Understanding Lost Luggage Compensation
When you check in your bags for a flight, you expect them to arrive at your destination with you. However, lost luggage is a common travel issue, usually caused by mislabelled tags, missed connections, or handling errors during transfers. Sometimes, bags are delayed and arrive later, but in other cases, they are never recovered and considered lost.
If your luggage is lost during a flight departing from, arriving in, or passing through the UK, your rights are protected under both UK law and international agreements. The key regulation is the Montreal Convention, which sets out the responsibilities of airlines when passenger baggage is lost, damaged, or delayed. Under these rules, airlines are generally liable for your losses, but there are limits to the amount you can claim. In the UK, this limit is currently set at around £1,200 per passenger, though the exact amount can change with currency fluctuations.
Understanding your compensation options is important because airlines are not automatically required to pay the full value of your lost belongings. You’ll need to provide evidence of what was lost and its value, and compensation may be reduced if you didn’t follow certain steps, such as reporting the loss promptly at the airport. Airlines may also ask for receipts or proof of purchase for higher-value items, so it helps to keep records of what you pack.
Lost luggage compensation is just one part of your broader rights when flights don’t go as planned. For example, if your bag is lost due to a missed connection caused by a cancelled flight, you may also be entitled to additional support or payments. To learn more about how lost luggage fits into your overall travel rights, see our guide to flight cancellations and compensation.
It’s worth noting that airlines have a duty to try to locate and return your luggage before declaring it lost, and they must offer reasonable assistance in the meantime, such as providing essential items if you’re left without your belongings. However, compensation is capped, and some items (like cash, jewellery, or fragile goods) may not be fully covered. Knowing your rights and the limits involved can help you act quickly and make the most of your claim if your luggage goes missing.
Airline Responsibilities for Lost Luggage
When your luggage is lost during a flight, airlines have clear legal responsibilities to help you recover your belongings or receive compensation. In the UK, these responsibilities are shaped by international agreements and airline-specific policies.
What Are Airlines Legally Responsible For?
Airlines are required to make reasonable efforts to locate and return your lost luggage as quickly as possible. If your baggage cannot be found, they must compensate you for the loss, subject to certain limits and conditions. The main legal framework governing this is the Montreal Convention, an international treaty that sets out the rules for airline liability when baggage is lost, delayed, or damaged on most international flights to and from the UK.
How Airlines Handle Lost Baggage Claims
If your luggage does not arrive at your destination, you should report it at the airline’s baggage desk before leaving the airport. The airline will give you a reference number and begin tracing your bag. Most airlines aim to locate missing luggage within a few days, but if your bag is still missing after 21 days, it is officially considered lost.
To claim compensation, you will need to submit a written claim to the airline, usually within 21 days of your flight. Airlines may ask for proof of what was in your bag and receipts for valuable items, so it’s helpful to keep a record of your belongings.
Compensation Limits Under the Montreal Convention
Under the Montreal Convention, the maximum compensation for lost luggage is currently set at approximately 1,288 Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), which is a type of international currency used by the International Monetary Fund. This amount is roughly equivalent to £1,300, but it can fluctuate with exchange rates. If your losses exceed this limit, you may not be able to claim the full value unless you declared a higher value for your baggage and paid an additional fee before your flight.
What Airlines Typically Cover (And What They Don’t)
Generally, airlines will compensate you for the value of the lost items, up to the legal limit. This usually covers clothing, toiletries, and other personal effects. However, airlines often exclude certain items from compensation, such as:
Cash, jewellery, and other valuables
Fragile or perishable items
Business documents or electronics
It’s important to check your airline’s terms and conditions to understand exactly what is covered. Airlines may also require receipts or evidence of ownership for high-value items.
The Importance of Checking Your Airline’s Policies
Every airline may have slightly different procedures and requirements for handling lost luggage claims. Some may offer additional support or compensation, especially if you are a frequent flyer or travelling in a premium cabin. To make sure you know what to expect, review your carrier’s lost baggage policy before you travel. You can find more detailed information and compare policies by visiting our airline-specific lost luggage guidance.
Understanding your rights and the airline’s responsibilities can help you act quickly and effectively if your luggage goes missing, giving you the best chance of recovering your belongings or receiving fair compensation.
Steps to Take If Your Luggage Is Lost
Steps to Take If Your Luggage Is Lost
Discovering that your luggage is missing after a flight can be stressful, but taking the right steps early on will improve your chances of recovering your belongings and claiming compensation. Here’s what you should do if your luggage does not arrive at your destination:
1. Act Immediately at the Airport
As soon as you realise your luggage is missing from the baggage carousel, do not leave the baggage claim area. Go straight to the airline’s baggage desk, which is usually located near the carousels. Acting quickly is important, as airlines often require you to report missing luggage before leaving the airport.
