How to claim for delayed, lost or damaged baggage
Katerina Galkina · EN · 07/10/2026
Читать на русскомReport the problem before leaving the airport
If your suitcase is missing or damaged, visit the airline's baggage desk or handling agent. Show your baggage tag and boarding pass, provide a delivery address and obtain a Property Irregularity Report, or PIR. Check the case number and tracking method. Photograph damage, tags and paperwork.
The UK CAA's baggage guidance ↗ explains that a PIR alone is insufficient: you must also make a written claim to the airline. Find its claims form promptly and keep proof of submission. Do not rely solely on a conversation beside the carousel.
Essential purchases during a delay
While the bag is being traced, record genuinely necessary purchases, such as basic toiletries, underwear or reasonable laundry costs. Keep itemised receipts and explain why each purchase was required during that period. Do not assume that replacing an entire wardrobe will automatically be reimbursed.
Check the airline's policy before an expensive purchase. Necessary expenses may be assessed differently when baggage is delayed on your return home, where your own possessions are usually available. Record each receipt's date, amount and purpose so that your claim is clear.
Written claims and deadlines
The CAA states a seven-day deadline for written damage claims and 21 days from receiving delayed baggage for delay claims. Submit promptly, retaining your PIR reference, itinerary, tags, photographs and receipts.
If the bag is never found, ask the airline about its procedure for declaring a loss and valuing the contents. List the items, their approximate age and evidence of value. Bank statements, earlier receipts and photographs are more useful than an unsupported total. Reimbursement of baggage losses is separate from fixed compensation for flight disruption.
Insurance and disputes
Check your travel policy's limits, excess, exclusions for valuables and notification deadline. Tell the insurer about your airline claim and any payments already received; do not present the same purchase twice as a new loss.
If the airline refuses your claim, request written reasons and follow its complaints procedure. Keep correspondence in one folder. Do not assume that consequential expenses, such as a separately booked trip you missed, are automatically covered. Explain those losses separately and check your insurance cover.