Damaged baggage
When you travel with checked baggage, you have specific legal rights that protect you if your luggage is damaged. These rights come from international airline rules such as the Montreal Convention, which sets out what airlines must do and what compensation you may be entitled to. This guide explains the basics, so you know what support to expect if something goes wrong with your baggage during your journey.
If your luggage is damaged, you may be entitled to compensation.
How much can you claim?
Airlines have an upper limit on how much they may pay for damaged baggage. This limit is roughly £1,000. It is important to understand that this is the maximum possible amount, not a guaranteed payment.
The airline will only compensate you for the damage you can show has happened. This usually means proving the value of the bag or the damaged items.
Reporting the damage
If you notice that your bag has been damaged, report it as soon as possible. Ideally, you should do this before leaving the airport. When you report the damage, the airline should give you a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). Keep this safe, as you will need it for your claim.
Making a claim
You must send a written claim to the airline within seven days of receiving your damaged baggage. This deadline is set by the Montreal Convention and is strict, so act quickly.
Your claim should include photos of the damage, a copy of your PIR, and any receipts you have for the bag or the damaged items.
What compensation can you expect?
Airlines can choose how they settle your claim. They may offer to repair the bag, pay the current value of the damaged bag or items, or replace the bag altogether.
Compensation is not based on the original purchase price if the items are older or show signs of wear. The aim is to put you back in a similar position to where you would have been if the damage had not happened.
If more than one airline was involved
If your journey involved more than one airline, you may submit your claim to any of the airlines involved. In most cases, the airline that operated the final leg of your journey will handle the claim first, making it the best place to start. However, once one airline has compensated you, you cannot claim for the same loss from another airline.
Last reviewed 10 April 2026
