Delayed and Lost Baggage Compensation in the USA, EU, and International Flights

Below, you'll find comprehensive guidance on how to file a claim for various baggage-related issues and get compensation for delayed and lost baggage, as well as for luggage damaged by the airline. Our primary suggestion is to initiate your baggage compensation claim directly with the airline.

In addition, if your flight experienced delays or cancellations, we encourage you to consider AirHelp's services. AirHelp can evaluate your eligibility for compensation in such cases and provide assistance in filing a claim on your behalf. This way, you can streamline the process and ensure you receive the compensation you rightfully deserve.

When facing the inconvenience of delayed baggage during a domestic flight within the United States, here's a comprehensive guide to help you secure delayed baggage compensation and reimbursement:

1. Hold onto your boarding pass and your checked luggage receipts.

If you don’t have your boarding pass, you can use any flight document with a booking reference number. This number is assigned to your flight reservation by the airline and is a six-digit code, which may include both letters and numbers.

2. Let the airline know as soon as possible that your bags didn’t show up.

It’s best to do this before leaving the airport, but requirements vary from one airline to another, so check your airline’s policy online.

3. Fill out a Property Irregularity Report.

When you fill out the Property Irregularity Report or PIR, you’ll also be given a file reference number for your case. Hold onto both.

4. Request a bag fee rebate from the airline if you were charged one.

Policies vary from airline to airline, but it won’t hurt to ask. Some airlines only offer rebates via airline credit, but insist on cash, if possible. If they refuse, consider adding it to your reimbursement claim (step 7, below).

5. Track your luggage using your file reference number.

Many carriers provide tracking tools online. This should hopefully give you a decent idea of when your bags will catch up with you.

6. Keep your receipts if you have to replace necessary items.

These include items like toiletries or underwear—things that were in your bags that you can’t really do without for a few days. Once you file a claim, you may be able to get delayed luggage reimbursement for these expenses.

7. File a claim with the airlines.

This is where the receipts for those necessary items come into play. Most airlines require that your claim be made no later than 45 days from your flight date even if your bags haven’t arrived yet. Again, this varies from carrier to carrier, so check your airline’s policy online.

By following these steps diligently, you can enhance your chances of receiving delayed baggage compensation and reimbursement for a smoother resolution of your delayed luggage issues during domestic flights in the United States.

Delayed Baggage on Domestic Flights: How Much Compensation Can You Get?

For domestic flights, the Department of Transportation (DOT) has set a maximum limit of $3,800 per passenger as compensation for delayed, lost, or damaged baggage. Airlines have the flexibility to compensate you beyond this limit, but they are not required to do so.

Airlines cannot impose arbitrary daily limits on the expenses you need to incur due to delayed or mishandled baggage. For example, a $50 daily limit on expenses cannot be enforced, but they must reimburse reasonable expenses that can be properly documented with receipts.

If your luggage fails to arrive with you on international or EU flights, it's vital to be aware of the steps to take to secure delayed baggage compensation. Here is a comprehensive guide on what to do when faced with a luggage delay:

1. Keep your boarding pass and checked luggage receipts.

If your boarding pass is unavailable, any flight document containing a booking reference number will suffice. This number, typically a six-digit alphanumeric code assigned by the airline, identifies your flight reservation.

2. Notify the airline promptly about your missing bags.

Ideally, report this issue before leaving the airport.

3. Complete a Property Irregularity Report (PIR).

When you fill out the PIR, you'll receive a file reference number for your case. Keep both references safe as they are important to submit a delayed baggage claim to receive compensation.

4. Track your luggage using the provided file reference number.

Many airlines offer online tracking tools, which should give you an estimate of when your bags will be reunited with you.

5. Retain your receipts for essential item replacements.

These receipts should cover items such as toiletries and underwear, which you had in your luggage and cannot do without for a few days. Once you file a claim, you can seek airline reimbursement for your delayed baggage for these expenses.

6. Submit a claim with the airline once your luggage is returned.

This claim is for any expenses incurred due to the delay in receiving your bags, such as replacing essential items. You have up to 21 days from the time you regain possession of your bags to file this claim, and you'll need to provide your receipts for validation.

Delayed Baggage on International Flights: How Much Compensation Can You Get?

The Montreal Convention usually governs international flights. Under this treaty, you may be eligible for compensation up to approximately $1,700 (1,288 SDRs - Special Drawing Rights) for delayed, lost, or damaged baggage. Airlines may offer greater compensation at their discretion.

In the rare cases where the Montreal Convention does not cover international flights to and from the United States, the Warsaw Convention may apply.

When faced with the frustration of lost baggage during domestic flights within the United States, it's essential to know the steps to secure lost baggage compensation and reimbursement:

1. Retain Your File Reference Number.

Ensure you hold on to the file reference number provided by the airline. You typically receive this when completing the Property Irregularity Report (PIR) following the delay or loss of your bags.

2. Preserve Receipts for Essential Replacements.

Safeguard receipts for replacing crucial items such as toiletries and underwear, which were in your lost bags and are indispensable for several days. After filing a lost luggage claim, you may be eligible for reimbursement of these expenses.

