Lost Luggage: How to Get Your Compensation from the Airline

The holiday begins, the suitcase stays missing: in the event of luggage loss, damage or delay, you have clear claims against the airline – entirely without luggage insurance. The basis is the Montreal Convention, which according to the EU Commission creates "uniform laws on the liability of air carriers" (source: eur-lex.europa.eu, translated). We show you how much you are entitled to and how to proceed correctly.

How High Is the Compensation? The Current Liability Limit

The airline's liability is capped – and was recently raised significantly: since 28 December 2024, increased liability limits apply under the Montreal Convention, "up to 1,519 SDR for baggage" (source: schlichtung-reise-und-verkehr.de, translated). That corresponds to roughly 1,800 to 1,900 euros per passenger – for loss, damage and delay combined. Important: this is an upper limit, not a flat payment. What is reimbursed is the proven damage, i.e. the current value of the items or documented replacement purchases.

Your Claims in Detail

Baggage Delay

If the suitcase arrives late, the airline reimburses necessary replacement purchases such as clothing and toiletries. Buy reasonably, keep all receipts.

Baggage Damage

Damaged suitcases or contents are replaced at current value or repaired.

Baggage Loss

If the luggage is considered permanently lost (usually after 21 days), the contents are compensated at current value up to the liability limit. A contents list with purchase receipts speeds up settlement enormously.

Deadlines and Procedure: Step by Step

1. **Report immediately at the airport:** Have a damage report (PIR) created at the baggage desk – your most important piece of evidence.
2. **Complain in writing:** For damage within 7 days, for delay-related losses within 21 days of receiving the luggage.
3. **Submit receipts:** Replacement purchases, contents list, proofs of purchase, PIR, boarding pass and baggage tag.
4. **Mind the limitation period:** Claims expire two years after arrival.

When Is Additional Insurance Worth It?

Valuables never belong in checked luggage – airlines usually exclude liability for them. Household contents insurance often also covers burglary at the holiday destination (external coverage). Whether separate luggage insurance makes sense at all is critically examined in our guide Luggage Insurance: Worth It? – usually it is not.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Luggage Compensation

Do I automatically receive the 1,519 SDR liability limit?

No, that is only the upper limit. What is replaced is the concretely proven damage – which is why receipts and a contents list are so important.

Does the Montreal Convention apply on all flights?

On international flights between the more than 140 contracting states, and on flights by EU airlines. In practice, you are protected on almost all holiday flights.

What if two people share one suitcase?

The liability limit applies per passenger, not per suitcase. With shared luggage, both travellers should file their claims and assign the contents.

Trip planned? Check your protection in advance in the Insurance Check (/versicherungs-check).

Sources: Schlichtungsstelle Reise & Verkehr: "Die Erhöhung der Haftungshöchstgrenzen im Luftverkehr stärkt die Passagierrechte" · EUR-Lex – Summary: Montreal Convention on air carrier liability · Updated: 2026