Suitcase gone or damaged? Your rights for baggage damage
Your suitcase did not turn up at the destination airport, arrived damaged, or only days later? The airline is liable for baggage damage, but you must meet deadlines and report the damage correctly.
Reach your next steps and the matching ready-made texts in just a few minutes, free of charge:
Report the damage →Your chances of getting your money back
What you should do now
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1. Report at the airport immediately
Have a damage report (Property Irregularity Report, PIR) issued while still at the airport; without it, things get difficult.
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2. Collect receipts
Keep your boarding pass, baggage tag, and receipts for replacement purchases (in case of delay).
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3. Complain in writing within the deadline
Report the damage to the airline in writing: within 7 days for damage, within 21 days for delay.
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4. Quantify the compensation
Demand reimbursement of the current value of the contents or of the necessary replacement purchases, up to the liability ceiling.
Frequently asked questions
How much do I get for lost baggage?
The airline is liable up to a maximum of around 1,300 special drawing rights (roughly 1,500 euros depending on the exchange rate). The proven current value of the contents is reimbursed; receipts and a contents list help.
Which deadlines must I meet?
For damaged baggage you must report the damage within 7 days, and for delayed baggage within 21 days of receipt, in writing. For visible damage you should have a PIR filed at the airport right away.
Take action now
We put together the ready-made texts and the right places to contact for you.
General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.