How to handle lost luggage
By the Agoroam team · Published 5 June 2026
Quick answer
- File the Property Irregularity Report before leaving the airport.
- Get the file reference number (PIR), this is the key for follow-up.
- Airlines pay 50 to 150 USD per day of delay for essentials.
- Travel insurance covers more, file the claim within 24 hours.
- Carry-on a 2 day kit of clothes and toiletries on every flight.
On landing without your bag
Go directly to the airline luggage desk (not customer service, the luggage desk). File a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). Get a paper copy and a file reference number. This number is the only way to track your bag and claim compensation. Do not leave the airport without it.
The first 24 hours
Most lost bags are not lost, they are delayed and arrive within 24 to 48 hours. The airline tracks the bag via the barcode tag and most have an online tracker. Use the PIR number to check.
In the meantime, buy essentials. Airlines reimburse 50 to 150 USD per day for clothes, toiletries, and a basic kit. Keep all receipts. Some airlines reimburse only when you submit receipts post-trip, others give you a per diem.
What airlines pay
The Montreal Convention sets airline liability at around 1,400 USD per passenger for lost luggage. In practice:
- Delayed bag, 50 to 150 USD per day for essentials, 3 to 7 day cap
- Lost bag (not found after 21 days), up to 1,400 USD per passenger
- High-value items (electronics, jewelry) need a separate declaration at check-in
- Damaged bag, usually a repair or partial reimbursement
Travel insurance pays more
Good travel insurance (Allianz, World Nomads, SafetyWing) often pays 1,500 to 5,000 USD per person for lost luggage, with simpler claims than the airline. File within 24 hours of the loss to be eligible. Keep the PIR as evidence.
The carry-on insurance
Always pack a 2 day kit in your carry-on, 2 outfits, toiletries, medications, phone charger, the documents you need for the first 48 hours. The crew that lands without checked luggage but with this kit barely loses a day.
AirTags and the technology layer
An AirTag (or equivalent SmartTag) in your bag gives you independent tracking. Most airlines now accept location data from your AirTag in disputes about where the bag is. 30 euros for the device, real peace of mind.
Frequently asked
How much do airlines pay for lost luggage?
50 to 150 USD per day for essentials for delayed bags (3 to 7 day cap). Up to 1,400 USD for permanently lost bags under the Montreal Convention. Travel insurance often pays significantly more.
Do I need to file the lost luggage report before leaving the airport?
Yes. Get a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) with a reference number from the airline luggage desk before leaving. This is required for compensation and tracking.
How long does it take to get lost luggage back?
Most "lost" bags are delayed and arrive within 24 to 48 hours. About 95 percent of delayed bags are returned. Permanently lost bags are around 0.1 percent of checked luggage.
Should I put an AirTag in my luggage?
Yes. Most airlines now accept AirTag location data in disputes, and the independent tracking gives you certainty about where your bag actually is. 30 euros for the device.
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