How long do airlines look for lost luggage?

Airlines actively search for 5-7 days. After 21 days, most airlines declare bags permanently lost and begin compensation processes.

What if my bag is damaged, not lost?

Report damage immediately at the baggage claim area. Take photos of the damage. You usually have 7 days to file a damage claim.

Do I get compensation for delayed bags?

Yes, airlines must reimburse reasonable expenses for delayed bags. International flights follow Montreal Convention rules. Keep receipts for everything you buy.

What about connecting flights with different airlines?

Your final destination airline is responsible for your bag, even if another airline lost it. Always report to the airline printed on your final boarding pass.

Should I accept the airline's first offer?

You can negotiate. Know your rights - 1,700 dollars maximum for international flights. If the first offer seems low and you have receipts for valuable items, counter with documentation.

How to handle lost luggage

Report lost luggage immediately at the airline's baggage service office before leaving the airport. Get a written reference number and keep all receipts for essential items you need to buy. Most luggage appears within 24-48 hours, but knowing your rights and having the right documentation speeds up compensation if it doesn't.

Report immediately at the airport. Go to your airline's baggage service office before leaving the airport. Do not go home first. Get a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) with a reference number. Take photos of the reference number with your phone.
Gather your documentation. Keep your baggage claim ticket, boarding passes, and any receipts. Download photos of your luggage from your phone if you have them. Write down everything that was in your bag while it's fresh in your memory.
Buy essential items only. Purchase only what you need for the next 24-48 hours: underwear, basic toiletries, one change of clothes. Keep every receipt. Airlines typically reimburse 50-200 dollars for immediate necessities.
Track your bag daily. Call the airline's baggage service every day with your PIR reference number. Many airlines also have tracking websites or apps. Be persistent but polite.
Know when to escalate. If your bag isn't found after 5-7 days, file a formal claim for compensation. For international flights, airlines must pay up to 1,700 dollars under Montreal Convention rules. Domestic flights vary by airline policy.
Submit your claim properly. List every item in your bag with approximate values. Include photos if you have them. Submit within the airline's deadline - usually 7-21 days for damaged bags, longer for lost bags.

How long do airlines look for lost luggage?: Airlines actively search for 5-7 days. After 21 days, most airlines declare bags permanently lost and begin compensation processes.
What if my bag is damaged, not lost?: Report damage immediately at the baggage claim area. Take photos of the damage. You usually have 7 days to file a damage claim.
Do I get compensation for delayed bags?: Yes, airlines must reimburse reasonable expenses for delayed bags. International flights follow Montreal Convention rules. Keep receipts for everything you buy.
What about connecting flights with different airlines?: Your final destination airline is responsible for your bag, even if another airline lost it. Always report to the airline printed on your final boarding pass.
Should I accept the airline's first offer?: You can negotiate. Know your rights - 1,700 dollars maximum for international flights. If the first offer seems low and you have receipts for valuable items, counter with documentation.