Do this first, at the airport
- Go to the airline's baggage desk in the arrivals hall before you leave the airport.
- Ask them to file a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) and keep your copy and reference number.
- Give an address where the bag can be delivered and ask for the tracking number.
- Take photos of damage to the bag or contents.
- Keep your baggage tag and boarding pass.
Deadlines you must not miss
| Problem | Written complaint deadline |
|---|---|
| Damaged baggage | Within 7 days of receiving the bag |
| Delayed baggage | Within 21 days of the bag being placed at your disposal |
| Baggage treated as lost | Report as soon as possible. Bags are commonly treated as lost after 21 days. |
| Court action | Within 2 years of the date the flight arrived or should have arrived |
How much can you claim
The airline is liable for loss, damage or delay of baggage up to 1,519 Special Drawing Rights (SDR), which airlines currently describe as about EUR 1,880. The exchange rate changes, so check the figure in your airline's liability notice.
- Delayed bag: reasonable costs caused by the delay, such as basic clothes and toiletries.
- Lost bag: the value of the contents, up to the limit, with proof.
- Damaged bag: repair or replacement cost, up to the limit.
- Some airlines exclude fragile or very valuable items. Check the contract of carriage.
- You can pay for a higher limit by declaring the value at check-in.
Problems and fixes
| Problem | What to do |
|---|---|
| The airline says buy essentials yourself and send receipts | Buy only what you need, keep receipts and send them with your claim. |
| You have no PIR | Contact the airline immediately and ask them to open a report. Write to them within the 7 or 21 day deadline. |
| The airline offers a tiny voucher | You can ask for cash compensation based on your documented costs. |
| Items are missing from the bag | Report at once, list the items and keep proof of ownership and value. |
| Two airlines on the trip | Claim from the airline that issued the ticket or the one that operated the last flight. Copy both. |
| The airline does not answer | Send a written reminder, then escalate to the national regulator, an alternative dispute resolution body or a small claims court. |
How to claim step by step
- Keep the PIR, baggage tag, boarding pass and booking.
- Collect receipts for essentials and proof of value for lost items.
- Write to the airline within the deadline. The free complaint letter generator includes a baggage option.
- Ask for payment in cash, not a voucher.
- If you hear nothing within about 2 months, escalate.
Before your next trip
- Put your name and phone number inside and outside the bag.
- Photograph your bag and its contents before you fly.
- Pack medicine, documents and valuables in your cabin bag.
- Check your travel insurance. It may pay for delays and loss faster than the airline.
General information only
This guide is information, not legal advice. Rules change and every case is different, so confirm with the airline, the national enforcement body or a qualified lawyer before you act. ArrivalCardGuide does not file claims and takes no share of any money you recover.
Questions and answers
How much is 1,519 SDR in rupees or dollars?
It changes daily. Airlines currently describe it as roughly EUR 1,880. Check the current SDR rate on the International Monetary Fund website.
How long does an airline have to find my bag?
A bag is commonly treated as lost after 21 days, but airlines usually keep searching longer. You can claim for loss once that time has passed.
Does this apply to flights from Pakistan?
The Montreal Convention applies to most international flights, including flights from Pakistan. Your airline's liability notice states the exact limit.
Can I claim for a delayed bag if I did not file a PIR?
It is much harder. File a written complaint with the airline as soon as possible and always within the 21 day deadline.
Sources
- Your Europe: Air passenger rights
- Example airline notice: baggage liability under the Montreal Convention
- UK Civil Aviation Authority: delays and cancellations
This guide summarises EU Regulation 261/2004, the Montreal Convention and public airline notices. Baggage figures were checked against airline liability notices on 2026-10-19. Rules can change, so always confirm the latest version with the official sources above before you claim.