Lost luggage

Airline

Airline Liability for Delayed Checked Baggage

Airline Liability for Unchecked Baggage

Airline Liability for Damaged Baggage

Cost Air Carrier is liable for:
Delayed/Lost Baggage

Cost Air Carrier is liable for:
Damaged Baggage

Time Limit for Baggage Complaints:
Delayed/Lost Baggage

Time Limit for Baggage Complaints:
Damaged Baggage

Time Limit for Baggage to be Delivered to Property

Aer Lingus

Liable for lost, delayed or damaged baggage.

Not liable for loss of or damage to unchecked baggage unless it was due to airline negligence.

Airline only liable for damage to checked baggage where the event that caused the damage took place on board the aircraft or during any period the checked baggage was in their charge.

£962.25 per passenger.

£962.25 per passenger unless a higher value has been declared.

Missing items in baggage must be reported in writing with necessary documents within seven days.

Airline should be notified as soon as damage is discovered or within seven days.

Usually delivered within three days.

Air France

Liable for damage suffered due to the destruction, loss or damage of checked baggage.

Not liable for loss of or damage to unchecked baggage unless it was due to airline negligence.

Liable for damage suffered due to the destruction, loss or damage of checked baggage.

£1,088.31 per passenger.

£1,088.31 per passenger.

Seven days.

Inventory Form and Baggage Questionnaire for delayed baggage must be filled out within 21 days.

Within seven days from the day the baggage was placed at the passenger’s disposal.

Usually delivered within three days.

Alitalia

Liable for lost, delayed, mishandled or damaged baggage.

Not liable for loss of or damage to unchecked baggage unless it was due to the negligence of the airline.

Liable even if not at fault, unless the baggage was defective.

£1,088.31 per passenger.

£1,088.31 per passenger.

Within 21days from the day the baggage was placed at the passenger’s disposal.

Within seven days from the day the baggage was placed at the passenger’s disposal.

Up to five days. Must fill out a report if it takes longer than this with more detailed information about the missing baggage.

American Airlines

Liable for lost, delayed or damaged baggage.

Contact airport lost and found for hand baggage forgotten on flight.

Liable for lost, delayed or damaged baggage.

Approx £5.72 per pound for checked baggage and £252.06 per passenger for unchecked baggage.

Approx £5.72 per pound for checked baggage and £252.06 per passenger for unchecked baggage.

Should be reported within four hours of noticing and before leaving the airport.

Claims should be made within 21 days.

Within seven days of receiving the damaged baggage.

As soon as possible.

Atlantic Airways

Liable for damage to checked baggage only
if such damage has been caused by the negligence of carrier.

Not liable for loss of or damage to unchecked baggage unless it was due to the negligence of the airline.

Liable for damage to checked baggage only
if such damage has been caused by the negligence of carrier.

£16.36 per kilogram for check baggage and £319.47 per passenger for unchecked baggage.

£16.36 per kilogram for check baggage and £319.47 per passenger for unchecked baggage.

Within 21days from the day the baggage was placed at the passenger’s disposal.

Within seven days from the day the baggage was placed at the passenger’s disposal.

As soon as possible.

BMI Baby

Air carrier is liable for damage unless it took all reasonable measures to avoid the damage or it was impossible to take such measures.

Not liable for loss of or damage to unchecked baggage unless it was due to the negligence of the airline.

Liable even if not at fault, unless the baggage was defective.

£962.65 per passenger.

£962.65 per passenger.

Damaged bags must be reported immediately to staff at the airport.

Damaged bags must be reported immediately to staff at the airport.

Usually delivered within 48 hours.

British Airways

Carrier is liable even if not at fault  unless the baggage was defective.

British Airways does not accept liability for fragile, valuable, perishable articles or baggage which is packed in damaged or unsuitable containers.

Under the Conditions of Carriage, British Airways accept no liability for the loss of jewellery, other valuables and money contained in checked baggage.

Not liable for loss of or damage to unchecked baggage unless it was due to the negligence of the airline.

Not liable for damage to uncheckedbaggage (other than damage caused by delay) unless the damage was caused by British Airways or their agents.

