Lost, delayed or damaged baggage: claims & damages under the Montreal Convention (group claims)

If your checked baggage was lost, delivered late, or arrived damaged, the Montreal Convention and EU rules set a liability framework and procedural steps. We help you document the incident (including PIR), quantify losses using documents, and pursue the claim against the responsible carrier. If multiple passengers from the same booking were affected, we can coordinate a group approach. The information is general and does not replace legal advice. Facts, documents and the timeline matter. (Informațiile sunt generale și nu înlocuiesc consultanța juridică. Contează faptele, actele și cronologia.)

When you may need this

Your checked bag did not arrive at destination (missing/lost baggage).
Your bag arrived days later and you incurred essential replacement expenses.
Your baggage was damaged (broken suitcase, torn bag, damaged contents).
Items are missing from the bag and the airline disputes responsibility.
Connections and multiple carriers complicate responsibility allocation.
Airline requests documents you do not have or keeps delaying the file.
High-value or special items (sports equipment, instruments) are involved.
Multiple passengers on the same disruption want consistent file handling.

What we do, step by step

Clarify the facts and identify the responsible carrier(s) and itinerary structure.
Check the key steps (PIR, written notices, deadlines, evidence requirements).
Build the evidence pack (baggage tags, photos, reports, receipts, correspondence).
Quantify the claim realistically (repair/replacement, essential purchases, documented losses).
Draft and submit the claim and handle follow-up questions from the airline/handlers.
Negotiate settlement wording and coordinate with travel insurance where relevant (including subrogation).
Escalate or litigate where needed, keeping the file coherent and evidence-driven.

Documents & information useful for the first review

Document	Why it matters	Notes
PIR / irregularity report	Records the incident in the airline system	Best done at the airport before leaving
Baggage tag(s) & claim reference	Links the bag to the flight and file	Keep tag receipt and reference numbers
Boarding pass(es) / itinerary	Shows the journey and carriers involved	Include all segments and booking reference
Photos of bag/damage	Supports condition and causation	Take photos at the earliest possible moment
Receipts for essential purchases	Supports reimbursement of out-of-pocket costs	Keep proof of payment
Contents list & proof of purchase	Supports valuation for lost/damaged items	Invoices, warranties, bank statements where relevant
Correspondence & tracking logs	Shows carrier handling and admissions	Email/chat logs, tracking updates, call references

Risks & common mistakes

Leaving the airport without filing a PIR for missing or damaged baggage.
Missing written-notice deadlines or not keeping proof of submission.
Discarding the baggage tag or losing the claim reference number.
Claiming amounts without documents or a coherent valuation.
Accepting “final settlement” wording without checking what you waive.
Assuming the ticket seller is always responsible (responsibility often rests with the operating carrier).
Not coordinating the carrier claim with travel insurance where it exists.

FAQ

What is a PIR and when should I file it?

A PIR (Property Irregularity Report) is the airport/airline report that records missing or damaged baggage. Filing it promptly helps prevent disputes later.

Is the carrier liable for the suitcase and the contents?

Liability depends on the facts and proof. A clear inventory, purchase proof, and condition evidence usually improve the outcome.

What if there were multiple carriers or connections?

We map the itinerary, identify the relevant carrier(s) under the convention framework, and direct claims and notices accordingly.

Do I need receipts for essential replacement purchases?

Receipts are the standard proof for reimbursement. If receipts are missing, we discuss alternative evidence, but documentation is usually key.

Can travel insurance change the approach?

Yes. Insurance may cover some losses faster, but it can involve recourse/subrogation and coordination with the carrier claim. We align strategy to avoid inconsistencies.

Contact

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