Lost or delayed baggage: what to do at the airport and what compensation you can get

Checked in November 2026. For information only; this is not legal advice.

The baggage carousel has stopped, and your bag hasn’t appeared. The most important thing is to act now, before you leave the arrivals area.

What to do at the airport

• Go to the Lost & Found desk or the airline’s representative.
• Fill in a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) and get a copy.
• Keep your ticket, boarding pass and baggage tag.

A PIR is not yet a compensation claim. You usually need to submit a separate claim to the airline, often using an online form.

Deadlines

These come from the Montreal Convention, which applies to most international flights:
- Damaged baggage: complain immediately and no later than 7 days after you receive it.
- Delayed baggage: no later than 21 days after you receive it.
- Lost baggage: if it hasn’t arrived within 21 days, you can consider it lost.
- You have 2 years to take the matter to court.

Don’t leave it until the last day. Submit your claim in writing and keep proof.

How much you can receive

The limit is 1,519 SDR per passenger, effective from 28 December 2024. At the November 2026 exchange rate, that’s approximately 1,836 euros. Some websites still say “about 1,300 euros”: that’s the old figure.

This is a limit, not a fixed amount. You’ll receive what you can substantiate, so keep your receipts. You can get more only if you declared the value of your baggage when checking it in and paid a fee for doing so.

What you can claim if your baggage is only delayed

The airline is liable for loss caused by a delay unless it can prove it took all reasonable measures. This usually means essential purchases, such as a change of clothes or toiletries. Ask the airline what it covers and keep your receipts.

How to make things easier next time

• Pack your documents, medication, chargers and a change of clothes in your carry-on.
• Take photos of your bag and its contents before checking it in.
• Put your name and phone number inside the bag too.
• If you have a layover, check your ticket to see whether your bag will be checked through to your destination.

See also what you can claim if your flight is delayed or cancelled.