£1,088.31 per passenger.

£1,088.31 per passenger.

Within 21days from the day the baggage was placed at the passenger’s disposal.

Within seven days from the day the baggage was placed at the passenger’s disposal.

24 hours delivered to house free of charge.

British Midlands

Liable for delayed or damaged baggage.

Not liable for loss of or damage to unchecked baggage unless it was due to airline negligence.

Liable for delayed or damaged baggage.

£16.36 per kilogram for checked baggage and £319.47 per passenger for unchecked baggage under the Warsaw Convention.

£962.65 for both checked and unchecked baggage under the Montreal Convention.

£16.36 per kilogram for checked baggage and £319.47 per passenger for unchecked baggage.  

£962.65 for both checked and unchecked baggage under the Montreal Convention.

Within 21days from the day the baggage was placed at the passenger’s disposal.

Airline should be notified as soon as damage is noticed or within seven days.

Undefined length of time, will trace the baggage and call once found to arrange a convenient time for delivery. 

Cathay Pacific

Liable for loss, delay or damage to baggage.

Not liable for loss of or damage to unchecked baggage unless it was due to airline negligence.

They are not liable for damage to baggage resulting from the inherent defect, quality or vice of the baggage. Likewise, they are not liable for fair wear and tear of baggage resulting from the usual and normal rigours of transportation by air.

£16.36 per kilogram for checked baggage.

£319.47 per passenger for unchecked baggage.

£16.36 per kilogram for checked baggage.

£319.47 per passenger for unchecked baggage

Passengers must notify ground-handling staff within the airport straight away for damaged or missing baggage or within 21 days to make a claim.

Passengers must notify ground-handling staff within the airport straight away for damaged or missing baggage or within seven days to make a claim.

As soon as possible.

Continental Airlines

Liable for loss, delay or damage to baggage.

Not liable for loss of or damage to unchecked baggage unless it was due to airline negligence.

Continental is never liable for destruction, loss or damage that results from an inherent defect, quality or vice of the baggage.

For domestic travel, maximum payout will be £2,081.53.

For international travel where Warsaw Convention applies - £5.72 per pound and up to £403.71 for checked baggage and £252.32 per passenger for unchecked baggage.

For international travel where Montreal Convention applies – £1,088.31per passenger for checked and unchecked baggage.

For domestic travel, maximum payout will be £2,081.53.

For international travel where Warsaw Convention applies - £5.72 per pound and up to £403.71 for checked baggage and £252.32 per passenger for unchecked baggage.

For international travel where Montreal Convention applies – £1,088.31 per passenger for checked and unchecked baggage.

Must be reported within four hours of arrival, claims must be made within 45 days of arrival.

Damaged items should be reported to and viewed by the Airport Baggage Service Office immediately after the arrival of your flight.

Alternatively, it must be viewed by and reported to Continental Airlines in writing no later than four hours (for international travel, seven days) after flight arrival.

As soon as possible.

Delta Air Lines

Liable for damages sustained in the case of destruction or loss of, damage to, or delay of checked and unchecked baggage.

Not liable but will make efforts to locate lost unchecked items if reported within seven days.

Liable for damages sustained in the case of destruction or loss of, damage to, or delay of checked and unchecked baggage.

Limited to £1,088.31 per passenger in the case of destruction, loss, damage, or delay of baggage, whether checked or unchecked.

Limited to £1,088.31 per passenger in the case of destruction, loss, damage, or delay of baggage, whether checked or unchecked.

Within 21days from the day the baggage was placed at the passenger’s disposal.

Complaints must be received as soon as damage has been discovered or within seven days.

Will locate baggage and return as soon as possible.

easyJet

Liable for loss, delay or damage to baggage.

Not liable for loss of or damage to unchecked baggage unless it was due to airline negligence.

Baggage delay liability limited to £1,088.31.

Damage, loss or destruction liability limited to £1,088.31.

Damaged, lost or delayed baggage must be reported to staff at the airport once you have arrived.

Damaged, lost or delayed baggage must be reported to staff at the airport once you have arrived.

As soon as possible.

Emirates

Liable for loss, delay or damage to baggage.

