Montreal Convention · 1999
Lost luggage on a flight: up to ≈€1,800 in compensation
The Montreal Convention protects passengers on international flights. If your baggage arrived late, damaged or not at all, the airline is liable for the loss you can prove, up to 1,519 SDR (about €1,800) per passenger. AviFly handles the claim and only charges if you get your money back.
- Nothing upfront
- Montreal Convention
- Up to 1,519 SDR (≈€1,800)
- Help with the PIR and the claim
Three cases, three deadlines
What happened to your baggage?
The Montreal Convention covers three situations, each with its own deadline for a written complaint.
Delayed baggage
The airline delivers your bag days later. You can claim the reasonable expenses you had in the meantime (clothes, toiletries, medication).
Damaged baggage
The suitcase arrives broken, wet, or with contents broken or missing. The airline is liable for damage that happened during carriage.
Lost baggage
The bag never turns up. If it has not been delivered 21 days after it should have arrived, you can claim it as lost: this covers the bag and its contents.
Process
How to claim, step by step
Doing it right and on time matters most. Without a PIR, or after the deadline, airlines usually reject the claim.
- 1
File a PIR at the airport
Before leaving the baggage hall, go to the airline's or its handling agent's desk and ask for a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). It is your proof of what happened.
- 2
Take photos and keep records
Photograph the suitcase and any damaged contents. Write an inventory as soon as you can and keep receipts for anything you buy while you wait for the bag.
- 3
Complain in writing on time
Damage: 7 days. Delay: 21 days from delivery. Loss: once the airline declares the bag lost or 21 days have passed. Include the PIR number, flight, date and value of the contents, and attach receipts if you have them.
- 4
Wait for the reply or escalate
If the airline rejects the claim or doesn't reply, you can go to AESA (Spain's aviation authority) or to court (you have 2 years to sue). AviFly takes care of it with nothing to pay upfront.
Documents
What to keep
The more complete your documents, the fewer reasons the airline has to reject the claim.
- PIR (Property Irregularity Report) filed at the airport
- Boarding pass and ticket for the flight
- Baggage tag receipt from check-in
- Photos of the bag and contents if damaged
- Inventory of the contents, ideally with receipts or photos
- Receipts for essential purchases if the bag was delayed
- Passenger's ID card or passport
Common mistakes
Mistakes that lose the claim
Four mistakes that often end in a rejected claim.
Leaving the airport without a PIR
Without a PIR, the airline can argue the damage didn't happen during the flight. Getting one afterwards is much harder.
Accepting the first offer
Airlines often offer vouchers or a per-kilo amount well below what you lost. The limit is 1,519 SDR if you can prove the loss — not whatever the airline decides.
Not keeping receipts
If your bag is delayed and you buy clothes, toiletries or medication, you can claim those costs — but only with receipts.
Missing the deadlines
The deadlines are short: 7 days for damage and 21 days for delay. After that, the airline can reject the claim.
FAQ
Common questions about baggage
How much can I get for lost luggage?
Since 28 December 2024 the Montreal Convention limit is 1,519 SDR per passenger, about €1,800 depending on the exchange rate. It is a ceiling: you receive the proven value of the bag and its contents. If you made a special declaration of value at check-in and paid the supplement, the limit is that declared value.
How long do I have to claim for delayed baggage?
21 days from the day you receive the bag. If it is delivered 5 days late, you have the following 21 days to complain in writing.
What if my suitcase arrives damaged?
You have 7 days from receiving it to complain in writing. File a PIR at the airport before leaving and photograph the damage straight away.
What is a PIR and why does it matter?
The PIR (Property Irregularity Report) is the official baggage incident report. You file it at the arrival airport, at the airline's or its handling agent's desk. It is your proof: always ask for it before leaving the baggage hall.
When is a bag considered lost?
When the airline admits it is lost, or when it has not been delivered 21 days after it should have arrived. From then on you can claim for loss, not only for delay.
Can I claim for the contents without receipts?
Yes, but proof of value helps: receipts, photos, card statements. Without evidence, airlines tend to offer very low amounts. Write an inventory as soon as you can.
Does the Montreal Convention cover flights outside the EU?
Yes. It is an international treaty ratified by more than 130 countries and applies to international flights between signatory states, whether or not they touch the EU. Within the EU, Regulation 2027/97 also applies it to domestic flights by EU airlines.
How much does AviFly charge for a baggage claim?
Nothing upfront. We only charge a commission (15% + VAT) if we recover your money; otherwise you pay nothing.
Get started
Start your claim in 2 minutes
Tell us what happened to your flight and your baggage. €0 upfront: we only charge if we recover your money.
