Emirates lost baggage: Compensation for baggage mishandling

Joanna Teljeur

By:  Joanna Teljeur

Last Updated:  September 5, 2026

Reviewed by:  Anton Radchenko

When Emirates loses, delays, or damages baggage, passengers are eligible to claim up to 1,519 SDR (~£1,535 as of 31 August 2026), according to the Montreal Convention baggage rules.

The catch? You need to follow the reporting deadlines. That means filing a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) before leaving the airport, and reporting damage within 7 days of the baggage arrival.

For Emirates delayed baggage, keep receipts for any interim purchases - you have 21 days after the baggage is returned to claim reimbursement.

Once your bags are delayed for 21 days, they’re considered lost. An Emirates lost baggage claim should be made immediately.

Key takeaways

• Your Emirates baggage claim is governed by the Montreal Convention.
• For Emirates delayed, lost, or damaged bags, claim up to 1,519 SDR (~£1,535, as of 31 August 2026).
• Report missing or damaged baggage before leaving the airport. Get a PIR to document the problem.
• Deadlines: Submit your written damaged baggage claim within 7 days. For delayed baggage, you have 21 days from the date your bag is returned to make a written claim.
• Eligible Emirates baggage delays allow for claims of reasonable and essential expenses, typically toiletries and clothing (with receipts).
• Baggage is generally considered lost after 21 days. Compensation for lost bags is based on the depreciated value of the bag and its contents, up to the 1,519 SDR baggage limit.

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.

How much is the Montreal Convention baggage limit in 2026?

The Montreal Convention liability limit is set using SDRs (Special Drawing Rights), which are a combined value of several currencies. It’s 1,519 SDR as of 28 December 2024, up from the previous limit of 1,288 SDR. The actual rate in GBP fluctuates, but as of 31 August 2026, 1,519 SDR is about £1,535.

Delayed vs damaged vs lost: What Emirates owes you

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• Outdated technology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 to get compensation from Emirates.

How to report lost & delayed baggage 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 from Emirates.

Emirates baggage claim time limits

“One of the biggest mistakes passengers make is waiting too long to deal with a baggage problem. Report it at the airport, get a PIR, and keep every receipt. Those simple steps can make a later claim much easier.”

– Anton Radchenko, CEO of AirAdvisor

What happens after filing a lost luggage report?

After you file your report, just wait to hear from the airline 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

Emirates pays depreciated value for lost luggage, not the replacement value. As with other types of Emirates mishandled baggage claims, the limit is 1,519 SDR per passenger.

If you’re in the habit of hanging on to receipts for items packed in your lost baggage, have them ready. They can help substantiate your claim.

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.

Wait the 21 days before filing your Emirates lost baggage claim unless they declare it lost sooner.

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.

Filing an Emirates delayed baggage compensation claim

If your luggage is delayed and then eventually returned, your claim is only for the interim essential purchases you needed to get through the time away from home without your bags.

You need all the same documents as with lost baggage, and you must submit the written claim to Emirates within 21 days of baggage being returned.

Emirates Damaged Luggage

If your baggage or its contents are 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 an Emirates 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 from Emirates
• 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. The final decision about claims can take a long time. But in the end, you should be able to get the compensation you’re entitled to.

FAQs

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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