When an airline loses your baggage, international law entitles you to compensation for the value of your belongings — regardless of which airline or route.
Lost, damaged, and delayed baggage is covered by the Montreal Convention — an international treaty signed by over 130 countries including all EU member states, the UK, the US, and Canada. Unlike EU 261/2004, it applies to almost every international flight worldwide.
The maximum compensation under the Montreal Convention is 1,288 Special Drawing Rights (SDR) — approximately €1,500 / £1,300 / $1,700 depending on the exchange rate at the time of the claim.
Important: This is a maximum limit, not a fixed amount. Compensation is based on the actual value of your lost belongings. Keep receipts or estimates of what was in your bag.
Lost vs. delayed vs. damaged baggage
Situation
Definition
Your rights
Lost baggage
Not delivered within 21 days of your flight
Compensation up to ~€1,500 for contents
Delayed baggage
Not delivered on arrival but returned eventually
Reimbursement of essential purchases
Damaged baggage
Bag or contents physically damaged
Repair cost or replacement value
What to do at the airport — immediately
1
File a PIR report before leaving the airportGo to the airline's baggage desk and file a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). This is mandatory — without it, your claim will likely be rejected. Get a copy with a reference number.
2
Keep all receipts for essential purchasesIf your bag is delayed, you can claim reimbursement for essential items (clothes, toiletries). Keep every receipt — airlines require proof.
3
List the contents of your bagWrite down everything that was in your luggage with estimated values as soon as possible, while your memory is fresh. This forms the basis of your compensation claim.
4
Wait 21 days before declaring it lostAirlines officially classify baggage as "lost" after 21 days. Until then it is "delayed." After 21 days you can file a full lost baggage compensation claim.
5
Submit a formal written claimSend a formal complaint to the airline citing the Montreal Convention. Our assistant prepares this letter for you automatically.
Deadlines — do not miss these
Situation
Deadline to file written claim
Damaged baggage
7 days from receipt of baggage
Delayed baggage
21 days from receipt of baggage
Lost baggage
2 years from the date of the flight
Critical: For damaged and delayed baggage the deadlines are extremely short — 7 and 21 days respectively. Missing these deadlines forfeits your right to compensation entirely. File as soon as possible.
What documents do you need?
Booking confirmation and boarding pass
Baggage tag / receipt issued at check-in
PIR report reference number (from the airport)
List of lost items with estimated values
Receipts for essential purchases (if baggage was delayed)
Photos of damaged items (if applicable)
Frequently asked questions
It becomes significantly harder. Most airlines will reject a claim without a PIR. However, you can try filing a written complaint immediately citing the Montreal Convention — some airlines will still process the claim if the circumstances are clear and documented. The sooner you act the better.
Only if the amount is fair. Under the Montreal Convention you are entitled to the actual value of your lost belongings, up to the SDR limit. If the voucher is significantly below that, reject it and file a formal claim. Do not sign any document that says you waive further claims.
Claim from the airline that issued your baggage tag at check-in — usually the first carrier on a through-check-in itinerary. They are responsible for your baggage for the entire journey, even if a partner airline physically lost it.
You can claim from both the airline and your insurer, but you cannot be compensated twice for the same loss. Typically: claim the maximum from the airline first, then claim any remaining shortfall from your insurer. Some insurers require proof that you claimed from the airline before they will pay.
File your lost baggage claim today
Our assistant prepares a formal Montreal Convention complaint letter. Free, no win no fee.