When Baggage Is Declared Lost

A bag is officially delayed until the airline stops searching, which is normally around 21 days. At that point it is reclassified as lost and the process changes from tracing to compensation.

The claim process

1. 1Contact the airline in writing referencing your original file number.
2. 2Ask for their claim form and the deadline for submitting it.
3. 3Prepare an itemised list of contents with approximate purchase dates and values.
4. 4Attach receipts for higher value items where you have them.
5. 5Include your baggage tag receipt, boarding passes and the original report.
6. 6Submit before the deadline and keep proof of submission.

How much is paid

Airline liability for checked baggage on international flights is capped by international convention, and the cap is per passenger rather than per bag. Domestic limits vary by country. Airlines also apply depreciation, so a three year old jacket is not valued at its original price.

This is why high value items should never be in checked luggage. Most carriers exclude jewellery, cash, electronics, documents and fragile items from liability entirely.

Insurance alongside the airline claim

Travel insurance usually requires you to claim from the airline first, then covers the shortfall up to its own limits. Single item limits apply, so read the policy before assuming a laptop is fully covered. Send the insurer the airline's settlement letter as evidence.

Some credit cards also include baggage cover when the ticket was bought with the card. It is worth checking, since people often forget this benefit exists.

If the bag turns up later

It happens more often than you would expect, sometimes months later. Airlines will contact you using the details on the original report, which is another reason to keep those current. If you have already been paid, the airline may ask for the settlement back or arrange something in between. Be honest, because these systems are linked.

Escalating a refused claim

• Ask for the refusal in writing with the specific clause relied on.
• Respond once, in writing, addressing that clause with evidence.
• If it is still refused, use the airline's formal complaints process.
• After that, national aviation authorities or ombudsman schemes may be able to review it.
• Small claims courts remain an option in some countries for modest amounts.

Keep everything in one folder, digital or paper. Claims are decided on documentation, and the person who can produce a tag receipt, a report reference and a dated inventory nearly always gets a better outcome than the person relying on recollection.