2. Report the Loss to the Airline
Inform the airline staff that your luggage has not arrived. They will ask for details such as your baggage tag number (usually attached to your boarding pass) and a description of your bag. You should provide as much detail as possible, including colour, size, brand, and any unique identifiers.
3. Complete a Property Irregularity Report (PIR)
The airline will ask you to fill out a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). This is a crucial document for tracing your luggage and is required for any compensation claim. Make sure you receive a copy of the completed PIR and keep it safe. The PIR includes a reference number, which you will need for all future correspondence with the airline.
4. Keep All Receipts and Documentation
Hold on to all documents related to your journey, including your boarding pass, baggage claim tags, and the PIR. If you need to buy essential items (such as toiletries or clothing) while your luggage is missing, keep all receipts. Under the Montreal Convention (which applies to most international flights to and from the UK), airlines are required to reimburse you for reasonable expenses while your luggage is delayed or lost.
5. Follow Up with the Airline
If your luggage is not found within a few days, contact the airline regularly for updates. Most airlines offer online tracking for lost baggage using your PIR reference number. If your luggage is still missing after 21 days, it is officially considered lost under the Montreal Convention, and you can make a formal claim for compensation.
6. Stay Organised and Keep Records
Throughout the process, keep a detailed record of all communications with the airline, including dates, names of staff you speak to, and copies of emails or letters. This information will be valuable if you need to escalate your claim or if there are any disputes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to report lost luggage?
You should report lost luggage as soon as possible, ideally before leaving the airport. Most airlines require you to submit a PIR within 7 days.
What if I realise my luggage is missing after leaving the airport?
Contact the airline immediately. Some airlines allow you to report lost baggage online or by phone, but delays may affect your claim.
What is the maximum compensation I can claim?
Under the Montreal Convention, the maximum compensation for lost luggage is approximately £1,300 (as of 2024), but this may vary depending on the airline’s terms and the value of your lost items.
By following these steps and staying organised, you can help ensure your claim is processed smoothly and maximise your chances of receiving compensation for your lost luggage.
Limits and Amounts of Lost Luggage Compensation
When your luggage is lost during a flight, the amount you can claim in compensation is subject to strict limits set by international law. The main rules are set out in the Montreal Convention, which applies to most flights to, from, or within the UK.
Maximum Compensation Under the Montreal Convention
The Montreal Convention sets a maximum limit on what airlines must pay for lost, damaged, or delayed baggage. As of 2024, this limit is approximately 1,288 Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) per passenger. SDRs are an international unit of account used by the International Monetary Fund, and the exact value in pounds can fluctuate. At current rates, this usually works out to around £1,300–£1,400, but you should check the latest exchange rate for an accurate figure.
How Compensation Is Calculated
The compensation amount you receive depends on several factors:
Weight and Contents: Airlines may ask for details about the weight of your missing luggage and a list of contents. It’s important to keep receipts or other proof of value for expensive items.
Depreciation: Compensation is usually based on the current (depreciated) value of your belongings, not the original purchase price. For example, if you lost a laptop that you bought two years ago, you’ll likely receive less than its original value.
Proof of Value: The more evidence you can provide – such as receipts, photos, or bank statements – the easier it will be to justify your claim and receive fair compensation.
What Is Covered – and What’s Not
Most personal belongings packed in your checked luggage are covered, including clothes, toiletries, and everyday electronics. However, airlines often exclude or limit compensation for certain items, such as:
Cash, jewellery, or other valuables
Fragile or perishable items
Important documents
Always check your airline’s terms and conditions for a list of excluded items. If you packed valuables in your checked bag, you may not be able to claim their full value from the airline.
Additional Compensation Through Travel Insurance
If your losses exceed the airline’s maximum payout, or if certain items aren’t covered by the airline, you may be able to claim for the difference through your travel insurance policy. Travel insurance often covers a wider range of items and may pay out more for valuables or special items. For more guidance, see our advice on making a claim on your travel insurance.
Understanding these limits can help you set realistic expectations and prepare the right documents when claiming for lost luggage. If you have further questions or want to explore related travel rights, such as compensation for flight cancellations or delays, see our other guides.
How to Claim Compensation for Lost Luggage
How to Claim Compensation for Lost Luggage
If your luggage goes missing during a flight, you have the right to claim compensation from the airline. The process involves several important steps, and knowing what to do – and when – can help you recover your losses more effectively. Here’s a detailed guide to making a claim for lost luggage in the UK.
Step-by-Step Guide to Submitting a Claim
Report the Loss Immediately
As soon as you realise your luggage is missing, report it to the airline’s baggage desk at the airport. You’ll need to complete a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). This is essential for starting your claim and tracking your bag.Follow Up in Writing
Even if you’ve completed a PIR, you should also write to the airline’s customer service department as soon as possible. Include details of your flight, baggage tag numbers, and a description of your luggage.Submit a Formal Compensation Claim
If your bag is not found within 21 days, it is officially considered lost under the Montreal Convention, which governs airline liability for lost luggage on international flights. At this point, submit a formal claim for compensation, either online or by post, according to the airline’s procedures.