3. Compile a Comprehensive Contents List for Your Lost Bags.

Create a detailed inventory of the items inside your lost bags. Having receipts or other forms of proof for these items will significantly aid your claim. While there are exceptions to what airlines cover for packed items, you can generally seek reimbursement for most accounted-for contents.

4. Initiate a Compensation Claim with the Airline.

Contact your airline to determine the deadline for filing a claim for lost baggage compensation. It's crucial to adhere to this timeline. In your claim, include not only the receipts and documentation for your replacement items but also for the contents of your luggage. This comprehensive approach will strengthen your case for compensation for lost luggage.

By following these steps diligently, you can increase your chances of successfully securing compensation for lost baggage during domestic flights within the United States. Remember to review your airline's specific policies and deadlines to ensure a smoother resolution to your lost baggage issue.

For passengers traveling internationally or within the EU, it's essential to know the steps to follow when your luggage is misplaced by the airline, and you're seeking compensation for lost luggage or lost baggage reimbursement. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate this situation:

1. Retain your provided file reference number from the airline.

You should have received this number when you completed the Property Irregularity Report (PIR) following the delay of your bags. Your bags are officially considered lost 21 days after their expected arrival, or earlier if the airline acknowledges their loss.

2. Preserve your receipts for essential replacements.

This includes items like toiletries and underwear, items you had in your bags that are indispensable for a few days. Once you submit a claim, you can seek reimbursement for these necessary expenses.

3. Compile a comprehensive list of the contents inside your lost bags.

Any receipts or supporting evidence of the items will be beneficial. While there are exceptions to what airlines will cover regarding packed items, you should be eligible for reimbursement for most of the contents you can document.

4. Initiate a compensation claim with the airline.

Include receipts and documentation for the contents of your luggage, as well as any expenses incurred due to the loss of your bags, such as the cost of replacement items.

Travel Insurance for Lost and Delayed Baggage Compensation

Following the above steps equips you to effectively navigate the challenging terrain of managing lost luggage and seeking rightful compensation for delayed and lost luggage. However, should you prefer a more seamless solution, we offer AirLuggage, our hassle-free luggage insurance package, designed to alleviate the stress of such situations. With our insurance coverage, you can expect a swift and effortless payout of €100 per bag, promptly deposited into your account within hours.

The best part? No need to painstakingly document your bag's contents; all that's required is the Property Irregularity Report (PIR) number from the lost luggage desk. Whether you've checked in one bag or as many as four under your name, our comprehensive coverage extends to all, guaranteeing compensation, regardless of the speed at which your bag is recovered.

But that's not where our commitment ends. At AirLuggage, we take it a step further. In addition to our insurance payout, we stand by you in the process of claiming up to $1,700 from the airline for any losses incurred due to lost, delayed, or damaged bags. Your peace of mind is our top priority, and we are here to ensure that you receive the full compensation you rightfully deserve, making your travel experience as smooth as possible.

When your baggage sustains damage during domestic flights within the United States, it's essential to be aware of the steps to take to secure compensation for damaged luggage.

1. Hold onto your boarding pass and your checked luggage receipts.
   You can use any flight document with a booking reference number if you don't have your boarding pass. This number is assigned to your flight reservation by the airline and is a six-digit code, which may include both letters and numbers.

2. Report the damage before leaving the airport after receiving your bags.
   If it is not possible to report the damage before leaving the airport, you may be able to do so later, but requirements vary from one airline to another, so check your airline’s policy online.

3. Fill out a damage claim form, or Property Irregularity Report.
   You will probably be asked to do this if you report the damage in person, but some airlines have the forms online, as well.

4. Present your bags for inspection so they can be repaired or replaced.
   Again, it is best to do so before you leave the airport, if possible. The airline will negotiate a solution with you, whether they repair the damage, replace the items, or otherwise compensate you.

5. File a claim with the airline for damaged items in your bags.
   There are several exceptions to what the airline will cover in terms of packed items and they may deny any responsibility at all, but if you can provide a compelling case that they are liable, it might be worth your time.

If you find your luggage has been damaged while traveling on an EU or international flight, understanding the necessary steps to secure compensation for damaged baggage is crucial. Below, we outline the recommended course of action in such a situation:

1. Hold onto your boarding pass and your checked luggage receipts.
   If you don’t have your boarding pass, you can use any flight document with a booking reference number. This number is assigned to your flight reservation by the airline and is a six-digit code, which may include both letters and numbers.

2. Report the damage as soon as possible.
   You have up to 7 days from the time you receive your bags to do so, but it is always best to report the issue before you leave the airport.

3. Fill out a damage claim form, or Property Irregularity Report.
   You will probably be asked to do this if you report the damage in person, but some airlines have the forms online, as well.

4. Present your bags for inspection so they can be repaired or replaced.
   Again, it is best to do so before you leave the airport, if possible. The airline will negotiate a solution with you, whether they repair the damage, replace the items, or otherwise compensate you.

5. File a claim for damaged items in your bags.
   There are several exceptions to what the airline will cover in terms of packed items and they may deny any responsibility at all, but if you can provide a compelling case that they are liable, it might be worth your time.