Luggage

If you cannot find your luggage on the belt after the flight, immediately fill in the property irregularity report (PIR) form in the airport’s arrivals hall and require a copy. The right to compensation often depends on whether the delay occurs on the outbound or return flight.

Outbound flight: You can claim compensation from the airline for the necessary items you had to buy, including personal hygiene products and clothing, to get you through the waiting period at the destination. Passengers are obliged to minimise the costs incurred, so the purchases must be absolutely necessary. Airlines may also offer necessity kits or a voucher for making the most necessary purchases.

Return flight: Since the delay of luggage on the return trip does not normally cause the same damage as on an outbound flight, compensation is rarely justified. Upon receipt of the delayed luggage, submit a written claim within 21 days. Attach to your claim a copy of the PIR form and receipts of the necessary items you had to buy because of the delay. Write down on the receipts what the items you purchased were. Keep copies of the receipts. Please note that if the airline’s terms of carriage for luggage prohibit the packing of certain items (such as jewellery, money or medicines) into checked luggage, you will not be entitled to compensation if you have not followed the instructions.

The airline is not liable for the delayed luggage if it can prove that it has taken all reasonable measures to avoid the damage. You will usually not have the right to compensation for delays caused by weather conditions, security risks or a strike, for instance. However, the airline must be able to prove the cause of the delay and justify its actions in the situation.

Luggage is considered lost if it does not arrive at the destination within 21 days of the arrival of the flight. Make a claim to the airline for lost luggage. Attach to the claim the PIR form, a list of what you had in your suitcase, and the value and date of purchase of each item. Please note that if the airline’s terms of carriage for luggage prohibit the packing of certain items (such as jewellery, money or medicines) into checked luggage, you will not be entitled to compensation for the loss if you have not followed the instructions.

It is likely that the airline will demand proof of the value of the lost items in form of receipts. If you no longer have the receipts, try to demonstrate the date of purchase and price of the goods on your list. You should note that the compensation for used goods will not be the full price you paid for them or the price of a new item, as the use you have had out of the items and their reduced value will be taken into account.

If you notice that your checked luggage has been damaged during the flight, immediately report the damage to the airline by filling out the PIR form in the arrivals hall. If you do not submit a report of the damage as soon as you receive your suitcase, it will be almost impossible for you to prove that the damage was caused when the suitcase was in the possession of the airline.

In addition to the PIR form, a written notification of the damage must be made to the airline. Make a written notification immediately after noticing the damage and attach a copy of the PIR form. In the notice, describe the damage caused and attach photos as evidence, if possible. Also be prepared to prove the value of the damaged goods and note that the compensation for used goods will not be the full purchase price. If you do not file a notice within 7 days of receipt of the goods, you will lose your right to compensation.

Please note that the airline is not liable for compensation if the damage was caused by the fault, quality or poor quality of the luggage.

The airline is only liable for damage to carry-on luggage if the damage was caused because the airline or a person employed by it was negligent. The size, weight and quantity of carry-on luggage are determined by the airline. Check out the cabin luggage regulations of the airline you selected before you travel.