A practical guide on how to claim baggage delay compensation

Airports can be chaotic. Within the chaos sometimes baggage gets lost, delayed or damaged. Attached to that is a lot of inconvenience and anger. But before you storm out of the airport without knowing your rights as a flyer, here are a few pointers that will help you claim baggage delay compensation.

What to do when you lose your luggage?

In case of lost, damaged or delayed baggage, you can contact the airline and collect Property Irregularity Report (known as PIR) before leaving the airport. You will also need to put in a written claim to the airline. Try to make this claim as detailed as possible. If you can, add itemized list of everything you packed along with its price.

Please note that some airlines do not entertain your refund claims after you have left the airport.

What is a PIR?

A Property Irregularity Report (PIR) reference number is a unique code that helps the airline in tracing your delayed or damaged baggage. You can check the status of your baggage using this reference number.

When can you claim for a baggage delay compensation?

A passenger can claim for refund only when the event that caused the damage, loss or delay took place on-board or during the time when the airlines were in charge of your baggage. 

You are eligible to get compensation if the baggage was damaged due to the airline staff’s fault.

What happens when the airline is responsible for damaged baggage?

If this happens, then the airline may pay you for the repair of your baggage or provide replacement baggage. In case you are not happy with the replacement provided you can ask for a settlement from the airline. The compensation amount is usually determined by the age of the bag and the original cost.

How much compensation can you claim against baggage delay?

For International flights – In case of loss, delay or damage to the baggage, the amount is limited to 1,131 SDR per passenger.

For Domestic flights – In case of loss, delay or damage to the baggage, the amount is limited to Rs 20,000 per passenger.

How much compensation can you claim for cargo damage?

For International flights – In case of loss, delay or damage to the cargo, the amount is limited to 19 SDR per kilogram.

For Domestic flights – In case of loss, delay or damage to the cargo, the amount is limited to Rs 350 per Kilogram.

1 SDR (Special Drawing Rights) = 97.67 Indian Rupee (As on 07-08-19)

A few airlines also provide special compensation for delayed baggage.

If your baggage is delayed by more than 24 hours on an international trip and you have no access to a wardrobe, Air India provides one-time interim expense. (Approximately GBP 50). In India, the amount is Rs. 3000. This is not valid if the passenger is returning to their home airport.

The lowdown

Air travel can get very expensive and any extra damage caused by the airlines pinches a lot. It is every traveller’s worst nightmare. To avoid any mishap from your end, you can keep the following points in mind before travelling.

• Some airlines request carrying bags that are sturdy enough to withstand air travel handling.
• You can also have unique identity cards/marks so that your luggage doesn’t get mixed up with anyone else’s luggage.
• Do not pack expensive items like jewellery or currency in the check-in baggage. Try and carry it in the hand luggage.

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