Losing your luggage when you go on a plane trip is an event that can unfortunately happen. The important thing is to know how to react well in such a situation. You should already know that it is not the airport that is held responsible but the airline that caused this loss of luggage, according to the provisions of the Montreal Convention and the Warsaw Convention which determine the amount compensation in the event of loss.
Before leaving, it is therefore advisable to check with your company to find out if your flight is indeed covered by baggage protection under one of these two conventions. Some flights do not benefit from these protections. On the other hand, only baggage checked in the hold can benefit from protection. Cabin baggage is excluded.
As soon as you have noticed the loss of your luggage, you must report your damage to the airport's "luggage disputes" department and ask for a receipt. Without this first step, it will then be more difficult for you to seek compensation from your airline. Fortunately, in the majority of cases, lost luggage is found within 48 hours. Do not forget to specify the address where you are during your stay if you do not return to your home. Your found luggage will be delivered to you free of charge at the address you have indicated.
You can also quickly contact the insurance linked to your credit card with which you paid for your flight, which can in certain cases take care of the compensation for your luggage and especially pay you a sum of money to buy emergency clothes. for example. In any case, carefully keep the invoices for the purchases you have made because of the loss of your luggage, they will serve as proof for you to be compensated. If you have taken out flight cancellation insurance with your tour operator, this most often includes a guarantee for luggage.
In the event of loss of luggage while traveling by plane, you must send a complaint within 21 days by registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt to your airline, accompanied by the receipt provided by the "luggage disputes" department of the airline. 'airport. In this letter, you must assess in money and justify your damage to claim compensation. To make this process easier for you, remember to take photos of your luggage and its contents before checking them in. Do not put valuables in your suitcases, the maximum compensation provided by European airlines is 1,220 euros per lost piece of luggage. For other companies, it is 20 euros per kilo of luggage. Otherwise, it is advisable to take out additional insurance.
If the airline refuses to compensate you, despite the evidence you have provided concerning the luggage lost at the airport, you have the option of contacting the tourism and travel mediator online. If mediation fails, you will have to go to court to obtain compensation.
