If your checked baggage is damaged, delayed, or lost: (1) File a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) at the airline desk before leaving the arrival hall, (2) Submit a written claim within 7 days (damage) or 21 days (delay/loss). International flights: Montreal Convention caps airline liability at 1,288 SDR (~Rs. 1.4 lakh) per passenger. Domestic India: airline Conditions of Carriage + DGCA guidelines, typically Rs. 450/kg checked. File complaints on AirSewa if unresolved. Travel insurance adds extra protection. Book stress-free itineraries on happyfares.in.
What Is a PIR and Why Is It Critical?
A Property Irregularity Report (PIR) is the single most important document in any baggage claim. It is the official record you file with the airline at the airport when your checked bag is damaged, delayed, or does not arrive at all. Without a PIR, airlines almost universally reject compensation claims — the PIR is proof that the problem occurred under their care.
Every airline maintains a baggage desk (sometimes called “Lost & Found” or “Baggage Services”) in the arrival hall, just past the baggage reclaim carousels. If your bag is missing, damaged on arrival, or arrives with broken wheels/zippers/handles, go there before exiting the arrival area. Most airlines will not accept PIR filings after you leave the airport.
The PIR captures: your flight details, baggage tag number, description of damage or loss, contact information, and current address. You will receive a PIR reference number — guard this carefully. Every subsequent interaction with the airline requires it.
How Much Compensation Do You Get for International Flights?
International baggage claims are governed by the Montreal Convention of 1999, an international treaty that India ratified in 2009. Under this convention, an airline’s liability for damaged, delayed, or lost checked baggage is capped at 1,288 Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) per passenger — not per bag.
What Is an SDR?
A Special Drawing Right (SDR) is an international reserve asset created by the IMF, valued daily against a basket of major currencies. As of early 2026, 1 SDR is worth approximately Rs. 110-115, so 1,288 SDR equals roughly Rs. 1.4-1.5 lakh. The exact rupee value changes daily with exchange rates.
When Does Montreal Apply?
- International flights between Montreal Convention member states (including India, most of Europe, US, UAE, Singapore, Japan, Australia)
- Both checked baggage and cabin baggage (in the latter case, only if damage is the airline’s fault)
- Damaged, delayed (over a “reasonable time”, usually 21 days for loss), or destroyed bags
The 1,288 SDR limit is per passenger, not per piece. If the value of your lost contents exceeds this, you cannot claim more — unless you declared higher value at check-in and paid the additional declaration fee. For very valuable items (jewellery, electronics, cash), Montreal excuses airlines from liability unless specifically declared and fee paid.
What Are the Rules for Domestic Flights in India?
Domestic baggage claims are governed by each Indian airline’s Conditions of Carriage plus DGCA guidelines. The commonly applied standard is a weight-based compensation model — compensation per kilogram of checked baggage lost or damaged.
Typical Domestic Compensation Standards
| Incident Type | Typical Compensation (Domestic) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lost / stolen baggage | Rs. 450/kg (approx.) checked weight | As per airline Conditions of Carriage; verify current rates |
| Damaged baggage | Repair or partial value | Based on damage severity; airline may repair, replace, or pay |
| Delayed baggage (essentials) | Interim allowance Rs. 2,000-4,000 | Reasonable essentials, with receipts |
| Delayed baggage (after 21 days) | Treated as lost — full compensation applies | Trigger lost-baggage process |
Weight-based caps can feel small if you carried valuable contents in a light bag. The solution is to declare high-value items at check-in (many airlines allow “excess valuation declaration” for a small fee) or carry them in cabin baggage.
How Do You File a PIR Step-by-Step?
Here is the exact sequence the moment you realise your bag is missing or damaged:
Step 1 — Wait at the Carousel
Wait at the baggage carousel until the last bag has come out. Check the information screen — if your flight has ended offloading and your bag is not there, it is missing.
