Step-by-Step Guide to Claiming Lost Luggage Compensation

Successfully claiming lost luggage compensation requires immediate action at the airport, detailed documentation of your losses, and persistent follow-through with airline claims processes. The steps you take in the first 24 hours after discovering missing luggage significantly impact your ultimate compensation recovery.

Step 1: Report Missing Baggage Immediately at the Airport

The moment you realize your baggage is missing, proceed directly to the airline's baggage service office at the airport. Do not leave the airport without filing a formal baggage report—most airlines and legal systems require immediate reporting to preserve compensation rights.

Obtain a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) or similar document that provides a unique reference number for tracking your missing baggage. This report serves as official documentation of the loss and establishes the timeline for airline response obligations. Take photos of the report and ensure you receive copies of all documentation.

Provide detailed descriptions of missing items, including brand names, approximate values, and any distinctive characteristics that might help in recovery efforts. Be comprehensive but accurate—exaggerated claims can undermine your credibility and delay resolution.

Step 2: Document Your Immediate Needs and Expenses

Begin documenting essential items you need to purchase immediately due to missing baggage. Keep all receipts for reasonable and necessary expenses, including toiletries, medications, basic clothing, and business equipment needed for your trip.

"Reasonable" expenses vary by trip type and duration. Business travelers may need professional attire and equipment, while vacation travelers might need appropriate recreational clothing and equipment. The key is demonstrating that purchases were necessary due to the baggage delay, not convenience or luxury items.

Take photos of all receipts and maintain detailed records of when and where purchases occurred. Many successful claims depend on demonstrating the connection between missing baggage and the necessity for immediate purchases.

Step 3: Establish Communication with Airline Claims Department

Contact the airline's customer service or claims department within 24 hours to follow up on your baggage report and begin the compensation claims process. Many airlines have specific deadlines for filing compensation claims, typically ranging from 7-21 days after the baggage irregularity.

Request written confirmation of your claim submission and obtain contact information for specific claims representatives handling your case. Establish clear expectations about communication timelines and resolution procedures.

Step 4: Understand Different Types of Baggage Problems

Baggage problems fall into several categories with different compensation frameworks:

- Delayed Baggage: Luggage that arrives late but is eventually returned, triggering reimbursement for essential items during the delay period - Lost Baggage: Luggage that cannot be located after reasonable search efforts, typically declared lost after 21 days and triggering full compensation for contents - Damaged Baggage: Luggage returned with damage to contents or the bag itself, requiring repair or replacement compensation - Pilfered Baggage: Luggage returned with missing items, requiring compensation for stolen items plus potential additional penalties

Step 5: Calculate Your Maximum Compensation Entitlement

Under Montreal Convention standards, you're entitled to approximately €1,414 ($1,500) per passenger for baggage losses, regardless of how much you paid for your ticket. This amount covers both the luggage itself and its contents, but airlines may request proof of value for high-value items.

For items worth more than the liability limit, you may need to prove higher values through receipts, insurance appraisals, or other documentation. Some jurisdictions allow passengers to declare higher baggage values for additional fees, which can increase compensation limits.

Step 6: Maintain Detailed Records Throughout the Process

Keep comprehensive records of all communications with airline representatives, including dates, times, representative names, and conversation summaries. Document any delays in airline responses or failure to meet promised deadlines.

Save all email communications, claim forms, and written correspondence in organized files. These records become crucial if you need to escalate claims to regulatory authorities or pursue legal action for non-payment.