Lost, Delayed or Damaged Baggage: Your Rights & Compensation

Does EU261 cover lost or delayed baggage?

No. EU Regulation 261/2004 (EU261) covers flight delays, cancellations, and denied boarding only — it does NOT cover baggage. Baggage claims are governed by the Montreal Convention 1999 (MC99), an international treaty ratified by all EU member states, the UK, the US, and most countries globally. Under the Montreal Convention, airlines are liable for delayed, lost, or damaged baggage up to 1,131 SDR (approximately €1,350 at current rates).

What is a PIR and why do I need one?

A Property Irregularity Report (PIR) is the official airport document for reporting baggage problems. You MUST file a PIR at the baggage services desk before leaving the airport arrivals area. Without a PIR, airlines can refuse your claim on the grounds that you did not report the issue. Filing a PIR does not obligate the airline to pay — it preserves your right to claim. Get a copy with a reference number. Then file your formal written claim within 7 days (damaged) or 21 days (delayed).

How much can I claim for delayed baggage expenses?

Under the Montreal Convention, you can claim the reasonable costs you incurred because of the baggage delay — toiletries, essential clothing, medications. Keep ALL receipts. The cap is 1,131 SDR per passenger (approximately €1,350 / £1,150 / US$1,550). You cannot claim for luxury items or compensation beyond your actual documented losses. When your bag is finally delivered, the airline's liability for daily expenses ends. They may also be required to refund checked baggage fees if the bag never arrived.

My bag was lost — when is it officially 'lost' and what can I claim?

Airlines typically declare a bag lost after 21 days (the Montreal Convention's delay claim deadline). Once declared lost, you can claim the replacement cost of the entire bag's contents up to 1,131 SDR per passenger. Keep documentation of what was in the bag — purchase receipts, photos, insurance records. Airlines may depreciate older items. If the bag's value exceeds 1,131 SDR, you should have declared excess value at check-in and paid the additional fee.

The airline damaged my bag — what should I do?

Photograph the damage immediately before leaving the baggage carousel. Report it to the baggage services desk and file a PIR. Under the Montreal Convention, you must submit a written claim within 7 days of receipt (for damaged bags). Airlines will typically offer repair or replacement up to 1,131 SDR. If they refuse, escalate to your national aviation authority or use the ADR scheme in your country (CEDR in UK, SÖP in Germany, etc.). Travel insurance may cover amounts above the Montreal Convention limit.