What Evidence and Documentation to Include
To support your claim, gather and include:
A copy of your Property Irregularity Report (PIR)
Your boarding pass and baggage claim tags
Receipts for essential items you had to buy while your luggage was missing (such as toiletries or clothing)
A detailed list of the contents of your lost luggage, including estimated values
Proof of purchase for high-value items (if available)
Any correspondence with the airline about your lost luggage
Providing clear and detailed evidence increases the likelihood of a successful claim.
Time Limits for Making Claims
Strict time limits apply to lost luggage claims:
Report the loss: Immediately at the airport, or as soon as possible.
Submit a written claim: Within 21 days of the date your luggage should have arrived.
Missing these deadlines can mean you lose your right to compensation, so act quickly and keep copies of all correspondence.
If Your Claim Is Rejected or the Compensation Is Too Low
Sometimes airlines may reject your claim or offer less compensation than you believe you are owed. If this happens:
Review the airline’s reasons carefully and check you have provided all required evidence.
Respond in writing, addressing any points raised and including any additional documentation if needed.
Remember that airlines’ liability is usually limited under the Montreal Convention to around 1,288 Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), which is a type of international currency set by the International Monetary Fund. The value in pounds may vary, but it is roughly £1,300. You may be able to claim more if you declared a higher value for your bag and paid a supplementary fee when checking in.
Escalating Your Dispute
If you are not satisfied with the airline’s response, you have several options:
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): Many airlines are members of ADR schemes, which offer a way to resolve disputes without going to court. Check if your airline participates and follow their process.
Civil Court Action: If ADR is not available or unsuccessful, you can take your claim to the small claims court. This can be done for claims within the compensation limits set by the Montreal Convention.
Contact the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA): The CAA can provide guidance on your rights and the complaints process, but it does not usually intervene in individual compensation claims.
Always keep records of all communications and evidence throughout your claim. Acting promptly and following the correct procedure gives you the best chance of receiving fair compensation for your lost luggage.
Related Issues and Additional Support
If you’re dealing with lost luggage, it’s common to face other travel issues at the same time. Understanding your rights in these situations – and knowing where to turn for support – can make a big difference in how quickly and fairly your claim is resolved.
What if your luggage is damaged or items inside are broken?
Airlines are responsible not just for lost luggage, but also for bags and contents that arrive damaged. If you discover that your suitcase is broken or items inside are missing or ruined, report the damage to the airline’s desk at the airport as soon as possible. You should complete a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) before leaving the terminal. Take photos of the damage and keep receipts for any repairs or replacements you need to make. Airlines must follow the Montreal Convention, which sets out their liability for damaged baggage, but compensation limits apply. If you need to pursue further action for items that have been damaged due to faulty products or negligence, you may wish to claim compensation for damaged items.
Compensation for damage caused by faulty products during travel
If you believe your belongings were damaged due to a faulty product – such as a suitcase handle breaking or an electronic device malfunctioning – there are additional routes for compensation. In these cases, you may be able to claim against the manufacturer or retailer under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. For more detailed guidance on how to claim compensation for damaged items, including what evidence you need and how to start your claim, visit our dedicated page.
Using travel insurance for accidents, illness, or other disruptions
Travel insurance can provide vital extra support when things go wrong, covering not just lost or damaged luggage but also medical emergencies, accidents, and unexpected trip changes. Policies vary, so check your cover for details on what’s included and how to claim. If you’re travelling independently, it’s especially important to understand how your policy protects you against accidents and illness when travelling independently. This can help with expenses not covered by airlines or other travel providers.
Your rights if you also face flight delays or cancellations
Lost luggage often goes hand-in-hand with other travel disruptions, such as delayed or cancelled flights. If your flight is delayed by more than three hours or cancelled altogether, you may be entitled to additional compensation under UK and EU regulations (such as UK261). Learn more about your entitlements and how to claim by visiting our pages on flight delay compensation and flight cancellation compensation.
Hotel cancellations and other travel issues
If missing or delayed luggage leads to further complications – such as missing a hotel booking or having to change your travel plans – you may have rights to compensation from hotels or package providers. The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 offer some protections if your booking was part of a package holiday. For independent travellers, it’s worth checking your travel insurance and understanding the terms of your accommodation booking. For more on your rights and possible remedies, see our guide to hotel cancellations and compensation.
By knowing your rights and the steps to take for each issue, you can maximise your chances of a fair outcome and minimise the disruption to your trip. If you’re dealing with multiple problems – such as lost luggage, delayed flights, and hotel cancellations – be sure to keep detailed records and seek advice on how to coordinate your claims.
