Traveler advice for lost or damaged airline luggage

Travelers facing lost, delayed, or damaged luggage should immediately report incidents at the airport baggage service desk to obtain a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). Nikolaus Authried of the ÖAMTC legal advisory service emphasizes that keeping a copy of this document or a digital confirmation is essential for processing future claims.

Specific deadlines apply for written claims submitted to airlines. Damaged luggage must be reported within seven days of receipt, while delayed luggage must be reported within 21 days. If luggage is not delivered within 21 days, it is officially classified as lost.

Currently, airline liability for lost or damaged baggage is capped at approximately 1,600 euros. For passengers transporting high-value items, experts recommend obtaining travel luggage insurance or declaring a higher value during check-in, potentially for an additional fee. In cases of delay, travelers may need to purchase essential replacement items themselves and seek reimbursement from the airline later.