Passenger rights and protective tools for airline baggage loss

Under the Montreal Convention, airlines must reimburse passengers for essential items purchased after a bag is lost, delayed or destroyed. In Portugal the compensation limit is up to €1,900 per passenger, covering clothing, toiletries and other necessities. Claimants must complete a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) at the airport, retain itemised receipts and submit the claim within 21 days of baggage delivery.

Travelers can also reduce the risk of loss or damage by using luggage accessories. Common tools include TSA‑approved locks, protective covers, identification tags, security straps, wheel protectors, internal packing cubes and smart tracking devices that link to a mobile app. These items improve security, facilitate identification and help preserve the condition of suitcases during transport.