Lost luggage affects millions of travellers every year. The good news: over 85% of bags are returned within 48 hours, and you're legally entitled to compensation. The key is to act quickly and follow the right steps.
✅ 7 Steps When Your Bag Doesn't Arrive
- 1. Don't leave the airport — file a PIR before you go
- 2. Find the airline's Lost & Found / Baggage Services desk in the arrivals hall
- 3. File a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) — the official claim form
- 4. Keep the PIR reference number, boarding pass and baggage tag
- 5. Give the airline a delivery address — they'll courier the bag to you
- 6. Buy essentials (clothing, toiletries) and keep every receipt
- 7. After 21 days the bag is officially lost — open a full compensation claim
📋 PIR — Everything You Need to Know
A PIR (Property Irregularity Report) is the official record of your baggage incident. Without it, any compensation claim is impossible. File a PIR in every case — delayed, damaged or fully lost.
Describe the bag precisely: colour, size, brand, distinguishing marks. List high-value contents (laptop, medication, valuables) — these determine the compensation amount.
The airline's mobile app is the fastest way to track your bag — Turkish Airlines, Wizz Air and Lufthansa all let you follow bag status in real time.
💰 Compensation Amounts (Montreal Convention)
International flights fall under the Montreal Convention: maximum compensation is approximately 1,700 SDR (~$2,250). This is not automatic — you must itemise and prove the bag's contents.
Emergency expenses (clothing, toiletries): most airlines reimburse $40-120 per day for the first 1-3 days. Keep every receipt.
- Delayed bag (1-5 days): emergency expense reimbursement
- Lost bag (21+ days): up to ~$2,250 with itemised proof of contents
- Travel insurance: may cover full replacement value — check your policy, see travel insurance guide
🛡️ Prevention Tips
- AirTag or Samsung SmartTag inside the bag — real-time location tracking
- Distinctive marking — coloured strap or bright luggage tag
- Valuables always in carry-on — never checked
- Short connections (under 60 min) increase the risk of bags not making the transfer
- Travel insurance with baggage loss cover — see travel insurance guide
Use Travel365's flight search to compare airlines — and pick one with a strong baggage-handling record.
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