Only if the airline was at fault, otherwise unchecked baggage is the responsibility of the passenger.

Not liable for Damage to Baggage resulting from the inherent defect, quality
or vice of the Baggage.

Under Warsaw Convention: £16.36 per kilogram for checked baggage and £319.47 per passenger for unchecked baggage.

Under Montreal Convention: £1,088.31 per passenger for checked and unchecked baggage.

Under Warsaw Convention: £16.36 per kilogram for checked baggage and £319.47 per passenger for unchecked baggage.

Under Montreal Convention: £1,088.31 per passenger for checked and unchecked baggage.

Within 21days from the day the baggage was placed at the passenger’s disposal.

Within seven days from the day the baggage was placed at the passenger’s disposal.

As soon as possible once report of missing baggage has been received.

Flybe

Liable for loss, delay or damage to baggage.

Not liable for loss of or damage to unchecked baggage unless it was due to airline negligence.

Have no liability whatsoever for damage to articles not permitted to be contained in baggage including fragile or perishable items and items having a special value.

£962.65 per passenger

£962.65 per passenger

Within 21days from the day the baggage was placed at the passenger’s disposal.

Within seven days from the day the baggage was placed at the passenger’s disposal.

As soon as possible.

Iberia

Liable for damage by delay unless the carrier took all reasonable measures to avoid the damage or it was impossible to take such measures.

Not liable for loss of or damage to unchecked baggage unless it was due to airline negligence.

Carrier is liable for destruction, loss or damage to baggage.

£1,088.31 per passenger.

£1,088.31 per passenger.

Report must be made for delayed baggage at the arrivals desk in the airport or within 21 days.

Report must be made for damaged baggage at the arrivals desk in the airport or within seven days.

Try for within 24 hours.

Japan Airlines

Liable for loss, delay or damage to baggage.

Not liable for loss of or damage to unchecked baggage unless it was due to airline negligence.

Liable for loss, delay or damage to baggage.

Under Montreal Convention: £1,088.31 per passenger.

Under any other Convention: £16.36 per kilogram for check baggage and £319.47 per passenger for unchecked baggage.

Under Montreal Convention: £1,088.31 per passenger.

Under any other Convention: £16.36 per kilogram for check baggage and £319.47 per passenger for unchecked baggage.

Report must be made for delayed items at the airport.

Report must be made for damaged items at the airport.

Will be returned as soon as possible.

KLM

Carrier is liable for damage caused by loss or damage to checked baggage, only if the event which caused the loss or damage took place on board the aircraft or during any period during which the carrier had custody of the checked baggage.

Not liable for loss of or damage to unchecked baggage unless it was due to airline negligence.

Carrier is liable for damage caused by loss or damage to checked baggage, only if the event which caused the loss or damage took place on board the aircraft or during any period during which the carrier had custody of the checked baggage.

£1,088.31 per passenger.

£1,088.31 per passenger.

Must be reported at the airport or within 21 days.

Must be reported at the airport or within seven days.

Usually within three days.

Lufthansa Group

Liable for loss, delay or damage to baggage.

Not liable for loss of or damage to unchecked baggage unless it was due to airline negligence.

Liable for loss, delay or damage to baggage.

Under Warsaw Convention: £16.36 per kilogram for checked baggage and £319.47 per passenger for unchecked baggage.

Under Montreal Convention: £1,088.31 per passenger.

£1,088.31 per passenger.

Must be reported at the airport upon arrival or within 21 days.

Must be reported at the airport upon arrival or within seven days.

As soon as possible.

Monarch Airlines

Carrier is liable for damage by delay unless it took all reasonable measures to avoid the damage or it was impossible to take such measures.

Not liable for loss of or damage to unchecked baggage unless it was due to airline negligence.

Carrier is liable for destruction, loss or damage to baggage and in the case of checked baggage, it is liable even if not at fault, unless the baggage was defective.

£962.25 per passenger.

£962.25 per passenger.

Must be reported at the airport upon arrival or within 21 days.

Within seven days from the day the baggage was placed at the passenger’s disposal.

Seven days.

Quantas Group

Liable for loss, delay or damage to baggage.

