What happens if my suitcase goes missing at the airport?

Key points:

• Report your missing suitcase to the airline’s customer service desk and fill out a Property Irregularity Report (PIR).

• Claims for delayed baggage expenses must be submitted in writing within 21 days of receiving your bag. 

• A luggage delay becomes officially classed as ‘lost’ after 21 days.

• Keep high-value items, medication and a change of clothes in your hand luggage to prepare for the unexpected.

Picture the scene: you’ve just landed at the airport and you’re waiting patiently by the baggage claim carousel. More and more bags appear but you can’t find yours. As the time ticks on, you have the sinking feeling that the suitcase isn’t going to arrive. 

Your lost suitcase could be simply delayed or it might be missing entirely, but neither options are ideal. That’s why it’s important to know your rights and how to claim delayed baggage compensation. 

What to do if your luggage goes missing at the airport 

If your suitcase doesn’t appear on the baggage carousel, then there are a few steps you can take. The airline’s customer service desk is a good place to start and notify them that your bag is lost.

You can then fill in a Property Irregularity Report (PIR), which will start the search and acts as evidence for future compensation claims. Remember to keep a copy of the PIR along with your boarding pass and any baggage tags you received during check-in. 

Can I claim for essentials if my baggage is delayed? 

Airlines usually won’t hand over money upfront, but they’re still responsible for covering reasonable expenses. This means you will typically need to buy the necessities yourself and then claim back the costs later. 

It’s important to keep receipts for every purchase you make while waiting for your suitcase. This could be for essentials like basic toiletries, underwear and clothing. 

If you’re making a claim, it’s good to understand the Montreal Convention. This is an international agreement that aims to provide consistent rules on lost, damaged or delayed baggage. 

Under the Montreal Convention, you must submit your written expenses claim to the airline within 21 days of receiving your delayed bag. If your luggage arrives damaged or items are missing, you must claim it within seven days of receiving the bag. 

Citizens Advice says that if you write to the airline it can help to state you are ‘claiming compensation under the Montreal Convention’ to highlight your statutory rights. 

How long before delayed luggage is declared lost? 

Under the Montreal Convention, a bag is officially declared lost if it’s not been located and returned within 21 days. If your bag is declared lost, then try and submit your full compensation claim as soon as possible. You could also review your travel insurance to see if this situation is covered. 

Note that airlines will not offer ‘new for old’ replacement for anything lost or broken and total compensation is normally capped at around £1,000 - but payouts are usually a lot lower. If your luggage was faulty this won’t be covered either. 

How to prepare for the unexpected  

Airlines are unlikely to cover high-value items as part of the compensation process, so being smart with your packing helps if your suitcase does go missing. 

For example, keep any high-value items like laptops, jewellery, cameras and designer accessories in your hand luggage. If you have any medication that you will need to take during your trip, try to carry this with you rather than checking it in. 

You could also pack a change of clothes and basic toiletries, while following the airport liquid limits, so that you are prepared in case the luggage is delayed. 

Finally, pre-ordering travel money before your trip can help you to navigate unexpected situations without having to find an ATM. An emergency amount of cash helps you to buy what you need, whether it’s toiletries or paying for a taxi to your hotel, and then you can focus on getting your luggage back. 

Great rates with John Lewis Travel Money 

Planning an upcoming holiday? We offer 0% commission on more than 50 currencies and multiple currencies can be ordered online for Click & Collect or home delivery. 

Minimum online order value is £250 with free Click & Collect available on all orders. Home delivery is free for orders over £500 and £4.75 for orders under £500. Exchange rates may differ in-store and online.

This article is for promotional or information purposes only. You must not rely on it as advice.