Delayed or lost luggage Compensation: What To Do?
The rights of air passengers in cases of baggage delay, loss, and damage are regulated by the Montreal Convention. According to the convention, passengers whose luggage is delayed, damaged, or does not arrive at all are entitled to compensation. The amount of this compensation is limited to a maximum of 1,288 Special Drawing Rights (SDR) per person, regardless of the number of pieces of baggage. The SDR is an international reserve currency introduced by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), composed of a basket of currencies including the US dollar, Euro, Renminbi, Yen, and Pound Sterling. Currently, these 1,288 Special Drawing Rights correspond to approximately £1,350.
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What rights do I have if my luggage is delayed?
If a suitcase is delayed, travelers have the right to buy replacement clothing and cosmetics at a reasonable price. They can later have the expenses for these reimbursed by the airline. The maximum amount for replacement purchases is approximately 1,385 euros per passenger. Important: If the suitcase arrives late at the place of residence, there is no reason for replacement purchases and therefore no entitlement to reimbursement.
Which purchases are reasonable depends on several factors. Firstly, the duration of the baggage delay plays a role. For example, if the suitcase is delayed for 24 hours, expenses for cosmetics and a change of clothes are reasonable. If the suitcase is delayed for several days, it can be assumed that more clothing is needed. Likewise, the reason for the trip is relevant. A business trip will require different clothing than a beach vacation. If the purchases are appropriate, airlines will reimburse the cost. Since clothing can be reused, airlines usually pay 50 percent of the price. Costs for cosmetics, on the other hand, are fully covered. For reimbursement in the case of delayed baggage, travelers must report their expenses to the airline by writing no later than 21 days after the baggage is recovered and include all proof of purchase.
Did you have a Flight delay or cancellation?
What can I do if my suitcase or luggage is delayed?
Luggage delays are frequent. The good news: 95% of lost suitcases are recovered.
- Important: After landing, report directly to the Lost & Found desk at the airport.
- Inform the staff that you did not receive your suitcase at the baggage claim. Present the baggage label that was placed on your boarding pass at the check-in. The baggage registration number can be used to determine where the baggage is located.
- Describe the suitcase as best you can.
- Contact the airline after officially reporting the loss. Inquire about the value of cosmetics and replacement clothing you can buy and what costs will be covered.
- If you are affected by a baggage delay as part of a vacation package, you can also enforce your claims through the tour operator. To do this, it is recommended to speak directly with the tour guide on site.
What rights do I have if my suitcase has been damaged?
In case of damaged luggage, the following applies: The airline is obliged to pay compensation if the luggage was damaged during the flight. Passengers are also entitled to a maximum compensation of around 1,385 euros in the event of damaged baggage. The amount of compensation is calculated according to the current value of the suitcase. Airlines usually reimburse between 10 and 30 percent of the purchase price per year.
If it is possible to repair the luggage, the airline may have the damage repaired. The airline is not obliged to reimburse damage to the contents of luggage for which travellers are themselves responsible. This includes, for example, fragile items or technical equipment which were not adequately protected for transport in checked baggage.
My suitcase is damaged. What can I do?
If your suitcase is damaged after the flight, you should document the damage and inform the airline about the problem. For this purpose, it is advisable to submit photos of the damaged luggage to the airline. For reimbursement, you will need to fill out an official damage report at the airport, called the Property Irregularity Report. Alternatively, you can report the damage by writing to the airline no later than seven days after receiving the damaged luggage. However, reporting it directly at the airport is the recommended option. To prove the value of the damaged suitcase, it is recommended to show the relevant proof of purchase.
Have you experienced a Flight delay or cancellation?
What rights do I have if the airline lost my suitcase?
If a suitcase is delayed for more than 21 days, it is considered lost. The maximum compensation for lost baggage is 1,385 euros per passenger. Suitcases and contents are reimbursed according to their current value, with an annual depreciation of between 10 and 30 percent usually being estimated as a guideline.
What can I do if my luggage does not arrive at all?
For successful reimbursement, passengers must report lost baggage on the spot after the flight and fill out the Property Irregularity Report. The airline and baggage counter staff will usually ask you to fill out a lost baggage report and provide your address – either your vacation address or home address. Once the luggage is recovered, it will be brought to you. In most cases, delivery is made by taxi. If you have to pick up the luggage at the airport yourself, you have the right to be reimbursed by the airline for the travel expenses incurred.
How long do I have to file a claim for lost or damaged luggage?
Claims for compensation in the event of baggage problems are valid for two years. In case of problems with suitcases & Co, passengers are required to provide evidence. However, if a lost suitcase or damaged piece of luggage is only reported after a few days, it is difficult to prove that the suitcase did not arrive at the baggage carousel at the airport or was damaged during the flight. Passengers should therefore notify the airline by writing about the delay or damage to their luggage within 21 days. Receipts for replacement purchases should ideally be submitted within three weeks of receipt of the delayed baggage.
Did you have a Flight delay or cancellation?
What does Flightright recommend for baggage problems?
- Act promptly: Report delayed or damaged baggage to the counter immediately after landing.
- Reimbursement for replacement purchases: Purchase only what is appropriate in the context of the trip and baggage delay.
- Keep all receipts for clothing and cosmetics purchased and submit them by writing to the airline.
- Not only your suitcase was delayed, but also your flight? You may be entitled to compensation if your flight is delayed for more than 3 hours. You can find all important information here https://www.flightright.co.uk/your-rights/flight-delay
Have you experienced a flight delay or cancellation?
In the event of problems with your flight, such as delay, cancellation, or overbooking, the EU Passenger Rights Regulation applies in many cases.