It may seem unbelievable, but millions of pieces of checked luggage go missing or become damaged every year. We trust that our bags will make it to their final destination when we drop them off. But if it isn’t, what should you do?
Every passenger should tell himself, “I will leave the airport with my baggage or a PIR form.”
You probably won’t give a hoot that most lost baggage is reunited with its owner within 24 hours or that fewer than 0.005% of checked luggage is ever permanently lost when you’re the last person waiting at the carousel and it finally hits you that your bag isn’t going to arrive. Your next move must be clearly defined.
Get the paperwork done
Find an airline employee or the customer service counter BEFORE leaving the baggage reclamation area to report the loss.
Don’t believe assurances that your bag would be delivered on the next flight; instead, insist on making a formal complaint. Your claim can be invalid after as little as three days of waiting.
A Property Irregularity Report (PIR) will be provided for you to complete. Get a copy right now and do it right there. If you need to file a claim for compensation with the airline or your travel insurance, you will need this form and the luggage receipt you were given at check-in (the assistant will often attach this to the ticket or your passport). In addition to submitting your PIR, you must submit a written claim within seven days.
Compensation for delayed luggage
Passengers may file a claim for missing baggage up to 1,131 Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) under the Montreal Convention (which superseded the former regulations of the now defunct Warsaw Convention in May 1999).
A SDR’s value changes as it is pegged to the moving average of a group of other currencies. The range of possible values is £526-£850; the IMF (International Monetary Fund) calculates this every day. Unfortunately, airlines are not known for doling out compensation quickly, and the amount you get will be based on the evidence you provide about the value of your belongings. The going rate is around £14 per kg.
Compensation for lost luggage
Passengers may file a claim for missing baggage up to 1,131 Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) under the Montreal Convention (which superseded the former regulations of the now-defunct Warsaw Convention in May 1999).
An SDR’s value changes as it is pegged to the moving average of a group of other currencies. The range of possible values is £526-£850; the IMF (International Monetary Fund) calculates this every day. Unfortunately, airlines are not known for doling out compensation quickly, and the amount you get will be based on the evidence you provide about the value of your belongings. The going rate is around £14 per kg.
Compensation for stolen items
To get compensation from an airline if anything was taken from your checked luggage, you would have to prove it was in fact in your bag, which is next to impossible. The Air Transport Users Council (AUC) recommends purchasing travel insurance and using only high-quality baggage while flying.
Since airlines have a provision in their rules of carriage rejecting responsibility for such products, it’s not a smart idea to include expensive electronics like cellphones, camcorders, cameras, and jewelry in your checked luggage. There is a lot of gray area around the legality of these release provisions, but you will likely need to file a lawsuit in order to collect any damages.
Compensation for damaged baggage
If your bag is damaged but the contents are unharmed, you are entitled to compensation for the cost of repairs or a new bag.
Travel insurance can save the day
Get yourself some travel insurance. You should be certain that the insurance you choose will meet your requirements and cover any gaps in compensation not covered under the Montreal Convention.
Top Tips
- If you have the opportunity, choose a direct flight. The possibility of lost luggage increases during transfers.
- Be sure your luggage is locked. Put in a padlock meant for travel.
- Don’t put any money or valuables in your bag.
- Be sure to bring a change of clothing and a bathing pack, but don’t exceed the 1 liter liquid limit allowed by security.
- Arrive early and check-in.
- Don’t throw away the luggage receipt you get at the airport. In case of an emergency, you’ll want to have this on hand.
- Make sure you have enough travel insurance.
- Put your name and contact info on your luggage.
