One of the biggest concerns during air travel is the loss of luggage. Not seeing the suitcase on the baggage carousel after the flight creates both financial and emotional difficulties for passengers. However, in such situations, passengers have certain rights guaranteed by international aviation regulations and airline company policies. These rights aim to minimize the inconvenience to passengers in cases where luggage is lost, delayed, or damaged.
The process regarding lost luggage begins with an official report to the airport authorities. Passengers have rights such as compensation, covering urgent needs, and receiving payment in line with the value of their belongings. In addition, it is important to apply within specific time frames; otherwise, rights may be lost. Therefore, knowing these rights enables passengers to take quick and correct steps in case of a possible loss.
1. What should I do if my luggage is lost on a plane?
If your luggage does not appear on the baggage carousel after the flight, the first thing you should do is immediately contact the Lost & Found office at the airport or the baggage services unit of the relevant airline. Here, an official document called the “PIR – Property Irregularity Report” is filled out. This report is the most important document that certifies your luggage is lost, and without it, you will not be able to claim compensation later. During the application, you must have your boarding pass, baggage tag, and identification with you.
After the application, the airline initiates the tracking process to find your luggage. Most lost luggage is actually delayed and found within a few days, then delivered to the passenger’s address. During this process, the passenger should keep the receipts for reasonable expenses made to cover urgent needs, as these costs may be reimbursed by the airline. If the luggage is not found within a certain period, it is considered permanently lost, and the passenger has the right to claim compensation.
2. How long does the airline have to find lost luggage?
Airline companies generally have up to 21 days to find lost luggage. According to international regulations, if the luggage is not found and delivered to the passenger within 21 days, it is considered “permanently lost.” In most cases, luggage is found within the first few days and delivered to the passenger’s address; however, during this period, it is important for the passenger to stay in regular contact with the airline and track the process with the provided tracking number.
3. If my luggage cannot be found, how much compensation will I receive?
If your luggage cannot be found within 21 days and is considered permanently lost, the airline is obliged to pay you compensation determined under international agreements. The most commonly applied regulation is the Montreal Convention. According to this convention, the maximum compensation limit to be paid to passengers is limited to approximately 1,288 SDR (Special Drawing Rights). SDR is an international unit of account used by the IMF and varies according to the daily exchange rate. On average, this amount corresponds to around 1,600–1,800 euros.
The compensation amount is not calculated based on the contents of the luggage; however, if the passenger can prove the value of the items in the luggage with invoices or receipts, they have a chance of receiving a higher payment. If there are items that cannot be documented, the airline usually pays based on a reasonable average value. In addition, reasonable expenses made during the luggage delay (basic clothing, hygiene products, etc.) can also be reimbursed separately if invoiced. Therefore, it is important for the passenger to keep all documents related to expenses and to submit the claim in accordance with official deadlines.
4. How is a compensation claim for lost luggage made?
The compensation claim process for lost luggage begins with the official documentation of the loss. The PIR (Property Irregularity Report) filled out at the airport forms the basis of this process. This report proves that the passenger’s luggage was lost and shows the date of the application. Afterwards, the passenger must submit a written compensation claim to the airline’s customer service or through the official website. The boarding pass, baggage tag, PIR form, and, if available, invoices or documents showing the value of the lost items must be attached to the application.
It is important that the claim is made within specific time limits. According to the Montreal Convention, a compensation claim for lost luggage must be submitted within 21 days. If the luggage is found but arrives damaged, a written claim must be submitted within 7 days. After reviewing the application, the airline either makes a cash payment to the passenger or, in some cases, offers alternative solutions such as a travel voucher. To avoid losing rights, it is recommended that applications be made in writing and supported with documentation.
5. What are my rights if my luggage is delayed?
If your luggage is not lost but only delayed, the airline is obliged to cover the inconvenience caused during this process. In this context, passengers can recover reasonable expenses (clothing, personal care products, etc.) by presenting receipts to the airline. In addition, once the luggage is found, the airline must deliver it to the passenger’s address free of charge. If the delay is prolonged and causes financial damage to the passenger, there is also the right to claim compensation within the limits set by the Montreal Convention.
6. Is additional payment made for valuable items in lost luggage?
Airlines generally do not make additional payments for valuable items in lost luggage, because according to international rules, passengers should not carry valuables such as cash, jewelry, or electronic devices in their checked luggage. Compensation under the Montreal Convention is limited to a fixed upper limit and does not automatically increase based on the value of the contents. However, if the passenger made a “special declaration” to the airline before the flight, declaring the actual value of the items in the luggage and paying an additional fee, they may have the right to receive higher compensation for lost valuable items.
7. What documents do I need to present if my luggage is lost?
When your luggage is lost, you need to present certain documents for the compensation claim or investigation process. First, the boarding pass and baggage tag (the barcode receipt given during check-in) are the most important documents. Without these, it is difficult to prove that the luggage belongs to you. In addition, a copy of the PIR (Property Irregularity Report) form filled out at the airport must also be kept.
In addition, receipts or invoices proving the value of the items in your luggage, an identification document, and receipts for expenses made for compensation (for example, clothing or essential items purchased during the delay) should be attached to the application. These documents ensure that the airline can process the claim more quickly and accurately and secure the passenger’s rights.
8. If my luggage is lost, can I also receive compensation from my insurance company?
Yes, if your luggage is lost, in addition to the compensation you will receive from the airline, you can also claim compensation from your insurance company if you have purchased travel insurance. Travel insurance generally covers loss, delay, or damage of luggage and provides additional security for the passenger. However, the amount to be paid, limits, and coverage may vary depending on the terms of your insurance policy. Most of the time, the insurance company will require the payment document you received from the airline and the PIR form proving the loss of the luggage. In this way, the passenger has the opportunity to compensate for financial losses from both the airline and the insurance company.
9. If the airline finds my luggage but my belongings are damaged, what can I do?
If your luggage is found and delivered but you notice that your belongings are damaged, you must immediately apply to the Lost & Found office at the airport or the airline’s baggage services unit. A report documenting the damage will be prepared here, and providing photographic evidence will speed up the process. According to the Montreal Convention, a written claim for damaged luggage must be submitted within 7 days at the latest. In this case, the airline is obliged to repair, replace, or provide appropriate compensation for the items.
10. Within how much time must I apply for lost luggage?
An application for lost luggage must be made as soon as possible; according to international regulations, passengers are required to submit a written claim within 21 days at the latest. When your luggage does not appear on the baggage carousel, you must immediately fill out a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) form at the airport and then submit the official compensation claim to the airline within this period. If the application deadline is missed, the right to compensation may be lost, so it is very important to prepare the documents completely and apply on time.