What to Do If Your Baggage Is Lost: File a Complaint Step by Step
Lost baggage can turn the end of your trip into a real hassle. If your bags fail to show up on the conveyor belt, take action quickly to safeguard your rights. This straightforward four-step process draws from international aviation standards.
- Report it right away at the airport baggage desk or airline counter before you leave to obtain a Property Irregularity Report (PIR)--your key piece of official documentation.
- Keep checking for delivery over the next 21 days, the period airlines have to reunite you with delayed bags.
- Declare the baggage lost once 21 days pass without delivery, which activates your compensation rights.
- Submit a formal compensation claim backed by documents such as receipts, inventory lists, and photos, in line with the Montreal Convention (up to 1,288 SDRs per passenger).
The process primarily covers international flights under the Montreal Convention. For delayed bags, hold onto receipts for any essentials you buy in the meantime. Damaged bags call for reporting within 7 days. US domestic flights rely on airline-specific policies instead.
Report Your Lost or Delayed Baggage Right Away at the Airport
Your initial step gets the ball rolling. Make your way to the airline's baggage desk or service counter in the arrivals area before heading out. Give a clear description of the missing bag--its color, brand, size, and any unique features--along with your baggage tags or boarding pass.
The agent will provide a Property Irregularity Report (PIR), which carries a unique reference number for tracking your case. Make sure to get a physical or digital copy; claims get far more difficult without it. If you notice delayed baggage after leaving the airport, visit the airline's website--many offer online reporting within 48 hours or up to 7 days of arrival, though timelines differ by carrier.
Leaving without the report is a mistake. It confirms you alerted the airline promptly, as required by passenger rights conventions. From there, use the PIR number to follow updates on the airline's baggage tracing portal.
Understand Delayed vs. Lost vs. Damaged Baggage and Key Timelines
Baggage problems divide into three main types, each with its own procedures and deadlines. Miss a deadline, and you could forfeit compensation. This table helps pinpoint your situation and the steps ahead:
| Issue Type | Definition | Reporting Deadline | Key Timeline | Compensation Trigger |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delayed | Bag not on arrival but delivered later | Airport immediately or online (48 hours to 7 days, airline-specific) | Up to 21 days for delivery | Receipts for essentials submitted within 21 days of delivery |
| Lost | Not delivered within 21 days | Airport immediately for PIR | 21 days without delivery | Declare lost after 21 days; claim up to 1,288 SDRs (Montreal Convention) |
| Damaged | Visible or concealed damage upon receipt | Airport immediately or within 7 days | Report within 7 days | Repair/replacement costs with photos and receipts |
Delayed bags shift to lost status if not returned within 21 days. For damage, capture proof quickly, such as photos before fully unpacking. These timelines come from the Montreal Convention, the main international benchmark; flights under the older Warsaw Convention face lower limits.
Gather Documents and Claim Compensation After 21 Days
If 21 days elapse with no delivery, your bag counts as lost. Reach out to the airline through their baggage tracing portal with your PIR number to declare it officially lost. Next, file your compensation claim--whether through an online form, email, or mail, as the carrier directs.
Strengthen your claim using this checklist:
- PIR copy
- Boarding pass and ticket
- Detailed inventory list of contents (items, descriptions, approximate purchase dates and costs)
- Receipts or proof of value for high-value items
- Photos of the bag (if available) and any pre-loss condition
Documenting the contents' value matters most--original receipts help, but reasonable estimates suffice if backed up well. The Montreal Convention sets recovery at up to 1,288 SDRs per passenger. Some older agreements fall under the Warsaw Convention, with limits around $9 per pound or $640 per suitcase. File soon after declaration; airlines have set response periods.
US domestic flights stick to airline policies, not these conventions--start at the airport counter. For non-Montreal routes, verify the governing convention before submitting.
Delayed Baggage? Claim Essentials and Choose Your Next Steps
When your bag shows up late but within 21 days, seek reimbursement for necessary purchases during the delay. Stick to essentials like clothing, toiletries, and medications, and retain all dated receipts.
Use this table to guide your options:
| Situation | Wait and Monitor? | Buy Essentials? | Escalate to Claim? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bag expected soon (e.g., airline update) | Yes, track via PIR portal | Minimal only | No, unless over 21 days |
| No updates after 3-5 days | Continue up to 21 days | Yes, keep receipts | Prepare docs for delay claim |
| Delivered damaged or very late | N/A | Submit receipts within 21 days of delivery | Full compensation under conventions |
Send in essentials receipts within 21 days of delivery. This reimburses reasonable expenses without extravagance. Montreal rules apply to international flights; check if Warsaw governs your route for reduced caps. Monitor progress via the PIR portal all along.
FAQ
What is a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) and why do I need it?
The PIR is the official airport-issued form documenting your missing, delayed, or damaged baggage. It includes a tracking number and starts the airline's investigation--essential for any compensation claim.
How long do I wait before baggage is considered officially lost?
Wait 21 days from your report. If undelivered, declare it lost and proceed to compensation.
What’s the maximum compensation for lost baggage under the Montreal Convention?
Up to 1,288 SDRs per passenger, covering proven bag and contents value (equivalents vary with exchange rates).
Can I claim for clothes and toiletries bought due to delayed baggage?
Yes, keep receipts for reasonable essentials and submit within 21 days of delivery.
What if my baggage is damaged--how soon must I report it?
Report immediately at the airport or within 7 days, with photos and receipts for repairs or replacement.
Are compensation rules different for US domestic flights?
Yes, they differ from international conventions--follow the airline's specific procedures starting at the airport.
Track your PIR closely and collect documents from the outset. If the airline's response falls short, check your flight's governing convention for further options.