Airline Lost and Found: A Guide to Missing Luggage

Losing your luggage while traveling can turn a dream holiday into a stressful experience. Fortunately, every airline operates a lost and found process to help passengers track and recover their bags—or claim compensation if they never arrive.

Before You Travel: Minimize Risk

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) recommends labeling your luggage with your name, email, and address, both outside and inside your bag. This simple step improves your chances in case your bag ends up in the airline’s lost and found system.

Step 1: Report Missing Luggage Immediately

If your bag doesn’t appear, go straight to the airline’s lost and found desk or file a report online. You’ll need to complete a Property Irregularity Report (PIR), which generates a reference number to track your baggage. Keep copies of the PIR and all communication. Deadlines matter:

Damaged luggage – claim within 7 days

Missing contents – claim within 7 days

Delayed luggage – within 21 days

Lost luggage – officially declared after 21 days

Step 2: Essentials While You Wait

While your bag is missing, airlines typically cover the cost of essentials like toiletries, clothes, medication, or baby items. Some even pay a daily allowance until your bag is recovered.

Step 3: Claim Compensation Under the Montreal Convention

If your bag is not found within 21 days, you can claim compensation—usually capped at about £1,000. Be ready with your PIR reference, receipts for emergency purchases, and proof of lost items. Always state that you’re “claiming compensation under the Montreal Convention” to strengthen your case.

Step 4: Escalate If Needed

If the airline refuses to cooperate, escalate your case through the Civil Aviation Authority or, as a last resort, small claims court.

Knowing the lost and found procedure helps you stay calm, act quickly, and protect your rights when luggage goes missing.