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Passenger rights

My checked bag is lost. When can I claim for its contents?

Under Montreal, you can exercise rights for loss when the airline admits the bag is lost or it has not arrived within 21 days of when it should have arrived. Report it immediately and prepare an inventory with evidence of value. The liability limit is not an automatic payment.

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What to do now

  1. Keep the missing-bag report, tag and tracing history.
  2. List the contents, their age and available evidence of value.
  3. Ask the airline in writing for its position and assessment of your documented losses.

What can change your rights

The 21-day loss threshold is different from the complaint deadline for a delayed bag after return. Compensation reflects proven losses and can account for depreciation. The normal 1,519 SDR Montreal limit, where applicable, is per passenger rather than a fixed sum per bag. Court action deadlines are separate from reporting and written-complaint deadlines.

Evidence to keep

  • Booking confirmation and boarding passes; keep these in your own records.
  • Baggage tags, an irregularity report and dated photographs.
  • Itemised receipts, airline messages and proof that your written claim was sent.

Common questions

Will I receive the maximum automatically?

No. A ceiling does not replace evidence of the loss. A special declaration of value can change the analysis.

What if the bag is later found?

Update the claim to reflect the return, retaining relevant evidenced delay expenses or damage. Do not claim the same loss twice.

Written baggage claim template

Replace the fields with the actual facts and send through the airline's official claims channel. Do not wait for a diagnostic before meeting a deadline.

Subject: Baggage claim — flight [number], [date]

On flight [number], from [origin] to [destination], my checked bag with tag [reference] was [damaged / delayed / lost]. I reported this on [date], reference [PIR or claim number]. The bag was returned on [date, if applicable].

I request [repair / replacement / assessment of documented losses or expenses]. I attach photographs, evidence of the items' value and relevant itemised receipts totalling [amount and currency]. Please acknowledge this written claim and explain the next steps in writing.

[Name and contact details for the airline's reply]

Official sources

This answer explains general rules. Your route, travel date and facts determine which rules apply. AeroDue's checker only confirms a supported conclusion when the facts and verified legal coverage are sufficient. AeroDue does not receive or file your airline claim and does not guarantee payment.

Check my case

Use AeroDue to organise possible rights and check your case without creating an account or providing an email for the diagnostic. You can claim directly with the airline. If a suitable external provider is available, the checker presents that option separately from its assessment.

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