Montreal Convention montreal-1999
Convention for the Unification of Certain Rules for International Carriage by Air (Montreal Convention 1999)
In plain language
A multilateral treaty governing international flights between countries that have signed it. It does not award a fixed sum; it makes the airline liable for your proven loss up to a limit, expressed in Special Drawing Rights (SDR). It covers checked-baggage loss, damage, and delay, and damage caused by passenger delay. Domestic flights are not covered — national law applies instead.
Where it applies
USGBDEFRESITNLBECABRAUJPCNINAEZAMXSGCH
Key provisions, article by article
| Article | What it says |
|---|---|
| Article 17(2) | Liability for checked baggage The carrier is liable for destruction, loss, damage, or delay of checked baggage. |
| Article 19 | Liability for delay The carrier is liable for damage caused by delay, unless it proves it took all reasonable measures to avoid the damage or that it was impossible to do so. |
| Article 22 | Limits of liability Liability is capped per passenger: 1,519 SDR for baggage and 6,303 SDR for delay (2024 revision). A higher baggage limit applies only if you made a special declaration of value at check-in. |
| Article 31 / Article 35 | Complaint and limitation deadlines Written complaints for damaged baggage must be made within 7 days, and for delayed baggage within 21 days. Any court action must be brought within 2 years of arrival. |