What the law says when your luggage is delayed or lost at the airport

Stepping off a plane and lingering by the baggage carousel only to watch your suitcase fail to appear is a travel nightmare becoming all too familiar. But what many travellers fail to realise is that airlines bear legal responsibility when bags are delayed or go missing. According to the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) , airlines are obliged to track down delayed luggage and reimburse passengers for "reasonable, verifiable" costs incurred due to missing bags. This can cover essentials such as toiletries, underwear and basic clothing while you await the return of your belongings. The CAA also stresses that passengers must report missing baggage straight away at the airport and secure a Property Irregularity Report (PIR), which proves vital for any subsequent compensation claim. Without this documentation, airlines may decline to handle claims relating to delayed or lost luggage. Under the Montreal Convention 1999, airlines are legally accountable for lost, damaged or delayed baggage on international journeys, with compensation generally capped at approximately 1,288 Special Drawing Rights. That is roughly £1,000 to £1,300 depending on current exchange rates. The Convention also imposes strict deadlines for claims. Passengers typically need to lodge complaints within seven days for damaged or missing items and within 21 days for delayed baggage once it has been retrieved. Consumer advice groups warn that airlines will typically only compensate for "essential" purchases during delays - think basic clothing and toiletries - rather than luxury items or entirely new wardrobes. Receipts are almost always required as evidence of expenditure before any reimbursement is even considered. Airlines generally begin hunting for missing bags using tracking systems and airport handling data, with the majority of luggage recovered within a matter of days, particularly following missed connections. However, should a bag remain unaccounted for after roughly 5 to 14 days, most airlines will formally declare it lost. Once luggage is officially classified as lost, passengers can lodge a full compensation claim for the contents, though airlines may reduce pay-outs based on depreciation and the value of individual items. Experts point out that claims are frequently capped and seldom come close to the maximum limit permitted under international law. Travel specialists say the vast majority of baggage disputes are settled without resorting to legal action, but passengers are advised to hold on to all receipts, baggage tags and written correspondence with their airline. Photographing luggage and packing essentials in hand baggage is also widely suggested as a sensible way to minimise disruption. Online discussions highlight just how infuriating lost luggage can be, with many passengers reporting poor communication and confusion over what they're entitled to claim back. Nevertheless, consumer guidance consistently makes clear that passengers do hold enforceable rights under international aviation law when things go awry.