Lost luggage – what to do?

First report it at the airline's baggage desk while you are still at the airport and have a loss report taken down – that is the basis for tracing and compensation. For train or bus travel, the lost-property service helps. Below you will find the seven steps in order, what compensation you may be owed and the most common questions.

The 7 steps when your suitcase is gone

Report it on the spot right away – still at the airport

Do not leave the arrivals area without reporting the missing suitcase. Go to your airline's baggage desk (lost & found) and have a loss report taken down. For train or long-distance bus travel, contact the operator's lost-property service.

Have a loss report (PIR) taken down

The airline creates a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) with a reference number. You need this number for any further tracing and for compensation. Note it down and ask for a copy.

Secure your receipts and baggage details

Keep your boarding pass, baggage receipt (the sticker with the tag number) and your booking to hand. It is best to make a list of the contents with an approximate value – that makes settling the claim easier later.

Know the deadlines and compensation

For air travel, compensation for delayed or lost baggage is usually governed by the Montreal Convention – the amount is capped and the airline is liable. If your suitcase still hasn't arrived 21 days after the date it should have, you can treat it as lost. Report damage in writing within the deadlines: damage within 7 days, delay within 21 days of receiving your baggage.

Track your baggage online

Many airlines and airports offer online baggage tracking via the PIR or tag number. Enter your contact details and delivery address there so the suitcase can be sent on to you as soon as it turns up.

Check your travel baggage insurance

Do you have travel baggage insurance or cover through your credit card? Report the loss there and submit the PIR, receipts and contents list. Necessary replacement purchases in the event of a delay are reimbursed in part depending on your policy – keep the receipts.

Prevent it next time: a QR luggage tag instead of an address label

So an honest finder can reach you without seeing that you are away travelling: with a QR tag from Bee-ID, the finder scans the code with their phone camera – no app – and lands in an anonymous chat. Unlike an address label, the code reveals neither your name nor your home address.

What are you owed for lost luggage?

For air travel, the airline is liable for checked baggage. Rough guide:

Delayed baggage: reimbursement of necessary replacement purchases (collect the receipts)
Lost baggage (flight): compensation under international agreements – capped in amount
Deadline: report the damage to the airline promptly and in writing

Tip: Before your trip, photograph the packed suitcase and keep the baggage receipt and boarding pass. That speeds up any claim settlement – and a QR tag makes sure an honest finder reaches you directly.

Frequently asked questions

Luggage lost at the airport – who is responsible?

The airline you last flew with. Report the missing suitcase immediately at the baggage desk (lost & found) and have a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) taken down – before you leave the arrivals area.

How long does it take before a suitcase counts as lost?

Delayed baggage usually turns up within a few days. If your suitcase still hasn't arrived 21 days after the date it should have, you can treat it as lost under the Montreal Convention and claim compensation.

How much compensation do I get for lost luggage?

On international flights, the airline's liability is governed by international agreements and capped in amount. Travel baggage insurance can cover more on top of that. Your contents list and receipts count towards the amount.

Left your suitcase on the train – what to do?

Contact the rail operator's lost-property service and give the connection, carriage and approximate time it was left behind. If there is a QR tag on the suitcase, a finder can even reach you directly and anonymously – often faster than via the lost & found office.

How do I get a lost suitcase back the fastest?

Via the airline's baggage tracking and an honest finder. With a QR tag, the finder scans the code with their phone camera, no app, and starts an anonymous chat. That way you arrange the return without your address being visible.