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Baggage disruption claims

Baggage disrupted?
Claim for delay, damage or loss

  • Delayed baggage
  • Damaged baggage
  • Lost baggage
  • Montreal Convention Article 31 deadlines
  • Free check · no win, no fee
  • Filed in minutes
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Airlines we claim from

From low-cost carriers to long-haul networks — if your checked bag was delayed, damaged or lost, we can help you claim.

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How it works

Your baggage claim in 3 steps

1

Check your situation

Was your checked baggage delayed, damaged or lost? Under the Montreal Convention you may recover proven losses — but complaint deadlines under Article 31 are short.

2

Submit your claim

Upload your booking, baggage tags, PIR and receipts via our secure claims portal. It only takes a few minutes.

3

We pursue the airline

We handle the process with the carrier. If your claim succeeds, you receive your payout. No win, no fee.

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Your rights

Montreal Convention — Article 31 claim periods

For most international air travel, airline liability for checked baggage is governed by the 1999 Montreal Convention. Article 31 sets strict written complaint deadlines. Missing them can permanently bar your claim — even if the airline is clearly at fault.

Damaged baggage: complain in writing within 7 days of receiving the bag. Delayed baggage: complain in writing within 21 days from the date the baggage was placed at your disposal. Keep your PIR (Property Irregularity Report), tags and receipts.

Separately, actions for damages are generally time-barred after 2 years (Article 35). BaggageRefund helps you file promptly so you do not miss these windows. This is general information, not legal advice.

Article 31 complaint deadlines

Situation Written complaint deadline
Damaged baggage7 days from receipt of the bag
Delayed baggage21 days from date baggage placed at your disposal
Lost baggageReport promptly; keep PIR and proof of loss
Court / formal action (Art. 35)Generally within 2 years

Based on Montreal Convention (1999) Articles 31 and 35. Deadlines can bar claims — file as soon as possible. Not legal advice.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What baggage problems can I claim for?

Typically delayed, damaged or lost checked baggage where the Montreal Convention (or applicable carrier rules) applies. You usually claim proven losses such as essential purchases during a delay, repair/replacement for damage, or the value of permanently lost items — subject to liability limits and evidence.

What is Article 31 of the Montreal Convention?

Article 31 requires a written complaint within short deadlines: generally 7 days for damage after you receive the bag, and 21 days for delay after the baggage is made available to you. If you miss these periods, the airline may reject the claim entirely.

Do I still need a PIR from the airport?

Yes — report the issue before leaving the airport whenever possible and keep the Property Irregularity Report (PIR) or equivalent reference. Photos, baggage tags, boarding passes and receipts strengthen your file.

How long do I have to start a claim?

Complaint deadlines under Article 31 are measured in days, not months. Formal legal actions are often limited to about 2 years (Article 35). Start as soon as you have your documents.

What does it cost to use BaggageRefund?

Checking eligibility and submitting a claim is free. We only charge a commission if your claim is successful — no win, no fee.

What documents do I need?

Booking confirmation or e-ticket, baggage tags, PIR/airport report, photos of damage, and receipts for essentials or lost/damaged items. Upload these via our claims portal.

Which airlines are covered?

We help passengers claim against major airlines worldwide where Convention liability or carrier rules apply — including KLM, Ryanair, easyJet, Lufthansa, Air France, British Airways and many others listed on our airlines pages.

Ready to claim for your baggage?

Deadlines are short. Filing takes just a few minutes. No win, no fee.

Start your claim