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Lost, delayed or damaged luggage

Baggage claims are governed by the Montreal Convention, not by UK261/EU261. Airline liability is capped at 1,519 Special Drawing Rights per passenger (the limit in force since 28 December 2024), roughly £1,500 depending on exchange rates — and you must prove your loss.

What to do

1. Report it at the airport before leaving and get a Property Irregularity Report (PIR).
2. Keep receipts for essentials you buy while your bag is delayed.
3. Claim in writing: within 7 days for damaged luggage, within 21 days of receiving it for delayed luggage. Bags missing for 21 days are considered lost.
4. Court action must be started within 2 years.

Note: AirHelp focuses on delay, cancellation and overbooking compensation. If your flight was also delayed 3+ hours, that is a separate claim:

Last reviewed 20 October 2026. General information, not legal advice.