Lost luggage is a huge inconvenience to any trip but there are a few steps you can take to make the process less frustrating – some of which the airlines don't always tell you about.
If your luggage hasn't appeared on the luggage carousel, head to the baggage claim office and lodge a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) with the airline carrier from your final flight (for example, even if you flown with multiple airlines and suspect it may have been lost earlier).
This should include what your bag looks like (colour, brand and any identifying marks), your airline and flight information (including any connecting flights) and details about where you're staying and for how long.
This is a unique code that helps them trace your delayed or damaged baggage. It's typically above your name on the PIR receipt. You can use this number to check the status of your baggage.
Because you may be entitled to a cash payment to cover essentials such as toiletries, transport and accommodation. Airlines don't typically publicise whether they offer compensation or not, so be sure to ask when you lodge the report.
In any situation, it's important to make a report the moment your luggage has gone missing. Even if your airline tells you your luggage is on the next flight, you'll have written proof in case something else goes wrong.
"After a long haul flight from Canada to Sydney I was the last person waiting at the carousel for my luggage. Unfortunately, after waiting, I received a notice from the airline that my bag did not make it onto my connecting flight. I went to the desk, lodged a report and was told they'd investigate it. Fortunately, I'm covered for lost luggage via my credit card travel insurance, so even though it's a major inconvenience at least I know I should have some kind of compensation. The airline seems to think they've located my bag and I'm hopeful it will still make its way to me but I've had to replace multiple items while waiting. I'm really glad for my insurance right now!"
Lost checked baggage is treated as delayed by the airline for the first 21 days. In that time, it is the airline's responsibility to locate it and deliver it to you. If the airline can't locate it in that time, you'll receive compensation for your loss.
You could be compensated up to a maximum of $3,000 for checked baggage and $300 for unchecked baggage (according to the Australian Civil Aviation (Carriers' Liability) Act).
While these are your legal entitlements, in our research online, it seems your mileage with airlines may vary. Each airline will have their own policies that dictate how much they will refund you and the conditions that need to be met to receive your compensation will also vary. If your luggage happens to get lost, it's important to remain diligent with following up with your airline and to keep a tight record of any items and value lost.
Airlines are governed by two international treaties: the Warsaw Convention of 1929 and the Montreal Convention of 1999. The amount you are entitled to will depend on the airline. Where the Montreal Convention applies, airlines are liable for up to approximately $1,735 (e.g. 1,131 Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) per passenger, a form of international money created by the International Monetary Fund). That's the total amount you could receive for both checked and carry-on baggage. Under the Warsaw Convention for international travel, airlines are liable for up to approximately $600 for your carry-on baggage and around the equivalent of $30 for each kilo of your checked baggage.
Yes. Airlines tend to only cover what is legally expected of them which often isn't enough to fully cover you. If there's a shortfall between what the airline pays you and your belonging's worth, you can lodge a travel insurance claim for the difference.
If you're travelling with expensive items like a laptop, jewellery or camera, you need to make sure your coverage limits are high enough to fully reimburse you if they're lost with your luggage. Alternatively, you can take out individual cover for each item.
Travel insurance can also cover luggage delays. If your bags don't turn up within 12 hours of your arrival, you can typically make a claim for delayed luggage. This helps cover the cost of essentials that you had to buy including clothes and toiletries.
"These are my key tips:
With 3 levels of cover and multiple optional extras available, you can make your travel insurance policy cover as much or as little as you’d like.
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