Step 2 — Go to the Baggage Desk
Locate the airline’s baggage service desk / lost & found, usually near the carousels. Bring your boarding pass, baggage tag stub(s) (the sticker attached to your boarding pass or ticket), and any photographs of the bag and contents.
Step 3 — File the PIR
Fill in the PIR form — airline staff will help. Include:
- Your full name, flight number, date, sector
- Baggage tag number (critical)
- Description of the bag (colour, brand, size, distinguishing features)
- Detailed list of contents (especially valuable or essential items)
- Current address where baggage should be delivered
- Phone number and email for tracking updates
Step 4 — Collect the PIR Reference Number
You will receive a PIR reference number (sometimes called a “file reference” or “tracer number”). Save this both digitally and on paper. You will need it for every future interaction — tracking, claiming compensation, travel insurance.
Step 5 — Ask for Interim Allowance
If your baggage is delayed and you are away from home, ask about the airline’s interim allowance or essential purchase reimbursement. Many airlines provide USD 50-100 per day (or equivalent) for essential clothing and toiletries while the bag is traced.
Step 6 — Track Your Bag
Use the airline’s online baggage tracking tool with the PIR reference. Most international airlines also use WorldTracer — a global baggage tracking system accessible on airline websites. Typical resolution: 80-90% of delayed bags are reunited with owners within 24-48 hours.
What Expenses Can You Claim for Delayed Baggage?
When your baggage is delayed, you have legitimate immediate needs — especially if you are away from home or abroad. Airlines typically reimburse reasonable essentials purchased during the delay period. What qualifies:
- Basic clothing (a few shirts, trousers, undergarments, socks)
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, basic skincare)
- Medication if yours was in the checked bag
- Work-essential items (cheap dress shoes or a belt for a business trip)
- Baby essentials (formula, diapers, baby clothes)
What typically does not qualify:
- Luxury clothing or branded items
- New luggage purchase (unless your bag is declared lost)
- Entertainment or sightseeing-related purchases
- Expensive electronics
Keep every receipt and file them with your claim along with the PIR. Most airlines have a published daily cap — typically USD 50-100 per day per passenger, or equivalent in local currency. For longer delays, limits scale up.
How Do You File a Formal Compensation Claim?
Filing the PIR is just step one. The formal written claim comes next — and it has strict deadlines. Miss them, and even a strong case becomes unwinnable.
Deadlines Under Montreal Convention
| Situation | Deadline for Written Claim |
|---|---|
| Damaged baggage | Within 7 days of receiving baggage |
| Delayed baggage (not yet declared lost) | Within 21 days of date you should have received it |
| Lost baggage (after 21 days’ delay) | 2 years from date of arrival (for court action) |
How to Submit the Claim
- Go to the airline’s official baggage claim page (often a dedicated form)
- Enter your PIR reference number, personal details, and flight details
- Attach: PIR copy, boarding pass, baggage tag, purchase receipts for essentials, photos of damage, proof of contents’ value (receipts, insurance inventories)
- Describe the incident clearly and list compensation sought
- Submit; save the claim reference number
Airlines typically acknowledge within 7 days and resolve within 30-60 days. Refunds to your card/account usually take 7-14 days after approval.
What If the Airline Refuses or Delays?
If the airline refuses, delays unreasonably, or offers a lowball settlement, you have multiple escalation routes:
AirSewa Portal (DGCA)
File a grievance on airsewa.gov.in with your PIR, claim reference, and communication history. DGCA monitors and follows up. Airlines typically respond within 15-30 days.
Airline Nodal Officer
Every Indian airline has a nodal officer and appellate authority for grievances. Send a formal email with documents. They must acknowledge within 3 days and resolve within 30 days.
Consumer Forum
For unresolved cases, file in the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission. Consumer courts have routinely awarded passengers more than airline minimums, including damages for mental harassment and inconvenience. For domestic cases, this is often faster than expected.
Travel Insurance
File parallel claims with your travel insurance. Insurance often pays faster than airlines and covers gaps between airline compensation and actual loss. Keep all documents — PIR, airline claim, receipts, any airline settlement offers.
