Lost or Delayed Baggage: What You Can Claim
Baggage problems are covered by a different rule entirely — the Montreal Convention — which applies to international journeys regardless of EU261 or APPR. It reimburses your proven losses up to a cap, but only if you hit some short, strict deadlines.
The short answer
Under the Montreal Convention, airlines are liable for delayed, lost, or damaged checked baggage on international flights up to about 1,288 SDR (~€1,600 / £1,400 / CA$2,300). It reimburses your proven losses, not a fixed sum. Deadlines are short: report damage within 7 days of receiving the bag and delay within 21 days. File a Property Irregularity Report at the airport first.
The Montreal Convention cap
For international travel, the airline's liability for checked baggage is capped at roughly 1,288 SDR (Special Drawing Rights) — about €1,600 / £1,400 / CA$2,300. It's reimbursement of your actual, proven losses up to that cap, not an automatic payout.
Delayed vs lost vs damaged
Each is handled slightly differently:
- Delayed: claim reasonable costs for essentials you had to buy while you waited — keep receipts
- Lost (usually after 21 days missing): claim the value of the bag and its contents, up to the cap
- Damaged: claim repair or replacement
The deadlines that catch people out
File a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) at the airport before you leave. Then submit a written claim: within 7 days of receiving a damaged bag, and within 21 days for a delayed bag. Miss the window and the airline can refuse.
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Check my compensationFrequently asked questions
How much can I claim for delayed or lost baggage?
Up to about 1,288 SDR (~€1,600) per passenger under the Montreal Convention on international flights — but it reimburses your proven losses, so keep receipts for essentials and document the value of lost contents. It's not a fixed payout.
What's the deadline to claim for baggage?
Report at the airport with a Property Irregularity Report immediately, then claim in writing within 7 days for damage and 21 days for delay. These deadlines are strict — don't wait for the bag to turn up before you start the paperwork.