How to Claim Delayed Baggage Compensation – A Step-by-Step Guide
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In today's world of air travel, delayed baggage is unfortunately still a common issue. If your bag has arrived late—or worse, hasn't arrived at all—there are steps you can take to claim compensation. This guide will walk you through the process of making a successful delayed baggage claim, ensuring you know exactly how to handle the situation and get the compensation you’re entitled to.
1. Report the Issue at the Baggage Claim Desk
As soon as you realize your baggage hasn’t arrived, head to the Baggage Claim Desk, usually located near the baggage carousel. If you can't find the desk, go to the airline's customer service desk. Let the staff know your baggage is missing or delayed. It's essential to stay calm and polite—your cooperation will help the process go smoother.
2. File a Delayed Baggage Claim Immediately
The airline staff will ask you to file a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). This is a formal document that you must complete before leaving the airport.
To speed up the process, have the following information ready:
- Reservation Number (from your flight booking)
- Baggage Tag Number (found on your boarding pass)
- Description of Your Baggage (size, color, brand)
- Contact Details (phone number, email address)
- Address where you'll be staying
Once you file the report, you’ll receive a reference number and a copy of the PIR. Keep this number safe—it’s essential for tracking your baggage status. Make sure to also write down the contact details for the baggage claim desk in case you need to follow up.
3. Request an Overnight Kit
If you’re traveling internationally or on a long journey, your delayed baggage can be particularly inconvenient. Many airlines provide an overnight kit to help passengers cope with the situation, but you must ask for it—it’s rarely offered automatically. These kits often contain basic toiletries like shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, and a toothbrush, but they can vary by airline.
If your baggage is delayed overseas, the kit might include an XXL T-shirt to sleep in and other small comforts, so don’t hesitate to ask for it when you report the delay.
4. Request a Reasonable Expense Allowance
If your baggage is delayed, you may need to buy essential items like clothes, toiletries, or other necessities. Airlines may offer an allowance for reasonable expenses, but they don’t always advertise this upfront. You’ll need to ask for it.
The airline may provide you with cash, vouchers for local stores, or a specific reimbursement amount for certain purchases. Make sure to keep all receipts, as they will be required to claim the reimbursement.
Pro Tip:
If you used a credit card to book your flight, check your card’s travel benefits. Some cards offer baggage delay protection, reimbursing you for essential purchases while you wait for your luggage. Always review the terms and conditions of your credit card for more details.
5. Stay Updated and Be Patient
Once you’ve filed the necessary paperwork and requested your overnight kit and expense allowance, there’s not much more you can do right away except wait for your bag. Airlines typically expect delayed baggage to show up on the next flight, so be prepared for a 24–48 hour wait.
You can track your baggage status online using the World Tracer Tool, which lets you see if there’s any progress and allows you to update contact details or delivery instructions if your accommodation changes.
6. Formally Claim Your Compensation
Under the Montreal Convention, you are entitled to compensation for expenses incurred due to delayed baggage. However, you must file a formal complaint within 21 days of the expected delivery date to claim compensation (up to EUR 1,250). Airlines typically won't offer compensation until you ask for it in writing.
To make your claim, you can either:
- Contact the airline directly and file a formal complaint
- Use our web app for help with the paperwork—our team can handle the claim on your behalf for a no-win, no-fee service.
7. Check for Lost Baggage Status
If your baggage doesn’t turn up after 21 days, it will be classified as lost baggage. This requires a separate claim process, and you can expect additional compensation for the loss of your belongings. Stay tuned for a detailed post on lost baggage claims.
Final Thoughts:
While having your baggage delayed can be frustrating, knowing your rights and how to file a claim can help reduce the inconvenience. Hopefully, your luggage arrives soon, but in case it doesn’t, make sure you’ve followed the proper steps to claim your compensation.
We’d love to hear about your experiences. Have you ever dealt with delayed baggage? What was the airline’s response? Let us know in the comments below!