How Can You Protect Yourself Before and During the Trip?
Prevention saves time and stress. These habits reduce baggage claims to a minimum:
- Photograph your bag and contents before each trip. Proves condition and what was inside if anything happens.
- Use a luggage tag with phone/email in addition to the airline tag. Internal tag inside the bag helps too.
- Carry valuables in cabin bag. Jewellery, cash, electronics, medicines, passports, chargers — always in hand luggage.
- Add a smart tracker (Apple AirTag, Samsung SmartTag, Tile). Helps locate mispositioned bags faster than airline tracing.
- Use sturdy, recognisable luggage. A distinctive colour or ribbon reduces misidentification at carousels.
- Keep baggage tag stub safely. Many airlines require it for claims; losing it complicates the process.
- Buy comprehensive travel insurance. Often covers baggage loss and delay more generously than airlines.
- Declare high-value items at check-in if you must carry them in checked baggage and pay excess valuation fee.
Verify current Montreal SDR values, airline Conditions of Carriage, and DGCA compensation updates on official sources before filing a claim — figures are updated periodically, and this article reflects rules valid as of April 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a PIR and why must I file it immediately?
A Property Irregularity Report is the official form you file at the airline’s baggage desk when your checked bag is damaged, delayed, or lost. Without it, airlines generally refuse claims. File it before leaving the arrival hall — most airlines do not accept PIR filings after you exit the airport.
How much compensation can I get for damaged or lost baggage on international flights?
Under the Montreal Convention 1999, airline liability for damaged, delayed, or lost checked baggage is capped at 1,288 SDR per passenger — roughly Rs. 1.4-1.5 lakh in 2026. The limit applies regardless of actual content value. For higher-value items, declare at check-in and pay excess valuation, or carry them in cabin baggage.
What are DGCA rules for baggage compensation on domestic flights in India?
Domestic baggage compensation follows each airline’s Conditions of Carriage and DGCA guidelines. Common standard is Rs. 450 per kg of checked baggage for loss or damage. Significant delays also qualify for interim allowance and essentials reimbursement. Verify current compensation amounts with the specific airline.
How long do I have to file a baggage claim?
Under Montreal Convention, 7 days for damaged bags and 21 days for delayed bags (from date you should have received them). For lost bags (after 21 days’ delay), you have 2 years to file a court claim. Always file the PIR at the airport first, then submit a formal written claim within these windows.
What expenses can I claim for delayed baggage while abroad?
Reasonable essentials — basic clothing, toiletries, medication, baby essentials, work-critical items. Luxury purchases and entertainment are excluded. Keep every receipt. Many airlines offer an interim allowance of USD 50-100 per day (or equivalent) during tracing. File these with your PIR and final claim.
Does travel insurance cover baggage loss and delay?
Most comprehensive travel insurance covers baggage loss (Rs. 20,000-50,000 typically), delay (reimbursement after 6-12 hours), and damage. Travel insurance is often faster and more generous than airlines. Keep PIR, receipts, and all communication — you can claim from both airline and insurance to cover the gap.
Final Thoughts
Baggage mishaps are common — but the system to get compensation is well-established once you know the rules. The PIR is non-negotiable: file it before leaving the arrival hall. Montreal Convention caps liability at 1,288 SDR (~Rs. 1.4 lakh) internationally; domestic compensation follows airline Conditions of Carriage with weight-based caps. File written claims within 7 days (damage) or 21 days (delay). Escalate via AirSewa and consumer forums if needed. Travel insurance adds vital protection beyond airline limits.
When you book flights through HappyFares, you get instant PNR-confirmed tickets and 24×7 customer support to help navigate any baggage issue — including coordinating with the airline for interim allowances and follow-ups. A little preparation — photos, cabin-carry for valuables, a smart tracker — prevents most baggage anxiety before it starts.
Have a baggage claim question or need help with your next booking? Reach out at help.happyfares.in.
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