Immediate checklist
- Check nearby belts and the airline baggage desk.
- File a Property Irregularity Report or the airline's equivalent.
- Get the report/reference number and tracking instructions.
- Photograph the bag tag, boarding pass, report and any damage.
- Keep receipts for reasonable essential purchases.
Delayed, lost and damaged are different claims
| Problem | First action | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Delayed bag | File report and ask about delivery/tracking | Essential-purchase receipts |
| Lost bag | Complete airline inventory and written claim | Contents list, values and proof |
| Damaged bag/items | Report immediately and photograph damage | Photos, repair estimate and receipts |
Keep purchases reasonable and verifiable
US DOT says airlines must reimburse reasonable, verifiable and actual incidental expenses for delayed bags, subject to liability limits. Ask the airline what documentation it requires, but keep every receipt.
Do not rely only on the airport report
The airport report starts tracing, but a separate written claim may still be required. Under common Montreal Convention rules used for many international journeys, written complaints generally have short deadlines: seven days for damage and 21 days for delay. Confirm the exact rule with the operating airline and applicable authority.
What compensation can cover
Compensation is not automatically the maximum limit. It generally depends on documented loss and applicable rules. ICAO says the Montreal Convention baggage liability limit increased to 1,519 Special Drawing Rights per passenger from December 28, 2024. Domestic rules can differ; US DOT publishes separate domestic baggage limits and reimbursement guidance.
Claim-file checklist
- Baggage report/reference number and bag-tag receipt.
- Boarding pass, itinerary and contact details.
- Description and recent photo of the suitcase.
- Itemised contents list with age and value.
- Purchase receipts, bank statements or other proof where available.
- Essential-purchase receipts and explanation.
- Damage photos and repair/replacement estimate.
- Travel-insurance policy and claim details.
Before your next flight
- Photograph the bag and contents before check-in.
- Keep medicine, documents, keys and essential valuables in carry-on baggage where permitted.
- Remove old routing tags and add contact details inside the bag.
- Check airline exclusions and declare unusually valuable baggage when appropriate.