Checked bag lost, damaged, or delayed on an international flight
Applies under: montreal-1999
On international flights, the Montreal Convention makes the airline liable for your proven loss up to about 1,519 SDR (roughly EUR 1,800) per passenger.
Your rights
You are compensated for the proven value of what you lost, up to roughly 1,519 SDR. Keep all receipts; the airline can require proof of value. A higher limit applies only if you made a special declaration of value at check-in. Strict written-complaint deadlines apply.
When this applies
International carriage between two countries that are party to the Montreal Convention. Liability is a cap on proven loss, not a fixed payout. Domestic flights are governed by national law instead.
Step by step
- File a Property Irregularity Report before leaving the airportReport the loss, delay, or damage at the airline's baggage desk and keep the PIR reference number.
- Send a written complaint within the deadlineFor damaged baggage you have 7 days from receipt; for delayed baggage 21 days from when it was returned. Missing the deadline can bar your claim.
- Itemize your losses with receiptsList the contents and their value, attach receipts where you have them, and claim up to the Montreal limit.
Common airline pushback
“Our conditions of carriage cap your bag at a lower amount.”
The Montreal Convention limit overrides a lower contractual cap; the airline cannot contract below the treaty minimum.
If the airline refuses
- The airline directly
- National regulator
- Small-claims court
Typical outcomes
| Compensation range | 100–1800 EUR |
|---|---|
| Success rate | 70% |
| Time to resolution | median 45 days · 90th pct 180 days |