PIR: what the Property Irregularity Report is and how to fill it in
Reviewed by José Romero Lara
EU261 aviation lawyer — 5+ years as in-house legal counsel at international airlines
If your bag doesn’t come off the belt, arrives broken or turns up days later, the first step is the PIR. It’s a short document, filed at the airport, and it’s your proof that you reported the problem straight away. This guide covers what it contains, what the code is for and what comes next.
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Start my claim1What the PIR is and what it’s for
The PIR is the form the airline’s or handling agent’s staff complete when you report a problem with checked baggage. You file it at the arrival airport, at the baggage desk.
Records the incident with date, time and airport.
Opens the search for the bag in the system the airline uses.
Is your proof that you reported it before leaving the airport.
Gives you a reference code that identifies your case in any claim.
Ask for it before you leave
If you’ve already left the baggage hall you can still open a report on the airline’s website, but one filed and stamped at the airport carries more weight as evidence.
2What it contains and how to fill it in
Key fields in the PIR
Reference code
Usually about 10 characters; used to follow the search
Flight details
Flight number, date and departure and arrival airports
Bag tag
The number on the receipt you got at check-in
Description of the bag
Brand, colour, type and distinguishing marks
Delivery address
Where to bring the bag if it turns up
Valuable contents
Note what was inside, especially anything expensive
Ask for a stamped copy or an emailed confirmation. Before signing, check that the description of the damage or the bag is right: changing it later is hard.
3What to do after the PIR
- 1
Track the search with the code
Airlines usually have an online tracker where you can check the status with your PIR number.
- 2
Keep receipts for what you buy
If your bag is delayed and you buy clothes, toiletries or medication, you can claim those costs with the receipts.
- 3
Complain in writing on time
Damage: 7 days from receiving the bag. Delay: 21 days from delivery. Loss: once the airline declares it lost or 21 days after it should have arrived.
- 4
If it won’t pay, escalate
AESA doesn’t handle baggage claims. You can use consumer arbitration (if the airline has joined it) or go to court, within 2 years.
How much you can claim
The Montreal Convention sets a limit of 1,519 SDR per passenger, about €1,800, for loss, damage or delay of baggage. It’s a ceiling: you receive the value you can prove.
AviFly claims for your baggage
With your PIR code and the basic documents we take care of the rest. We only charge if you get your money.
Claim for my bagFrequently asked questions about the PIR
What is a PIR at the airport?
It’s the Property Irregularity Report: the document the airline or its handling agent opens when your bag doesn’t arrive, arrives damaged or arrives late.
What is the PIR code for?
It identifies your case and lets you follow the search for the bag. It’s also the reference to include in your claim to the airline.
Is a PIR required to claim?
The law doesn’t require it as such, but without it it’s harder to show the problem happened during carriage, and airlines tend to reject claims with no proof that you reported it.
Can I file a PIR after leaving the airport?
Many airlines let you open a report online in the following hours, though one filed at the airport carries more weight. Do it as soon as possible and keep the confirmation.
How long do I have to claim after the PIR?
7 days from delivery if the bag arrived damaged and 21 days if it arrived late. To sue, you have 2 years from the flight’s arrival (Montreal Convention).
Will AESA handle my baggage claim?
No. Baggage is governed by the Montreal Convention and falls outside AESA’s procedure. Claim from the airline and, if it won’t pay, use consumer arbitration or go to court.