What will the airline pay if they lose my luggage?

Let’s say you’re waiting for the airport baggage carousel to pop out your bag. As the clock ticks down, you realize with mounting horror that it’s not coming. The airline has lost your luggage!

What happens now?

First things first: Report missing luggage

If your luggage is missing, don’t panic — find the lost luggage desk at the airport and file a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). This will inform the airline that your luggage has not arrived and will help them track down your luggage. It will also let them know where to deliver it once they do find it. So don’t leave the airport without it!

You should also hold on to the tag you were given when you checked in your luggage, your boarding pass, and receipts in case you need to make claims later on.

Your rights under the Montreal Convention

If your luggage is lost or delayed, there is a regulation called the Montreal Convention, or MC99, which covers international flights. It’s recognized by over 140+ countries the world over, so there’s a good chance that it applies to you.

MC99 allows you to claim back costs for delayed, lost, or damaged bags for up to $1,700, depending on the value of the contents of your suitcase:

• If the contents are worth less than $1,700, you only get reimbursed for the amount you lost.

• If the contents are over $1,700, this is the maximum amount you will receive.

What can I buy when my luggage is delayed?

What a nightmare! You’ve arrived in the Maldives, but your swimwear is stuck in Sweden. What can you do? Well, the Montreal Convention also gives you the right to buy the necessities that you need until you’re reunited with your luggage.

What counts as necessities?

Necessities include any items in your luggage that are required for your travels. This includes clothing, such as socks, underwear, and some basic outfits, as well as toiletries such as shampoo, toothbrush, razor, etc. Airlines may also reimburse items such medication, baby food, and other essential items.

However, some airlines may pay for items differently depending on whether they’re single use or not. For example, some airlines will reimburse you for single use items like toiletries for 100%, while reusable items like clothing will only be reimbursed for 50%.

What about my designer gear?

Airlines will not reimburse you for luxury items that are not needed for your daily survival. Some examples include jewelry, high-end electronics, collectibles, antiques, and designer clothing. If it’s expensive, chances are, the airline won’t pay for it.

Remember, this is only while your luggage is delayed. If your luggage is never returned to you, you can file a claim for everything in your case, though remember that the $1,700 limit will apply.

Are there exceptions?

Airlines sometimes make exceptions for certain high-end items if you can give clear justification that you need them. For example, they may be willing to cover the cost of a suit or a dress if you need one for a formal event such as a wedding or business conference. Of course, you'll have to provide proof that you’ll be attending such an event.

What if my bag is never found?

If your bag isn’t found and returned to you within 21 days then it is considered lost. In this case, rather than claiming back the costs of your necessities, you can start a claim for the entire contents of your luggage.

You can claim for everything in your bag, and the bag itself, but be aware the airline may ask for proof of the items you claim for, and they may deduct money for wear and tear and not pay the full value of a new item.

For certain special check-in items, such as musical instruments and sports equipment, airlines usually have a separate policy in place, so be sure to check their Terms and Conditions.

What do I need to claim back costs?

When you file a claim, you will need the following documents:

• Boarding pass

• Luggage tags or labels — which include the barcode that identifies your bag

• PIR (Property Irregularity Report) — which serves as proof that you reported the problem

• Receipts for items you purchased due to the delay

• Proof of purchase for lost or damaged items — including receipts or credit card statements

• Photos of any damage to your luggage and its contents

• Cost estimates for repairs you want reimbursed — e.g. for luggage repair

The most important of course are the receipts, as this is how the airline calculates how much they should pay you back. For new items, the receipt has to be dated after the time you reported your luggage missing, and will only cover things purchased while your luggage is delayed — typically up to 21 days, as this is the maximum time until your luggage is considered lost.

If you want older items reimbursed, many airlines will still expect you to provide a receipt, especially if it’s for an expensive item. However, expect the airlines to pay the depreciating cost instead of the price you actually paid when you first purchased it.

Airlines will reimburse you for necessities purchased and your luggage contents for a maximum of $1,700 — this number is the total per passenger, rather than the number of bags lost.

Do I have a time limit for claiming back luggage costs?

Airlines have 21 days to find your luggage, and after that, it’s officially declared lost. The time limit for filing a luggage claim therefore varies depending on what happens within those 21 days.

Here are the time limits for claiming:

However, some airlines may have their own deadlines for filing a luggage claim, so be sure to check with them first.

Pro tip: Keep your valuables on you

Since airlines can only cover up to $1,700, it’s important that you don’t check-in your valuables in the first place, to prevent them from getting lost or damaged. Always carry them on you, preferably in your carry-on luggage or as your personal item.

Here are some things you should never check-in if you can avoid it:

• Medication

• Personal items such as phones, keys, and wallets

• Important documents such as IDs, passports, work permits, and visas

• Important work or study materials

• Expensive equipment such as laptops and cameras

• Cash and jewelry

Protect your luggage with AirHelp+

Worried about losing your luggage and want some extra peace of mind? Sign up for AirHelp+ and get AirLuggage insurance. You’ll get €100 if your bag is lost or delayed — with no proof of contents needed! Plus, you can get additional assistance with MC99 claims for lost, delayed, or damaged bags.

So if you find yourself with a missing bag — be ready!