Checked-baggage claim guide

Delayed, lost or damaged baggage claim guide

Direct answer: report the checked-bag problem at the airport when possible and keep the PIR, but also submit a written claim through the airline's current official channel. A PIR may record the incident without completing the written claim. The route, applicable treaty or local rule, carrier process, incident type, evidence and notice timing all matter.

Do not treat one clock as universal. The seven- and 21-day periods below reflect the EU passenger guidance for checked baggage. U.S. domestic rules and airline processes differ, and a liability ceiling is not an automatic payout.

International liability ceiling

For carriage covered by the Montreal Convention, ICAO's Article 22(2) limit is 1,519 SDR per passenger from 28 December 2024. It is a ceiling, not a promised award, and documented loss still matters.

ICAO revised limits

EU written-claim timing

EU passenger guidance says to claim in writing within seven days for lost or damaged luggage, or within 21 days after receiving delayed luggage. Confirm the applicable rule and airline channel for your journey.

EU baggage guidance

U.S. routes: separate remedies

U.S. DOT says to file as soon as possible. A paid bag-fee refund after a qualifying significant delay or loss is separate from reasonable, verifiable incidental expenses and from baggage loss or damage liability.

U.S. DOT baggage guidance

Build the direct-airline claim file

Record the incident: keep the PIR or report reference, baggage tag, booking and every operating-carrier sector.
Separate the remedy: delay expenses, lost contents, damage, and a U.S. baggage-fee refund are different requests.
Preserve proof: save itemised receipts, photographs, inventory details, airline messages and submission confirmations.
Submit promptly: use the airline's current official form and keep a copy; this website does not send the claim.

Estimate a baggage claim path Prepare a free baggage letter Check a U.S. baggage-fee refund

Official sources reviewed 18 September 2026. This educational guide does not determine eligibility, value a claim or submit it to an airline.

Baggage evidence and notice checklist

Start at the baggage desk when possible, but do not stop after receiving a PIR. Keep a complete file containing the booking, baggage tags, report reference, airline correspondence, photographs, inventory and itemised expenses.

Before leaving the airport

Report the incident, check the contact details on the PIR and photograph damage or the baggage carousel information where useful.

During the claim

Use the operating carrier's official channel, state facts chronologically and keep a copy of the form, attachments and confirmation number.

If the claim is refused

Ask for the reason and policy basis in writing. Preserve the full correspondence before considering the relevant complaint body or qualified advice.

Common questions

Which airline handles a baggage claim on a connection?

Start with the airline and baggage desk identified for the final delivery failure, while keeping every sector and operating-carrier detail. Carrier allocation can be fact-specific.

Are cabin bags covered by this calculator?

No. The current estimator is designed for checked baggage. Cabin-baggage facts and carrier responsibility can require a different assessment.

Official ICAO revised baggage liability limits