Lost Baggage: What To Do Step-by-Step (Claims, Compensation & Tracking Guide)

Losing your luggage is stressful, but the process to recover it or receive compensation is structured and regulated. Whether your bag is delayed, misrouted, or declared lost, there is a clear step-by-step procedure you should follow immediately at the airport and in the days after.

This guide explains what to do, your compensation rights under international and domestic rules, and how to reduce risk in the future.

Quick Answer

If your baggage does not arrive:

• Report it immediately at the airline’s baggage desk before leaving the airport.
• Get a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) reference number.
• Track your bag using the airline’s online system.
• Keep receipts for essentials — you may be reimbursed.
• If not recovered within the airline’s timeframe (usually 21 days internationally), file a formal lost baggage claim.

Definitions

Step-by-Step: What To Do Immediately

1. Go to the Airline Baggage Desk Before Leaving the Airport

Do not exit the airport without filing a report. Once you leave, it becomes harder to prove the bag was missing on arrival.

Bring:

• Boarding pass
• Baggage tag receipt
• Passport or ID

2. File a Property Irregularity Report (PIR)

This document is critical. It generates your claim reference number.

Confirm the description of your bag is accurate (color, brand, size, hard or soft shell).

3. Confirm Delivery Details

Provide your temporary address and phone number. Airlines typically deliver delayed bags directly to your accommodation.

4. Track the Bag Online

Most airlines provide a tracking portal. If your airline has an allowance page on LuggaGenius, you can also check baggage policy handling expectations and procedures there.

Compare airline handling standards using our Airline Baggage Comparison Tool.

What Happens Next?

Your Compensation Rights

International Flights (Montreal Convention)

Most international flights are covered under the Montreal Convention.

• Maximum liability: approximately 1,288 SDR (Special Drawing Rights)
• Equivalent roughly €1,500–€1,700 or $1,600–$1,800 (varies with exchange rate)
• Applies to delayed and lost baggage

Domestic Flights

Compensation rules vary by country. For example:

• United States: DOT sets liability limits (higher than older international caps)
• EU domestic flights: generally still covered under Montreal Convention

Reimbursement for Essentials

If your bag is delayed, airlines typically reimburse reasonable essential purchases:

• Basic clothing
• Toiletries
• Medication (urgent only)

When Is a Bag Officially “Lost”?

Under international rules, baggage is generally considered lost after 21 days if not recovered. At that point:

• You must submit a formal written claim
• Provide list of contents
• Submit proof of value if available

How To Reduce Lost Baggage Risk in the Future

1. Use a Smart Tracking Device

Adding a tracker inside your luggage allows you to see location updates independently of the airline.

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Place the tracker inside an internal pocket, not visible externally.

2. Photograph Your Bag Before Check-In

Take a photo of:

• Bag exterior
• Baggage tag
• Contents (optional but helpful)

3. Remove Old Tags

Old airline barcodes can cause misrouting.

4. Keep Valuables in Carry-On

Electronics, medication, documents, and jewelry should never be checked.

Common Mistakes

• Leaving airport without filing PIR
• Throwing away baggage tag receipt
• Buying excessive replacement items
• Waiting too long to file compensation claim
• Assuming airline will contact you without follow-up

FAQ

How long does it take airlines to find lost luggage?

Most delayed bags are located within 24–72 hours. Permanent loss is less common.

What if the airline cannot find my bag?

You can file a compensation claim after the defined period (often 21 days internationally).

Can I claim emotional distress?

Typically no. Compensation covers financial loss, not inconvenience.

What if I transferred between airlines?

The final operating airline usually handles the claim, but documentation is essential.

Update Note

Last reviewed and updated: 2026-02-13