Guide · updated 12 November 2026
Lost, damaged or delayed bag: what to do right away
For luggage there’s no fixed amount: the airline pays the actual loss, up to about €1,800 per passenger. What you do at the airport and in the first few days matters most.
At the airport, before you leave
Go to the lost-baggage desk and ask for a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). Keep the reference number. If the bag is damaged, photograph it before leaving the airport.
Deadlines you can’t miss
| What happened | Written claim to the airline |
|---|---|
| Bag damaged | within 7 days of receiving it |
| Bag delivered late | within 21 days of receiving it |
| Bag never arrived | claim it as lost after 21 days |
These come from the Montreal Convention. An airport report isn’t always enough, so also send a written claim and keep the confirmation.
How much you can get
Since 28 December 2024 the airline’s liability limit is 1,519 Special Drawing Rights (SDR) per passenger, about €1,800 to €1,900 depending on the exchange rate. You get the actual loss you can prove.
- Delayed bag: reasonable costs of what you had to buy meanwhile. Keep receipts.
- Damaged bag: the repair, or the value of the bag and damaged items.
- Lost bag: the value of the bag and contents, with receipts, photos or other proof.
Deadline for court
The right to luggage compensation ends if no lawsuit is filed within two years of arrival.
This is general information, not legal advice for your specific case. We check every claim individually.