Lost, Delayed and Damaged Luggage

Few things take the shine off a trip faster than arriving at your destination only to find your luggage hasn’t arrived with you — or worse, turning up damaged or incomplete. While airlines often treat baggage problems as routine operational issues, for passengers they can cause stress, inconvenience, and unexpected expense.

The good news is that clear rules exist governing airline responsibility for checked luggage. Knowing how these rules work, what to do immediately, and how to reduce the risk in the first place can make a significant difference to both the outcome and your peace of mind.

When Does an Airline Become Responsible?

Once you check a bag in, responsibility for it transfers to the airline operating the flight. This applies to most international journeys and many domestic ones, regardless of ticket type. Responsibility usually sits with the airline that operated the final leg of your journey, even if multiple airlines were involved under a single booking — a detail that often causes confusion when problems arise.

Delayed Luggage: What to Do and What You Can Claim

Delayed luggage is far more common than permanently lost baggage. In most cases, bags are misrouted and arrive within a few days.

If your bag doesn’t appear on the carousel, report it immediately at the airline’s baggage desk before leaving the airport. You’ll be issued a Property Irregularity Report (PIR), which is essential for any future claim. Without it, airlines may refuse reimbursement altogether.

While your bag is missing, airlines are generally required to reimburse reasonable expenses for essential replacement items. This typically includes toiletries, underwear, and basic clothing. What is considered reasonable depends on context: a traveller arriving for a business event may legitimately need more than someone arriving at a beach resort.

Receipts are crucial, and claims are usually submitted after your luggage is returned.

If your bag is delayed on the return leg of your journey, it is typically delivered to your home once located. While still inconvenient, this is usually less disruptive than losing luggage on the outbound leg, which can be especially frustrating if you are moving between destinations or travelling for a longer period.

When Is Luggage Considered Lost?

Checked luggage is generally considered officially lost if it has not been located within 21 days of arrival. At this point, passengers can submit a claim for compensation rather than interim expenses.

Compensation for lost luggage is capped under international rules, regardless of the value of the contents. This cap is lower than many travellers expect and is the main reason airlines strongly advise against placing valuables in checked bags.

A surprising amount of luggage is ultimately deemed permanently lost. When this happens, unclaimed bags may eventually be sold at auction. As a last resort, airlines will often open suitcases in an attempt to identify the owner — which makes internal identification particularly important.

The Value of Tracking Devices

Using a luggage tracker such as an AirTag or similar device won’t eliminate the immediate stress of a missing bag, but it can provide reassurance and practical value. Knowing where your bag is — even if it’s sitting in another airport — can offer comfort and clarity during an otherwise uncertain process.

Trackers can also help when dealing with airlines, particularly if your bag’s location is visible but progress appears slow. While they don’t replace official procedures, they can support conversations and give you confidence that your luggage hasn’t disappeared entirely.

Clear Labelling Matters More Than You Think

Every checked bag should have a clear external luggage label with your name and contact details. Labels do fall off, however, which is why it’s also wise to place a piece of paper inside the suitcase with your name, address, email, and phone number.

If a suitcase loses its external tag and is separated from its tracking barcode, internal identification (e.g. a simple name and address on a piece of paper) can be the difference between recovery and permanent loss. Given that suitcases may be opened as a last attempt to identify the owner, this simple step can be surprisingly effective.

Damaged Luggage: Timing Is Critical

Damage to luggage should be reported as soon as possible, ideally before leaving the airport. Airlines often impose strict reporting deadlines, and failure to act quickly can invalidate a claim. It is also important to take clear photo of any damage.

Compensation usually covers functional damage such as broken wheels, handles, or cracked shells. Cosmetic wear and tear is not normally covered. Airlines may offer repair, replacement, or reimbursement depending on the circumstances.

When you buy a new suitcase it is worth keeping the receipt somewhere safe. If your suitcase is damaged beyond repair without a receipt airlines may offer a replacement from their own catalogue, which may be of lower quality than the original. Providing proof of purchase often improves the chances of receiving a cash refund instead.

Making Your Bag Distinctive

Many baggage descriptions sound identical because many suitcases are identical. A sea of plain black cases makes both identification and recovery harder.

Adding something distinctive — a ribbon, colourful luggage strap, or bright luggage tag — helps in two ways. It makes your bag easier to spot on the carousel, and it allows you to give a clearer description if the bag goes missing. This small step can speed up recovery and reduce the risk of someone else accidentally taking your suitcase.

The Role of Travel Insurance

Airline liability is capped, but travel insurance can provide additional protection. Insurance policies may cover higher-value items, longer delays, or losses that exceed airline limits.

For travellers carrying expensive equipment, sports gear, or work-related items, insurance is often essential. As always, policy terms and exclusions matter, so checking coverage limits before travelling is strongly advised.

A Final Word

Lost, delayed, or damaged luggage is an unwelcome but common part of modern travel. While you can’t eliminate the risk entirely, understanding airline responsibility and taking a few preventative steps can significantly reduce the impact.

Simple actions — clear labelling, internal identification, keeping receipts, and using tracking devices — often make the difference between a short inconvenience and a prolonged, costly ordeal. With preparation and knowledge, most baggage issues can be resolved efficiently, allowing you to focus on your journey rather than the whereabouts of your suitcase.

The good news is that clear rules exist governing airline responsibility for checked luggage. Knowing how these rules work, what to do immediately, and what you can realistically claim can make a significant difference to both the outcome and the speed of resolution.