What to do if your luggage is lost?
Discovering your luggage is missing is always a disappointment. In this blog post, we’ll outline the immediate steps to take when airline loses luggage, how to handle interactions with the airline and your travel insurance company, and what to do if you don’t have insurance. You might be entitled to compensation for lost luggage. Our article will further cover details on UK lost luggage compensation rules and the process for making a claim.
Continue reading to learn more about airline liability for lost luggage and your UK air passenger rights.
1. What to Do if Your Luggage Is Lost?
If your luggage is lost you have to make a report at the airport right away.
If your luggage is lost by the airline and not recovered, you might be eligible for lost luggage compensation.
What happens if an airline loses your luggage? What is the airline’s responsibility for lost luggage? What to do if your luggage is lost? Here’s a step-by-step guide.
- Don’t leave the baggage hall. Go straight to the baggage service office to report the lost luggage. You’ll need your passport, baggage tag, and boarding pass. The baggage tag is the sticker attached to your boarding pass when you check in your luggage. A photo of your suitcase can help speed up the process.
- Get a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). At the baggage service office, you will be asked to fill in the lost baggage form. After filling out the form, you will get a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). This report details the next steps and helps track lost baggage online. Keep this document safe. You can usually expect a response from the airline within 12-24 hours.
- Contact your travel insurance company. If the luggage loss wasn’t your fault, you can often get reimbursed for essential purchases like clothing and toiletries. This refund is sometimes called “delayed baggage compensation“. Check with your insurer before buying anything and keep all receipts for reimbursement.
- If you don’t have insurance, claim a refund from the airline. This process may take longer but is possible. Keep all receipts for your claim.
- If your baggage isn’t returned within 21 days, it’s considered permanently lost. You’re entitled to lost baggage compensation of up to 1300 euros. Provide a list of items that were in your lost luggage.
What happens if your luggage is lost? In summary, report lost baggage immediately at the airport and follow the airline’s instructions. If your luggage is lost and never found, you may be entitled to lost luggage compensation.
1.1 How to Track Lost Baggage Online?
To track your lost baggage online, visit the website of the airline you travelled with and locate their baggage tracking page. Enter your baggage reference number (from the PIR) or flight information to view the current status of your bag. You can also contact the customer service hotline for further assistance.
If the airline has provided a website for tracking your luggage, use that specific website.
2. Lost Luggage Definition
Per the Montreal Convention, lost luggage is defined as baggage that remains unreturned for 21 days, after which it is deemed permanently lost. The airline is given a 3-week period to locate your bag; failure to do so within this timeframe results in the bag being officially classified as lost.
If your bag is lost (not delivered after missing for 21 days), you are entitled to UK lost baggage compensation.
2.1 Difference Between Lost Luggage and Delayed Luggage
Lost baggage refers to luggage that has been completely lost by the airline.
Baggage is considered lost if it can’t be found and reunited with the owner within 21 days.
Delayed luggage, on the other hand, hasn’t reached its destination on time, often due to flight delays, misrouting, mishandling or passengers missing connecting flights. In this case, the airline still has the bag and is working to deliver it to the owner. Typically, delayed luggage is returned within a few days.
What to do if your luggage is lost or delayed?
Refer to the step-by-step guide provided above. The steps are the same for both lost and delayed luggage. You need to report the issue and may be entitled to reimbursement for necessary expenses caused by the delay.
3. Airline Lost My Luggage: Compensation for Lost Baggage in the UK and the EU
How to claim compensation for lost baggage? How much do airlines pay for lost luggage?
If your baggage is not returned within 21 days, it is considered lost forever.
You can get up to GBP 1100 (€1300) in compensation. You will need to provide a list of items you had in your lost luggage. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide on how to claim this compensation:
- Step 1: Gather documentation. Ensure you have all required documents, including the written confirmation from the baggage service office (Property Irregularity Report or PIR) and a list of the contents of your lost luggage with their approximate value.
- Step 2: Submit a written claim to the airline. Fill out a claim form, usually found on the airline’s website or from customer service. Include all documentation and be detailed about the contents and value of your lost luggage.
- Step 3: Follow up regularly. Keep in regular contact with the airline. Note down each interaction, including dates and names of customer service representatives. Regular follow-up calls or emails can expedite the process. If the airline refuses to pay or takes too long, contact the National Enforcement Body of your country.
- Step 4: Request a refund for expenses due to lost luggage. Submit receipts for items purchased as a result. This refund is separate from UK lost luggage compensation, often called “delayed luggage compensation” for clarity.
What about travel insurance? Do you need it?
Travel insurance is not required to claim compensation for lost luggage.
Under the Montreal Convention, airlines are responsible for your checked baggage. If your luggage is lost or damaged, the airline is required to compensate you for its value. Additionally, the airline must cover costs incurred due to baggage delay or loss, including essential purchases.
The Montreal Convention is an international treaty that aims to create a consistent legal framework for global air travel. It focuses on updating and standardizing rules for transporting passengers, baggage, and cargo, while maintaining a fair balance between airlines and passengers. Essentially, this convention streamlines your travel experience as a world traveler.
Read more:
- Travel Insurance and UK Air Passenger Rights: What UK Laws Cover and What They Don’t
- Lost and Delayed Baggage Compensation in the UK and EU
Do you have more questions about what to do if your luggage is lost? Do you have more questions about UK lost baggage compensation? Ask in the comments.