Lost, Delayed or Damaged Luggage: How to Claim

At the airport

1. Go to the airline's baggage service desk before you leave the arrivals hall.
2. File a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) and keep the reference number.
3. Photograph any damage and keep your bag tag and boarding pass.

Deadlines under the Montreal Convention

For most international trips the Montreal Convention applies:

• Damaged bags: complain in writing within 7 days of receiving the bag.
• Delayed bags: complain in writing within 21 days of receiving it.
• Lost bags: a bag is generally considered lost after 21 days; then claim for its value.

Airline liability is capped at a set amount of Special Drawing Rights (an IMF currency unit, revised periodically), unless you declared a higher value at check-in.

What you can claim

• Reasonable essentials while you wait for a delayed bag (toiletries, a change of clothes). Keep receipts.
• The checked-bag fee, if the bag was significantly delayed. U.S. rules now require refunding it in many cases.
• Repair or depreciated value for damage or loss.

Prevent the worst: put an AirTag or tracker in your bag, keep essentials in your carry-on, and photograph what you packed.