In case of loss of baggage, it is important to act quickly and inform the representatives of the airline or the airport service about this unpleasant situation. Learn more about the step-by-step algorithm of actions and possible solutions to the problem in case of loss of baggage at the airport
Traveling is always a wonderful experience, but some troubles, such as flight delays or cancellations, as well as the loss of luggage, can overshadow all pleasant experiences.
Upon arrival at your destination, find the baggage claim tape of your flight. This is usually not difficult: above each tape there is a scoreboard with the flight number, which you can check with your ticket. If the tape has stopped and your luggage is not there, it may have been lost. In this case, it is important to contact the airport support service immediately for further action.
We tell you what to do if your luggage is damaged or it disappears at the airport.
To learn more about the possible reasons for downgrading on an airplane, follow the link.
Who should I contact if the airline has not delivered my luggage?
If you have lost your luggage, do not panic: in 85% of cases, the luggage is found within the first few days. First of all, contact the Lost&Found desk in the arrival area. There you will need to fill out a baggage loss report (PIR – Passenger Irregularity Report).
It states:
1. Surname, first name and patronymic of the passenger;
2. Flight route;
3. Information about lost baggage (number of seats, weight, baggage tag numbers);
4. Distinctive features of luggage;
5. Passenger’s contact phone numbers;
6. Baggage delivery address.
In addition, you will have to fill out a customs declaration, which indicates personal belongings, valuables and other items that were in the luggage. After filling out the documents, you will receive a copy of the receipt with the case number and contact phone number for further communication.
Experienced travelers are advised to take the contact information of a person who will personally control the baggage search process. You will be able to track the search status through the World Tracer system or directly on your airline’s website.
When the luggage is found, an airline representative will contact you. There are two options for baggage collection: it can be delivered home (this rarely happens) or you must pick it up yourself from the nearest airport. In the second case, do not forget to bring your passport, PIR and customs declaration.
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How to act if the lost luggage has not been found at the airport?
If the luggage is not found within 21 days, it is considered lost forever. In this case, you have the right to claim compensation. The amount of compensation is determined in accordance with the Montreal and Warsaw Conventions, as well as the internal rules of the airlines, so each case is considered individually.
According to the Montreal Convention, compensation is approximately $20 for each kilogram of lost luggage. It is important to note that the cost of things that were in the luggage is not taken into account.
A complaint against the airline can be filed within 18 months from the date of loss of baggage. If the airline does not respond or refuses to reimburse the losses, you have the right to go to court. A claim for loss of baggage can be filed within two years.
The official complaint must be accompanied by all original documents confirming the loss of baggage at the airport, including an itinerary receipt, a receipt for baggage payment and a baggage tag. These documents can speed up the processing of your claim and ensure that you receive compensation.
What should I do if your luggage was damaged during transportation?
If your luggage was damaged during the flight, you must act according to a certain algorithm in order to receive compensation. First of all, contact the Lost & Found or Baggage Claim desk at the airport and report the damage. You will be asked to fill out a baggage damage report (PIR), which is the main document for fixing the problem. Be sure to photograph all the damage for additional evidence.
After that, send the claim to the airline’s email address, specifying the amount of compensation and adding all the necessary documents: a scan of the PIR certificate, boarding pass and photos of damage.
Refusal to pay compensation is possible if the suitcase was unsuitable for transportation or was overfilled, which led to its damage.
What should I do if something is missing from my luggage?
If your belongings are missing during an air trip, it is important to act quickly and correctly. First of all, report the incident to the airport staff and draw up a missing persons report. This is a key document that will be needed for further action.
Remember that compensation will not be paid for the disappearance of items prohibited for transportation.
To protect yourself from unpleasant situations, follow these tips:
1. Attach a sticker with your contact information to the suitcase;
2. Make sure that the tag on the luggage indicates the correct destination;
3. Check in your luggage to the final destination during transfers;
4. Remove the old tags from the suitcase to avoid confusion;
5. Take a photo of the contents of the luggage in case you need to file a claim;
6. Get travel insurance that covers the risks of loss or delay of baggage.
Remember that the correct reaction in situations with loss or damage to luggage can greatly facilitate the process of solving the problem, but it is better to take care of all possible risks in advance. To protect yourself from unplanned expenses and not to risk your finances while traveling, take care of the necessary insurance for the period of your trip.
Let’s remind you!Passing through airport control without a passport, storing travel documents in a digital wallet and many other measures to simplify travel are being introduced at the largest airports in the world. Read more about how biometric technologies are changing the tourism industry.
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