Emirates Lost or Delayed Baggage Compensation: How to claim Mishandled Bags

Joanna Teljeur

By:  Joanna Teljeur

Last Updated:  February 23, 2026

Reviewed by:  Anton Radchenko

The Main Points

1. You can claim up to approximately £1600 (€1920) in compensation for delayed or lost luggage compensation with Emirates.
2. In order to get the money you’re owed in luggage mishandling compensation, you need to follow certain filing guidelines when submitting a baggage complaint to Emirates, or the airline will deny your claim.
3. Your passenger rights, when flying with Emirates, are protected by the international Montreal Convention air travel compensation regulations.

The luggage compensation set by the Montreal Convention in October 2024 was enlarged from £1,350 (€1,600) to £1,600 (almost €1,920). Being aware of your rights is crucial to secure compensation for mishandled luggage with Emirates!

Start your claim now

Your Rights as an Emirates Passenger

As a passenger of Emirates, your rights concerning luggage mishandling are protected by the Montreal Convention. This treaty sets liability limits on how much airlines are required to compensate you for lost and damaged baggage. The liability limit is set using SDRs (Special Drawing Rights) which are a combined value of several currencies that currently equal about £1,600.

What Causes Lost Luggage

• Labor shortages
• Technical problems
• Conveyor belt malfunction
• Outdated technology
• Human error
• Poor communication

Understanding the Difference Between Reports & Claims

• A report: For baggage mishandling, a report is what you must file first in order to file a claim later.
• A claim: A claim is what is filed after a report. This is the step you take in order to get compensation from Emirates.

How to Report Lost & Delayed Luggage with Emirates

If you land at your final destination, and you don’t see your checked baggage, then you should take these steps:

1. Find the Emirates Baggage Service desk and make a report
2. You can also make a report online, where you can also check the status of your bags.
3. Complete the Property Irregularity Report (PIR).

What happens after filing a lost luggage report?

After you file your report, just wait to hear from the airlines or track the status of your bag on Emirates’ Mishandled Baggage page.

When your baggage is located, the airline will try to deliver your luggage within 4 hours. They will contact you to arrange delivery. In some countries, however, local laws can prohibit baggage forwarding, so you might need to go to the airport to collect it.

You can buy essentials while your luggage is missing

If you’re away from home, it’s understandable that you will need to purchase some basic essentials like clothing and toiletries because of your lost baggage. If you buy anything, be sure to keep all your receipts so you can file them for reimbursement.

Filing a Claim for Emirates Lost Luggage

When to file your lost luggage claim with Emirates

The rules of the Montreal Convention state that baggage is considered lost if it has been missing for more than 21 days. So, before you file a compensation claim with Emirates, make sure you wait 21 days.

Documents needed for your claim as a UK passenger

1. Property Irregularity Report
2. Passport or Photo ID
3. Bag tag
4. Flight itinerary
5. Receipts for essential purchases

What happens next

After you file your lost baggage claim, wait for an Emirates agent to contact you about their decision.

Emirates Damaged Luggage

If your baggage is damaged when you arrive at your destination, then take the following steps while you’re still at the airport.

1. Take your damaged bag to the Baggage Service office
2. Complete a Property Irregularity Report (PIR)
3. Take photos of your damaged bag

If you’ve already left the airport, contact Emirates to make a report.

Once you’ve filed a report, you can submit your claim.

Filing a damaged baggage compensation claim

Your claim with Emirates must be filed within 7 days of receiving your baggage.

What you’ll need to file a damage claim

• Property Irregularity Report
• Bag Tag
• Your itinerary, boarding pass, or eTicket
• Official photo ID

Emirates will not cover:

• Signs of regular use
• Small rips, scuffs, or scratches
• Damage from faulty packing
• Damage from poorly constructed baggage
• Pre-existing damage

What to do next

After you file your claim, wait for someone from Emirates to contact you about their decision.

Claiming For Luggage Issues with Emirates

Aside from staying within filing deadlines and keeping track of details, you’ll also want to be very patient as the final decision about claims can take months in some cases. In the end, you should be able to get the compensation you’re entitled to.

Does it feel like too much to handle?You don’t have to do it alone. AirAdvisor can help you! We make the process easy so you get compensated without the stress.Start your claim

About Emirates

Based in Dubai, Emirates is the largest airline in the Middle East. It has flights to over 150 cities around the world and has more than 3,600 flights each week. Emirates is owned by the Investment Corporation of Dubai.

You might also like:

• How to claim your Emirates ticket refund
• EU Passenger Rights
• EU 261 Compensation
• EU Baggage Compensation

Author:

Joanna Teljeur

Job/Position: Senior Editor & Content Lead

Joanna Teljeur is a senior editor and writer with 15+ years of experience in editorial leadership, journalism, and content development, specialising in consumer rights, aviation law, and public-interest reporting. Her work focuses on transforming complex regulatory and legal topics into clear, accurate, and accessible content for international audiences.

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