If you lose your luggage, it is important to act quickly and notify the airline or airport authorities of this unpleasant situation. Find out more about the step-by-step algorithm of actions and possible solutions in case of lost luggage at the airport

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Traveling is always a wonderful experience, but some troubles, such as flight delays or cancellations, as well as lost luggage, can overshadow all the pleasant experiences. 

When you arrive at your destination, find your flight's baggage claim. It's usually easy: each belt has a board with a flight number above it that you can check against your ticket. If the belt has stopped and your baggage is not there, it may have been lost. In this case, it is important to immediately contact the airport's support service for further action.

Here's what you should do if your baggage is damaged or lost at the airport. 

You can learn more about possible reasons for an airplane downgrade here.

Who to contact if the airline did not deliver the luggage?

If you have lost your luggage, don't panic: in 85% of cases, the luggage is found within the first few days. First of all, go to the Lost & Found desk in the arrival area. There, you will need to fill out a lost baggage report (PIR - Passenger Irregularity Report). 

It states: 

1. Passenger's last name, first name and patronymic; 

2. Flight route; 

3. Information about the lost baggage (number of pieces, weight, baggage tag numbers); 

4. Distinctive features of the baggage; 

5. Contact numbers of the passenger; 

6. Baggage delivery address.  

In addition, you will have to fill out a customs declaration, which indicates personal belongings, valuables and other items that were in the baggage. After filling out the documents, you will receive a copy of the receipt with the case number and contact phone number for further communication.

Experienced travelers are advised to take the contact information of the person who will personally supervise the baggage search process. You can track the status of the search through the World Tracer system or directly on your airline's website.

When the baggage is found, an airline representative will contact you. There are two options for receiving your luggage: it can be delivered to your home (this is rare) or you have to pick it up from the nearest airport. In the second case, do not forget to bring your passport, PIR and customs declaration.

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What should I do if my lost luggage is not found at the airport?

If your baggage is not found within 21 days, it is considered lost forever. In this case, you have the right to claim compensation. The amount of compensation is determined in accordance with the Montreal and Warsaw Conventions, as well as the internal rules of airlines, so each case is considered individually.

According to the Montreal Convention, compensation is approximately $20 for each kilogram of lost baggage. It is important to note that the value of items that were in the baggage is not taken into account.

A complaint against the airline can be filed within 18 months from the date of loss of baggage. If the airline does not respond or refuses to compensate you for the loss, you have the right to go to court. A claim for lost baggage can be filed within two years.

The official complaint must be accompanied by all original documents confirming the loss of your luggage at the airport, including your itinerary receipt, baggage payment receipt, and baggage tag. These documents can speed up the processing of your claim and ensure that you receive compensation.

What should I do if my baggage was damaged during transportation?

If your baggage was damaged during an airplane flight, you need to follow a certain algorithm to get compensation. First of all, contact the Lost & Found or Baggage Claim desk at the airport and report the damage. You will be asked to fill out a baggage damage report (PIR), which is the main document for recording the problem. Be sure to take photos of all the damage for additional evidence.

After that, send a claim to the airline's email address, indicating the amount of compensation and attaching all the necessary documents: a scan of the PIR report, boarding pass, and photos of the damage.

Refusal to pay compensation is possible if the suitcase was unsuitable for transportation or was overloaded, which led to its damage.

What should I do if something is missing from my luggage?

If your belongings go missing while traveling by air, it is important to act quickly and correctly. First of all, report the incident to the airport staff and draw up a missing item report. This is a key document that will be needed for further actions.

Remember that compensation will not be paid for the loss of items prohibited for transportation. 

To protect yourself from unpleasant situations, follow these tips:

1. Attach a sticker with your contact information to your suitcase;

2. Make sure that the tag on your luggage indicates the correct destination;

3. Check in your baggage to your final destination when making connections;

4. Remove old tags from your suitcase to avoid confusion;

5. Take photos of the contents of your luggage in case you need to file a claim;

6. Take out travel insurance that covers the risks of loss or delay of luggage.

Remember that the right reaction in situations with lost or damaged baggage can greatly facilitate the process of solving the problem, but it is better to take care of all possible risks in advance. To protect yourself from unplanned expenses and not to risk your finances while traveling, take care of the necessary insurance for the period of your trip.

Remember! Passing through airport security without a passport, storing travel documents in a digital wallet, and many other measures to simplify travel are being introduced at the world's largest airports. Read more about how biometric technologies are changing the travel industry.

To move, travel or work safely in a new country, you will need travel insurance. You can apply for an extended policy on our website here.

Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Travel guide for 200 countries;

Legal advice from a local specialist on visa and migration issues;

Travel insurance around the world (please select the country of interest and citizenship to receive services);

Medical insurance all over the world.