Not liable for loss of or damage to unchecked baggage unless it was due to airline negligence.

Liable for loss, delay or damage to baggage.

£1,088.31 for both checked and cabin baggage.

£1,088.31 per passenger.

Must be reported at the airport upon arrival or within 21 days.

Must be reported as soon as you discover the damage and within seven days of receiving.

Within 48 hours.

Ryanair

Not liable if their agents took all measures that could reasonably be required to avoid the damage (by delay) or that it was impossible for them to take such measures.

Not liable for loss of or damage to unchecked baggage unless it was due to airline negligence.

Not liable for damage caused to baggage as a result of normal wear and tear during carriage as well as fragile, valuable, perishable articles or baggage which is packed in damaged or unsuitable containers.

£1,088.31 per passenger.

£1,088.31 per passenger.

Within 21 days from the day the baggage was at your disposal.

Within seven days from the day the baggage was at your disposal.

As soon as possible.

SAS Group

Liable when delay is caused by airline negligence.

Not liable for loss of or damage to unchecked baggage unless it was due to airline negligence.

Liable for destruction and damage to baggage.

£1,088.31 per passenger.

£1,088.31 per passenger.

Within 21days from the day the baggage was placed at the passenger’s disposal.

Within seven days from the day the baggage was placed at the passenger’s disposal.

As soon as possible.

South African Airways

Liable when delay is caused by airline negligence.

Not liable for loss of or damage to unchecked baggage unless it was due to airline negligence.

Liable for loss, delay or damage.

Under Warsaw Convention: £16.36 per kilogram for checked baggage and £319.47 per passenger for unchecked baggage.

Under Montreal Convention: £1,088.31 per passenger.

Under Warsaw Convention: £16.36 per kilogram for checked baggage and £319.47 per passenger for unchecked baggage.

Under Montreal Convention: £1,088.31 per passenger.

Within 21days from the day the baggage was placed at the passenger’s disposal.

Must be immediately reported to South African Airways' Lost Property Office, if not, then within seven days.

As soon as possible.

Thai Airways

Limited for loss/delay up to a certain amount unless passengers have declared a higher value on their baggage.

Not liable for loss of or damage to unchecked baggage unless it was due to airline negligence.

Liable for destruction, loss of, or damage or delay to baggage.

Under Montreal Convention: £1,088.31 per passenger.

Under Warsaw Convention: £16.36 per kilogram for checked baggage and £319.47 per passenger for unchecked baggage.

Under Montreal Convention: £1,088.31 per passenger.

Under Warsaw Convention: £16.36 per kilogram for checked baggage and £319.47 per passenger for unchecked baggage.

Within 21days from the day the baggage was placed at the passenger’s disposal.

Within seven days from the day the baggage was placed at the passenger’s disposal.

As soon as possible.

United Airlines

Liable for loss of any checked baggage within the airlines custody.

Not liable for loss of or damage to unchecked baggage unless it was due to airline negligence.

Liable for loss of, delay of and damage to baggage.

£2,084.20 per passenger.

£2,084.20 per passenger.

Should be immediately reported at the airport or within 24 hours.

Should be immediately reported at the airport or within 24 hours.

Within three days. (24 hours within the US).

US Airways

Liable for provable direct or consequential damages resulting from the loss, delay, or damage to
baggage in US Airways’ custody.

Not liable for loss of or damage to unchecked baggage unless it was due to airline negligence.

Liable for provable direct or consequential damages resulting from the loss, delay, or damage to
baggage in US Airways’ custody.

£1,088.31 per passenger.

£1,088.31 per passenger.

Should be reported at the airport upon arrival and within four hours.

Should be reported at the airport upon arrival and within  four hours.

As soon as possible.

Virgin Atlantic

Liable for loss, delay or damage to baggage.

Not liable for loss of or damage to unchecked baggage unless it was due to airline negligence.

Liable for loss, delay or damage to baggage.

£1,088.31 per passenger.

£1,088.31 per passenger.

Within 21days from the day the baggage was placed at the passenger’s disposal.

Airline must be notified as soon as damage is noticed, or at the latest, seven days after.

As soon as possible.