Every year, millions of travelers around the world experience one of the biggest nightmares during their trip: the loss of their luggage.
This unpleasant experience can not only ruin your vacation, but also cause considerable financial and emotional stress. Despite modern technology and improved logistics, lost luggage remains a common problem in aviation. But what steps must be taken to minimize the damage and what rights do affected passengers have? The article below highlights the most important measures and deadlines to be observed in the event of lost or damaged luggage and provides practical tips to keep the damage as low as possible.
The first step: report the loss directly at the airport
The first step in the event of lost luggage begins at the airport. Nikolaus Authried, head of legal advice at the Austrian Automobile, Motorcycle and Touring Club (ÖAMTC), stresses the importance of reporting the loss immediately. To do this, the so-called PIR form (Property Irregularity Report) must be filled out, which is available at the baggage service counter. The form serves as official proof of the loss of luggage and is an essential basis for all further steps. It is important that this document is kept carefully, as it plays a central role in later claims.
The written claim report: A must for the claim
However, filling out the PIR form alone is not enough. In order to actually make a claim for compensation, the incident must be reported to the airline in writing. This must be done promptly, otherwise there is a risk that the claim will expire. The strict deadlines that must be observed are particularly important here: In the case of damaged luggage, the damage must be reported no later than seven days after receipt of the luggage. In the case of delayed luggage, the deadline is 21 days from receipt. Anyone who misses these deadlines loses their right to compensation.
Liability limits and insurance options
Another aspect that travelers should consider is the airlines' liability limit. This is currently around 1.600 euros. This amount may be sufficient in many cases, but anyone with particularly valuable items in their luggage should take additional precautions. In such cases, Authried recommends taking out travel luggage insurance, which offers more comprehensive protection. Alternatively, you can declare the value of the items you are carrying when you check in, but this usually involves an additional charge.
Delayed baggage: replacement and tips
If your luggage is delayed, many airlines offer overnight kits that contain essential items such as a toothbrush, toothpaste and a few items of clothing. In some cases, they will also reimburse you for part of the cost of replacing necessary items. However, it is important to keep all receipts and invoices so that you can prove your expenses later.
Damage to hand luggage: Who is liable?
Hand luggage can also be damaged, but airlines are only liable in this case if they or their staff are at fault. If this is not the case, the traveler is left to pay for the damage. It is therefore advisable to pack hand luggage carefully and, if necessary, to stow valuable or sensitive items in checked luggage.
Another point that is often overlooked is the weight restrictions and dimensions of hand luggage. These are set out in the general terms and conditions (GTC) or the general conditions of carriage (GTC) of the respective airline, which can be read on the airlines' websites. A look at these documents can clear up any confusion in advance and avoid potential problems.
Losing or damaging luggage can quickly turn a trip into a nightmare. But if you are well informed and take the right steps, you can at least limit the damage financially. It is essential to meet the applicable deadlines, keep all the necessary forms and documents and, if necessary, take out additional insurance. With these measures, travelers can ensure that they are not left with the costs in the event of luggage loss.
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