Understand your rights and claim limits under international aviation law
Under the Montreal Convention, airlines are liable for lost or damaged checked baggage up to approximately £1,200 per passenger. For delayed baggage, you can claim essential purchases made while waiting (up to €1,200). You must file a claim within 21 days of discovering the loss. Keep receipts and photos of contents to prove your claim.
The Montreal Convention sets a standard liability limit of 1,131 SDRs (Special Drawing Rights), which converts to approximately £1,200–£1,300 depending on the exchange rate at the time of loss. This covers lost, destroyed, or damaged checked baggage. For delayed baggage (arrives later than expected), you can claim essential purchases made while waiting, capped at €1,200. You cannot claim more than the statutory limit unless you prove the airline was grossly negligent.
Carry-on luggage has lower protection—the airline is not liable if you lose or damage it yourself. The Montreal Convention mainly protects checked baggage that airlines are responsible for.
Report the loss or damage immediately at the airport—do not leave without filing a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). Within 21 days of discovering the loss, send a written claim to the airline citing the Montreal Convention and providing: your ticket number, flight details, property description, proof of value (receipts, photos), and evidence of loss. Keep copies of all correspondence. If the airline refuses or delays, escalate to aviation authorities or file through small claims court.
They cannot legally avoid liability under the Montreal Convention. This treaty applies globally. If they refuse, escalate to the CAA or file a court claim citing the Convention.
You should report immediately, but even if you delay, you can file a claim within 21 days of discovering the loss. Report as soon as you realize the problem to strengthen your case.
Provide receipts for items, photos of the packed bag (taken before travel), travel insurance documents, and bank/credit card statements for replacement purchases. Reasonable estimates of contents are also acceptable.
Travel insurance may cover baggage loss with higher limits. You can claim from both the airline and your insurer, but cannot recover more than your actual loss. Check your policy limits.
The Montreal Convention applies to international flights. For UK domestic flights only, UK consumer law may apply with different liability limits. Check your flight's classification.
Use our Baggage Loss Tool to document your claim, calculate compensation, and draft a formal demand.
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