Luggage problems

Rules on baggage damage are set out in an international convention, the Montreal Convention.

- Reimbursement is made for certified expenses on invoices submitted, up to a maximum of €1600;

- To obtain compensation, a complaint form (so-called PIR form) must be collected at the airport for lost or damaged baggage and sent in writing to the airline concerned without delay, but no later than 7 days;

- If the baggage has not arrived, it will be considered lost after 21 days;

- In the case of delayed baggage, the passenger must also submit the claim to the airline immediately, but no later than 21 days from the date of receipt of the baggage.

Useful tips in case of damage of baggage

- In the event of loss, delay or damage to luggage, airlines are liable to pay compensation up to a maximum of €1600, so it is always a good idea to arrange passenger and luggage insurance.

- If your luggage is lost, delayed or damaged, you should report it immediately, preferably at the airport of arrival, and have a written record made. You must notify the airline within 7 days at the latest.

- It is important to be aware that the conditions (number of pieces, size, weight, etc.) and charges for checked and cabin baggage vary from airline to airline and are accepted by the passenger when making the reservation and reading the General Conditions of Carriage. In this respect, there are significant differences between the baggage transport practices of airlines with a traditional pricing policy and those of low-cost airlines.

- Passengers who do not comply with the rules on baggage may be charged an additional fee, and if this fee is not paid, the airline may refuse them boarding.

- It is useful to know that in the event of baggage delay/loss, the passenger can purchase the necessary clothing, toiletries, other items for personal use (e.g. medicine), but the receipts and receipts confirming the purchases must be kept, as they must be attached to the claim when submitting the claim to the airline after the passenger's return home.

- Taking into account the principle of reasonableness, only those items of clothing and personal effects that are really necessary should be purchased, as airlines will not reimburse unjustified expenses. It is important to note that full reimbursement of costs (e.g. clothing) is rare, as the items purchased remain the property of the passenger.

- In the case of lost baggage, due to the difficulty of proving the contents of checked baggage, airlines typically pay compensation based on the weight of the baggage, minus the value of items declared by the passenger which are excluded from carriage in checked baggage under the terms of the rules of carriage.

- It is necessary to point out that if your luggage is delayed on the way home or cannot be found, airlines typically do not reimburse you for the extra expenses, as it is reasonable to assume that the necessities are available at the passenger's place of residence.

- Before travelling, it is advisable to carefully check the air carrier's conditions of carriage for baggage, to find out which items the air carrier is not liable for delay, loss or damage (e.g. cash, electronics, documents, liquids, perishable items).

- In the event of damaged baggage, the airline will determine the amount of compensation on the basis of the receipt/invoice for the repair of the damaged baggage or, if the baggage is irreparable, on the basis of the original invoice for the baggage or the verifiable value of similar baggage. However, it should be noted that in many cases the passenger is not travelling with a brand new suitcase. The amount of compensation for luggage purchased in second-hand condition is also typically based on the value of the second-hand luggage.

- If the airline does not allow your hand luggage on board the plane due to lack of space and places it in the hold with your checked luggage, where it may be damaged or not arrive, the airline is liable for damages in the same way as for checked luggage.

- It is advisable for passengers to carry their personal documents and valuables in their hand luggage, rather than in their checked baggage, which they take on board the plane, for their own safety. If they are not allowed to take their hand baggage on board due to lack of space, they should remove their valuables (cash, documents, electronic items) before handing them over to the crew.

- If you are taking valuable items with you on your journey, it is advisable to take out private travel insurance, which will provide adequate cover for damage exceeding €1,600.