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Lost, Delayed or Damaged Luggage: How to Claim
If an airline loses, delays or damages your checked bag, report it at the airport and keep the Property Irregularity Report. Then claim in writing from the airline: within 7 days for lost, stolen or damaged bags, and within 21 days of getting a delayed bag back. The CAA says the maximum is around £1,000, but it is very rare to get that much.
At a Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
How to Claim
Time Limits
Claim in writing to the airline within seven days for lost or stolen items or damaged baggage, and within 21 days of receiving a delayed bag. Travel insurance time limits vary by policy. source
At the Airport
Report the lost, delayed or damaged bag at the airport and keep the Property Irregularity Report (PIR) that airline staff complete. Having a PIR does not guarantee the claim will be accepted. source
What You Can Get
How Much
Compensation depends on the value of what was lost. The maximum is around £1,000, but it is very rare to receive this much. source
Delayed Bags
Most airlines reimburse bare essentials bought while you are away, such as toiletries, underwear and laundry. Some pay a daily rate for each day the bag is delayed. If the bag is delayed on your return home, the airline may see your losses as lower. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 7 daysClaim for a lost, stolen or damaged bagIn writing to the airline
- 21 daysClaim for a delayed bagFrom the day you get the bag back
- 8 weeksAirline should reply to your complaintWithin 8 weeks, then you can escalate to ADR or the CAA
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Before you leave the airport, report the problem at the airline or baggage desk and keep the Property Irregularity Report.
Step 2 of 5
Keep receipts for essentials you buy while the bag is missing, and photos of any damage.
Step 3 of 5
Claim in writing from the airline: within 7 days for lost or damaged bags, or within 21 days of getting a delayed bag back. Our free letter templates can write it for you.
Step 4 of 5
Check your travel insurance too, as its time limits vary.
Step 5 of 5
If the airline says no, use its complaints process, then its ADR scheme or the CAA.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
Airline's Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Provider
You are unhappy with the airline's final response, or it has taken more than 8 weeks to reply, and the airline belongs to an ADR scheme.
Civil Aviation Authority: Passenger Advice and Complaints Team
The airline is not in an ADR scheme, after you have complained to the airline first.
Small Claims Court
The airline refuses and you want to claim the fixed compensation. Check the time limit first.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Keep your bag tag and boarding pass: they help prove the bag was checked in.
Write down what was in the bag and roughly what each item cost while you still remember.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 13 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- caa.co.uk/passengers/before-you-fly/baggage/lost-delayed-or-damaged-baggage Checked 13 October 2026
- caa.co.uk/passengers/resolving-travel-problems/how-to-claim-compensation Checked 12 October 2026
- gov.uk/make-a-court-claim-for-money Checked 8 October 2026