Your bag has not arrived. Here is exactly what to do, in order, before you leave the airport.

Step One: File a Property Irregularity Report

Do not leave the airport without filing a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). This is the formal claim document for lost, delayed, or damaged luggage and it must be completed at the airline's baggage claim desk in the arrivals hall, before you exit the secure area in most airports.

The PIR gives you a reference number that tracks your bag and is required for any compensation or reimbursement claim. Without it, your claim is significantly harder to pursue.

When filing, be as specific as possible about your bag: colour, brand, dimensions, any distinguishing features. If your bag was damaged rather than lost, photograph the damage before you leave the baggage area.

Delayed vs Lost

Most bags that fail to arrive are delayed, not lost. The airline's system usually locates them and delivers within 24-48 hours. You will receive a reference number to track your bag's status online.

If your bag is found and the airline will deliver it to your accommodation, get a written confirmation of the delivery address. Keep checking the tracking link.

If your bag has not been located within 21 days, it is officially considered lost under the Montreal Convention.

The Montreal Convention and Compensation

The Montreal Convention governs international air travel compensation for lost luggage. The maximum compensation is approximately 1,288 Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), which translates to roughly £1,400 or €1,600. This is the ceiling, not a guaranteed amount. Airlines will compensate for the actual value of lost contents, not necessarily the maximum.

To claim successfully: itemise the contents of your lost bag and their approximate value. Keep receipts where you have them. Submit the claim to the airline with your PIR reference. Airlines have standard forms for this.

Claiming for Expenses While Waiting

If your bag is delayed and you need to buy essentials (clothing, toiletries) for your trip, keep every receipt. Airlines are required to reimburse "reasonable" expenses incurred because of the delay. What counts as reasonable is subjective, but toiletries, underwear, and a change of clothes for a multi-day trip are generally accepted.

Submit the receipts with your original PIR number. Most airlines process these claims within a few weeks.

Travel Insurance

If you have travel insurance, your policy may cover delayed or lost luggage, often with a lower excess than the Montreal Convention route and quicker payout. Check your policy's excess and the definition of "delayed" versus "lost." Some policies pay out after a 12-hour delay; others require longer.

Always claim through both the airline and insurance if you can. You cannot double-recover, but the insurance may cover amounts above what the airline pays.

The most useful thing you can do before any trip: take a photo of your packed bag and its contents before closing it. Takes 30 seconds and is worth it.