Scores of passengers have lost their bags at Manchester Airport in the past few weeks and months. Many passengers have simply given up waiting for their bags to come off the luggage carousels.
Instead they've chosen come back another day and claim their bags through lost property. However, this option might not be practical for those living further away from Manchester, or who have busy lives and can’t spend the extra time coming back to the airport.
So, what are your rights if your luggage is lost, and what should you do? Here is a handy guide to what you need to know.
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Fill in the proper form
It’s a dull start, but a necessary one. If your bag has not come off the luggage carousel, you should fill out a ‘property irregularity report’ form, also called a PIR. You should be able to get one from the airline you’ve flown with.
The form will ask you to describe your bags. It will also require you to provide an address where you’re staying.
If you can’t get access to a PIR, most airlines have an online portal to report lost luggage. You’re more likely to get compensation the sooner you report it, experts say.
Know the time limits
Bags are only classified as ‘delayed’ for the first three weeks — 21 days — after your flight. After this window, they’re classified as ‘lost’.
Some airlines will reimburse you for essentials, like toiletries, that have been lost while you’re without them. Always keep receipts of anything you buy if the airline agrees to this.
Compensation for lost luggage
So, after 21 days, if your bag is still not with you, you can claim for ‘lost luggage’ — each airline has their own policy on compensation. However, under the Montreal Convention, you can get up to 1,288 of ‘special drawing rights’.
Special drawing rights are equivalent to a range of currencies. As of early June 2022, 1,288 SDRs equal £1,417. So, you could be entitled to just over £1,400 in compensation.
However, airlines all have slightly different policies on this, so it’s best to check with them. If you know you’re going to travel with more than £1,400 worth of belongings, it’s also a good idea to get travel insurance.
Also, just because the hard limit is £1,417 does not mean customers get that much. Airlines will often ask for proof of purchase of items inside, and deduct an amount for wear and tear.
If you do claim for lost luggage, then it’s best to claim as soon as you can with your airline, and provide as much information as possible. They’ll look for a copy of the PIR form, receipts for any items you have, and so on. When you’re writing to claim, cite Article 17 of the Montreal Convention, as this is the section that covers lost luggage.
Claiming for delayed luggage
Delayed baggage claims are slightly different. As we’ve said, if your airline gets your luggage to you within 21 days, it’s considered delayed.
That means — if you’re landing in the Mediterranean, for example — you can claim for any essentials you need while you’re away. Keep in mind that airlines will ask for proof of purchase, so keep your receipts.
That does not mean you can be reckless with your spending — if you go without your old e-reader, it does not mean you can buy a top of the range tablet and get it reimbursed.
Each airline has their own policy on delays, so it is best to check with them — but again, the maximum compensation is 1,288 SDRs — or £1,417.
If you do make a claim, you should reference article 19 of the Montreal Convention.
