Emirates Lost Baggage Compensation: How to claim for Damaged & Delayed Bags
The Main Points
- You can claim up to approximately €1920 in compensation for baggage mishandling with Emirates.
- In order to get the money you’re owed in baggage mishandling compensation, you need to follow certain filing guidelines, or Emirates will deny your claim.
- Your passenger rights, when flying with Emirates, are protected by the Montreal Convention.
The baggage compensation set by the Montreal Convention in October 2024 was enlarged from €1,600 to almost €1,920. Being aware of your rights is crucial to cover baggage losses!
Your Rights as an Emirates Passenger
As a passenger of Emirates, your rights concerning baggage 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 €1,920.
What Causes Lost Baggage
- Labor shortages
- Technical problems
- Conveyor belt malfunction
- Outdated technology
- Human error
- Poor communication
Understand 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 Baggage with Emirates
If you land at your final destination, and you don’t see your checked baggage, then you should take these steps:
- Find the Emirates Baggage Service desk and make a report
- You can also make a report online, where you can also check the status of your bags.
- Complete the Property Irregularity Report (PIR).
What happens after filing a lost baggage 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 baggage 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 baggage 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 Baggage
When to file your lost baggage 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
- Property Irregularity Report
- Passport or Photo ID
- Bag tag
- Flight itinerary
- 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 Baggage
If your baggage is damaged when you arrive at your destination, then take the following steps while you’re still at the airport.
- Take your damaged bag to the Baggage Service office
- Complete a Property Irregularity Report (PIR)
- 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.
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.
Conclusion
Here at AirAdvisor, we’re hoping to bring you baggage claim services sometime soon. But for now, we wanted to give you enough information to allow you to successfully file baggage compensation claims on your own.
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.
Have you had a recent flight delay or cancellation? If you have, then let AirAdvisor get you the compensation you’re owed. Our expert team of legal professionals have been winning cases for clients for the past 7 years, and we only get paid when you do. So, check now to see if your flight’s eligible.
We assume all legal costs
All you have to do is submit the application and wait for the compensation to be received.
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Damaged or lost luggage?
Compensation can be as much as $2,080 (€1,920) if your checked bags were mishandled.