In short: report the problem at the airport before you leave, then send a written claim to the airline. On international trips under the Montreal Convention, the deadlines are 7 days after receiving a damaged bag and 21 days after a delayed bag is delivered.
At the airport
- Go to the airline's baggage desk before leaving the arrivals hall.
- Complete a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) and keep your reference number.
- Keep your boarding pass and baggage tag.
Written claim deadlines (international travel)
| Problem | Deadline for a written complaint |
|---|---|
| Damaged baggage | Within 7 days of receiving it |
| Delayed baggage | Within 21 days of the bag being delivered to you |
| Lost baggage | As soon as possible. Many airlines treat a bag as lost after 21 days |
The airline's liability is capped at a limit set by the Montreal Convention and expressed in Special Drawing Rights. The cap is reviewed periodically.
Delayed bags in the US
US DOT rules treat a checked bag as significantly delayed if it isn't delivered within 12 hours of a domestic flight's arrival, or 15 to 30 hours for international itineraries depending on flight length. In that case you can get a refund of the checked-bag fee.
Keep receipts
Save receipts for essentials you buy while your bag is delayed. Airlines usually reimburse reasonable expenses, not new luxury items.