Lost or Delayed Luggage – What You Can Claim (2025 Expert Edition)

Airlines mishandle over 28 million bags every year, according to global baggage tracking audits. While most bags are returned within 48 hours, the compensation rules are surprisingly technical — and most passengers never claim the full amount they’re entitled to.

This guide breaks down your rights under international law, airline tariffs, national regulations, and real airline reimbursement behavior in 2025.

1. What counts as “delayed” vs. “lost” baggage?

Airlines treat delayed and lost bags differently, which affects how much you can claim.

• Delayed baggage — your bag eventually arrives, but late. You can claim reimbursement for essential purchases made while waiting.
• Lost baggage — the bag never arrives, or it is missing for 21 days. Airlines must compensate you for the value of your belongings (up to the legal limit).

Practically speaking, airlines often start treating a bag as “lost” after 5–14 days if the tracing system shows no movement.

2. Your compensation rights under international law

Most baggage claims worldwide fall under the Montreal Convention, which covers delayed, lost, or damaged luggage for international flights. It sets the maximum amount airlines must pay passengers.

Liability limit (2025): approx. 1,500 SDR (~$2,700 CAD / ~$2,000 USD)

This is a cap, not an automatic payout. Your compensation depends entirely on what you can prove.

3. What airlines ACTUALLY reimburse (real-world practice)

Airlines rarely follow strict formulas. Instead, claims departments look for three things:

• Receipts that match necessity — toiletries, undergarments, basic clothing.
• Delay length vs purchasing behavior — a 1-day delay with a $900 spend is a red flag.
• Consistency in your timeline — when you landed, when the delay was reported, updates received.

Based on 2024–2025 airline behavior:

• Most 24–48 hr delays: $50–$200 reimbursed
• Delays 3–5 days: $150–$400 reimbursed
• Delays 6+ days: $300–$700 reimbursed

Bigger payouts require strong documentation and a clear narrative.

4. Essential purchases you can claim

You are entitled to reimbursement for necessary interim purchases incurred while waiting for your bag:

• Toiletries
• Basic clothing (1–2 outfits)
• Footwear if needed
• Work clothing if traveling for business
• Specific weather-appropriate clothing (winter gear, rain gear)

Important: Luxury or high-cost brands are allowed, but airlines will challenge them unless justified. Always provide context (wedding, business meeting, formal requirement).

5. What you can claim if your luggage is declared “lost”

Once the bag is declared lost (21 days by law, sooner in practice), you may claim:

• Value of all items inside the bag
• Value of the suitcase itself
• Any interim purchases

Most airlines expect an itemized list with estimated values. Receipts help, but they’re not required. Airlines will pay “current value,” not original purchase price for older items.

6. Strict deadlines (don’t miss these)

• Delayed baggage: written claim within 21 days of receiving the bag
• Lost baggage: claim as soon as airline declares it lost
• Damaged baggage: claim within 7 days

Submitting late almost always results in rejection.

7. Evidence you should include (this is what wins claims)

• Boarding pass + baggage tag
• PIR file number (Property Irregularity Report)
• Timeline of when you landed, reported missing bag, updates received
• Receipts of purchases
• Photos of items you packed (even past social photos help)
• Any email/chat transcript with the airline

8. How to calculate a realistic claim amount

A well-structured claim includes:

• Total interim purchases: $____
• Estimated value of belongings (if lost): $____
• Total compensation requested: $____ (below Montreal limit)

Airlines respond best when you show you understand the legal framework — not just “I want a refund.”

9. When airlines try to refuse or limit reimbursement

Common reasons your claim may be reduced:

• No receipts provided
• Purchases considered excessive
• Bag returned in under 24 hours (low entitlement)
• No proof that items were necessary

Strong responses focus on necessity, proportionality, and clear timelines.

10. Travel insurance + credit card coverage (double protection)

Many people don’t know airlines aren’t the only ones who pay.

• Travel insurance often pays daily allowances: $50–$200/day
• Credit card insurance (Visa Infinite, Amex, etc.) covers baggage delay if the trip was purchased on the card

You can claim from both — but you **must not double-claim the same expense**.

11. Need a strong, ready-to-send claim?

Your claim is only as strong as your structure. Most people submit messy timelines and emotional explanations — airlines ignore them.