Air passenger rights for baggage problems
Luggage problems are all handled the same way, whether you are traveling within the EU or internationally.
International rights
All the countries registered on the Montreal Convention are covered (the EU and the USA included), so we will see the types of luggage problems that the latter recognizes :
Types of Baggage Problems :
- Damaged baggage: if your suitcases (in the hold or cabin) are damaged during the trip while they were under the responsibility of the airline, in this case your carrier will have to either replace or repair them.
- Baggage arriving late: if your suitcase does not arrive on time and you need something inside, the airline company will reimburse you for the price you paid to replace the object. In this case, remember to keep all your purchase tickets.
- Lost baggage: if the company does not find your baggage, the latter must compensate you for the suitcase but also for its content (provided that you can justify the value of each item). From 21 days, the lost suitcase is considered lost, even if it reappears later.
Damaged baggage on an American flight
Lost luggage? Damaged? Get $1,525 – $3,500 Compensation.
Rights in the United States
For baggage problems in the USA, the American standard only protects passengers on domestic flights whose airline is American. However, international flights departing from the USA are covered by the Montreal Convention.
- overed baggage problems: Exactly like the Montreal Convention, American law covers damaged baggage, baggage arriving late as well as lost, lost baggage.
- Company responsibility: It is up to you to negotiate the amount of compensation with the airline. Please note that if you did not pay for additional insurance during registration, this liability is limited to 3,500 $
Faced with so many unforeseen events that could affect the 4 rights of air passengers, it is important that you keep your boarding pass, your tickets and invoices for the costs incurred, that you obtain precise information concerning the incident, and for a problem. baggage, keep your receipt for your suitcase and notify your company of damage before leaving the airport.
For domestic flights in the United States, here are the steps to follow if your baggage is damaged :
1) Keep your boarding pass and receipts for checking your baggage.
E-LOSTBAG allows it using our LPN function: LPN E-LOSTBAG functionality you do not have a boarding pass, you can use any travel documents with a booking number. This number is associated with your flight reservation by the airline, it is a six-character code which can include letters and numbers.
2) Report the damage before leaving the airport after collecting your luggage.
If it is not possible for you to report the damage before you leave the airport, you may be able to do so later, however requirements vary by airline. Check your airline policy online.
3) Complete a damage compensation claim or claim form.
You will certainly be asked to do this if you are reporting the damage in person, however some airlines also make these forms available online.
4) Present your baggage for inspection so that it can be repaired or replaced.
Again, it is best to do this before leaving the airport, if possible. The airline will negotiate a solution with you, such as repairing damage, replacing baggage, or offering you some other form of compensation.
5) Make a claim to the airline for damage to the items inside your luggage.
There are several exceptions regarding the items that the airline can cover and may reject en masse all responsibility, but if you can present a convincing argument demonstrating its responsibility, it may be worth it.
Damaged baggage on EU and international flights
If you were on an EU or international flight and your luggage arrived damaged, here are the steps to follow :
1) Keep your boarding pass and receipts for baggage check-in.
If you do not have a boarding pass, you can use any travel documents with a reservation number. This number is associated with your flight reservation by the airline, it is a six-character code which can include letters and numbers.
2) Report damage before leaving the airport.
You have up to seven days from when you collect your luggage to report damage, however it is always best to report the problem before leaving the airport.
3) Complete a damage claim, or claim form.
You will certainly be asked to do this if you are reporting the damage in person, however some airlines also make these forms available online.
4) Present your baggage for inspection so that it can be repaired or replaced.
Again, it is best to do this before leaving the airport, if possible. The airline will negotiate a solution with you, such as repairing damage, replacing baggage or offering you some other form of compensation.
5) File a claim for damaged items inside your luggage.
There are several exceptions regarding items that the airline can cover and it may reject all liability, but if you can present convincing argument showing responsibility, it may be worth it.
Late baggage on an American flight
If you were on a flight within the United States and your luggage is lost, here are the steps to follow :
1) Keep your boarding pass and receipts for baggage check-in.
If you do not have a boarding pass, you can use any travel documents with a reservation number. This number is associated with your flight reservation by the airline, it is a six-character code which can include letters and numbers.
2) Notify the airline as soon as possible that your baggage has not arrived.
