit has been 1,519 SDR per passenger since 28 December 2024. It combines loss, delay or damage; it is not per suitcase and is not paid automatically. The passenger normally proves actual, reasonable loss. For U.S. domestic travel, the DOT currently allows airlines to cap liability at $4,700 per passenger. Other domestic journeys follow local law and the airline tariff.

Evidence to collect

  • Property Irregularity Report (PIR)
  • Baggage tag and tracing reference
  • Boarding passes and booking
  • Photos of the suitcase and damage
  • Itemised receipts for essentials
  • Inventory of contents, value and age
  • Purchase records or card statements
  • Messages and airline decisions
  • Requested amount and bank details
  • Travel-insurance correspondence

A practical claim sequence

1. Report

Open the baggage report before leaving the airport where possible.

2. Preserve

Save screenshots, tags, photos and every receipt. Separate delay expenses from the value of a lost bag.

3. Claim in writing

Send a dated claim with the flight, PIR, chronology, itemised amount and requested remedy.

4. Avoid double recovery

You may notify travel insurance, but disclose any payment for the same loss.

5. Escalate

If the airline rejects or ignores the claim, use the applicable ADR, authority or court route before its deadline.

Review the Flight Claim service →

Baggage claim FAQ

Is a PIR enough to claim compensation?

Usually no. It records the incident and starts tracing, but you should also submit the airline’s written claim with receipts and the amount requested.

Can I buy clothes and toiletries?

Reasonable essentials may be reimbursable for delayed baggage. Buy proportionately, keep itemised receipts and explain why each purchase was needed.

Is the 1,519 SDR limit per bag?

No. It is generally a per-passenger liability ceiling for baggage, not a guaranteed sum per suitcase.

Which airline should receive the claim?

Start with the airline that operated the affected flight or the final carrier handling the baggage. Several carriers may require more checks.

Does VEYDOIT contact the airline?

No. VEYDOIT structures your facts, evidence and request. The airline, insurer, ADR body, authority or court decides the outcome.

Explore the complete free flight case check →

Official and industry sources

General information, not legal advice. Rights, deadlines and limits depend on the itinerary, carrier, tariff, convention, local law and facts.