Getting Compensation for Delayed Bags
If you’re a member of team check-in bag, the uncertainty of whether your bag will arrive on time or at all can be a concern.
But you can relax and enjoy your travel, with the knowledge that there are things you can do to reduce the stress of a delayed or lost baggage and can also get compensated for up to $3,500 for extensive baggage delays, same as you can get compensated for damaged or lost bags.
This article will address delayed bags and we will talk about damaged and lost bags in other articles.
Useful Tips
Tip #1: Always have small-sized toiletries and an extra set of clothing in your carry-on or handbag for immediate use. A small preparation can go a long way in ensuring your comfort.
Tip #2: Take a photo of your bag before checking it in, you never know when that photo will come in handy.
Tip #3: If you have travel insurance, a recommendation that stands strong for every traveller, your travel insurance might just be your silver lining in the unfortunate event of a delayed bag.
For frequent travellers, I highly recommend getting an annual travel insurance subscription, it proves to be a cost-effective choice.
How to Secure Compensation for your Delayed Baggage
Prompt Reporting
Report your missing bag to the airline. This is to be done at your final destination, not during a layover.
Most airlines provide a desk in the baggage claim area where you can file a Property Irregularity Report (PIR), containing personal information and details of your missing bag.
If there’s no airline desk at baggage claim, call the airline while you’re still at the airport to report the missing bag. If you have a photo of your bag before checking it in, that’s an added advantage.
Expense Reimbursement
The one rule regarding compensation is that expenses must be “reasonable.” Airlines must compensate you for ‘reasonable expenses’ incurred due to the baggage delay.
Toiletries are generally considered reasonable. For instance, if you checked in your toiletries and need to buy new ones while your bag is missing, an airline should reimburse you for those items. Other essential items could include clothing for specific occasions or gear rentals for planned activities.
Keep in mind this compensation will only be issued after you file a claim, so you will have to pay out of pocket for any essentials initially and present the receipts for reimbursement.
Policies for delayed baggage vary by airline. Some may require reporting within 24 hours, while others may compensate after a 12-hour delay at a daily rate for reasonable expenses.
Leveraging Travel Insurance
If you have travel insurance, there’s potential for additional compensation beyond what the airline offers.
Most policies require filing a claim with the airline first, as it’s a prerequisite for compensation. Review your travel insurance policy details for insights into the amount covered for delayed baggage and the claim process.
How to Submit Delayed Baggage Compensation Claims
*You’ll need the file reference number (PIR) provided by the airline at the time of reporting.
*Once your PIR is submitted, shop for ‘essentials’ and keep your receipts.
*Submit these receipts to the airline for reimbursement, noting your PIR’s file reference number, usually within 30 days of your flight.
Additional documents required might include your airline ticket receipt, boarding pass, and baggage claim check.
Final Tips
If the airline doesn’t fully reimburse your reasonable expenses due to the baggage delay, consider appealing the decision.
Reimbursement might take some time, up to a month, so patience is key. For unreimbursed items, you can file a claim with your travel insurance, depending on your policy.
Navigating through delayed baggage scenarios becomes more manageable when armed with the right knowledge and a proactive approach.
Happy Xploring!!!