Ideally, this should be done before leaving the airport, but requirements may vary from company to company. Check your company's policy online.
3) Fill out a claim form.
When filling out the claim form, PIR in English, you will be assigned a file reference number. Keep it carefully, as well as the form.
4) Request reimbursement of your baggage fees if the company billed you for it.
Policies still vary from company to company, but it costs nothing to ask. Some companies only offer refunds in the form of a credit, but you should insist on receiving cash, if possible. If the company refuses to reimburse you, you can add this request to your reimbursement claim (see step 7 below).
5) Track your baggage using your case reference number.
Many companies offer online tracking tools. This should in principle give an idea of when you can collect your luggage.
6) Keep your receipts if you need to replace necessary items.
These items can be toiletries or underwear - things you had in your bag that you couldn't really live without for several days. Once you file your claim, you may be able to get reimbursed for these expenses.
7) Submit a claim to the airline.
This is when the receipt for your necessary items will come into play. Most airlines will require your claim compensation is made within 45 days of the date of your flight, even if you have still not collected your luggage within this period. Again, this may vary from company to company, so check your company policy online.
Delayed baggage on an EU or international flight
For flights in the EU or internationally, please follow these steps if your luggage does not arrive at the same time as you:
1) Keep your boarding pass and receipts for baggage check-in.
If you do not have a boarding pass, you can use any travel documents with a reservation number. This number is associated with your flight reservation by the airline, it is a six-character code which can include letters and numbers.
2) Notify the airline as soon as possible that your baggage has not arrived.
It is best to do this before leaving the airport, if possible.
3) Fill out a claim form.
When filling out the claim form, PIR in English, you will be assigned a file reference number. Keep it and the form with you.
4) Track your baggage using your case reference number.
Many companies offer online tracking tools. This should in principle give an idea of when you can collect your luggage.
5) Keep your receipts if you need to replace necessary items.
These items can be toiletries or underwear - things you had in your bag that you couldn't really live without for several days. Once you file your claim, you may be able to be reimbursed for these expenses.
6) Submit a claim to the airline once you have collected your luggage.
This will be used to reimburse all expenses arising from the delay in receiving your luggage, including the replacement of necessary items (cf. step 5 above). You have a period of 21 days from the receipt of your luggage to make this claim and you must also provide your receipts.
Would you like more information? Consult all the details concerning baggage late on international flights and find out more about your rights as an air passenger.
Baggage lost on American flights
For domestic flights in the United States, here are the steps to follow if your airline loses your luggage:
1) Keep your file reference number provided by the airline.
It should have been communicated to you when you completed the claim form (PIR) after the delay of your luggage.
2) Keep your receipts if you need to replace necessary items.
These items can be toiletries or underwear - things you had in your bag that you couldn't really live without for several days. Once you file your claim, you may be able to get reimbursed for these expenses.
3) Make a detailed list of the contents of lost baggage.
Any receipt or other evidence regarding these items will be helpful. There are several exceptions to what the airline can cover, but you should be able to get reimbursed for most of your baggage.
4) File a claim with the airline to be compensated.
Check with your airline the deadline for submitting a claim for lost baggage. Add receipts and documents regarding replacement items and the contents of your baggage.
Baggage lost on EU and international flights
For passengers on international or EU flights, here are the steps to follow if the airline loses your luggage :
1) Keep your file reference number provided by the airline.
E-LOSTBAG allows it using our LPN function:
LPN E-LOSTBAG functionality
It should have been communicated to you when you completed the claim form (PIR) after your baggage was delayed. Baggage is considered lost 21 days after the date on which it should have arrived - or sooner if the company admits having lost it.
2) Keep your receipts if you need to replace necessary items.
These items can be toiletries or underwear - things you had in your bag that you couldn't really live without for several days. Once you file your claim, you may be able to get reimbursed for these expenses.
3) Make a detailed list of the contents of lost baggage.
Any receipt or other evidence regarding these items will be helpful. There are several exceptions to what the airline can cover, but you should be able to get reimbursed for most of your baggage.
4) Submit a claim to the airline for compensation.
Include receipts and documents regarding replacement items and the contents of your luggage. Do you need more information? Consult all the details concerning baggage lost on EU or international flights and find out more about your rights as an air passenger.
