How to Make a KLM Delayed or Lost Baggage Compensation Claim

Joanna Teljeur

By:  Joanna Teljeur

Last Updated:  February 19, 2026

Reviewed by:  Anton Radchenko

Did you know KLM carried around 33 million passengers in 2024? While the airline’s annual report doesn’t reveal how many bags were lost or mishandled, industry estimates suggest that, on average, 1 bag is mishandled for every 274 passengers. If that rate applied to KLM, it would mean roughly 120,000 bags were mishandled last year.

Fortunately, as a KLM customer, there are some helpful tools and policies that will not only help you find your luggage if it goes missing, but compensate you for your trouble. Keep reading, because we’ve going to explain exactly what you should do and expect if your baggage is lost, damaged, or delayed on a KLM flight.

The Montreal Convention just raised their baggage compensation ceiling! As of October 2024, you can claim up to €1,920 instead of €1,600 for lost, delayed or damaged luggage.

Key Points

1. KLM reports that in 90% of delayed baggage situations, luggage is returned to travelers within 3 days.
2. The amount of money you get for a KLM baggage compensation claim is set by the Montreal Convention, a treaty signed by 135 countries that enforces airline liability limits. Based on the rules of the Montreal Convention, the maximum amount of compensation you can receive for KLM baggage issues is €1,920.
3. Your chances of getting compensation for mishandled baggage improve if you can provide ample documentation to support your case.

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KLM Delayed Baggage

If your checked baggage hasn’t arrived with you at your destination, then it is considered delayed.

In order to find your baggage and claim compensation, you should follow these steps:

1. Make a report with the KLM baggage desk at the airport.
2. Complete the Property Irregularity Report (PIR).
3. Keep a copy of the report information as well as the PIR file number. You will need the PIR file number to track the status of your bags.
4. File a delayed baggage report on the KLM site.

If you have arrived at Schiphol, KLM will provide a baggage delivery service that will contact you and arrange for delivery.

Tracking your KLM baggage

KLM has a baggage tracking tool that lets you follow the status of your belongings. Just enter your last name and your Baggage Reference Number 24 hours after you file a report to view your tracking information.

The KLM tracking tool is also helpful because it allows you to enter multiple addresses if you’re staying at more than one place once you arrive.

How long does it take to get delayed luggage

KLM reports that for 90% of delayed baggage situations, luggage is returned to travelers within 3 days. If you haven’t been reunited with your luggage after 21 days, you’ll need to file a claim for lost baggage.

KLM Compensation for your delayed baggage

If you’ve had to purchase essentials like clothing or toiletries because of your baggage delay, then you must make a report with KLM. Make sure you file the report within 21 days of getting your delayed luggage.

In order for KLM to process your compensation request, you will need to include receipts for any items you had to purchase. Bear in mind that the amount of reimbursement you will receive from KLM for baggage mishandling will be at most €1,920 as agreed upon in the Montreal Convention.

KLM Lost Baggage

If 21 days have passed since your flight and your delayed baggage still hasn’t been delivered to you, then KLM will consider it officially lost.

At this point, you will need to contact the airline here in order to start the claim process.

KLM recommends that you should also contact your insurance company to report the loss. In many cases, insurance policies may provide more compensation for lost luggage than the liability limits of airlines.

What documents do you need to submit for a lost baggage claim?

You will have a better chance of receiving compensation if you have the right documents and info to back up your case.

Documents you will need to include in your lost baggage claim include:

• Copy of your delayed baggage report
• Copy of the Property Irregularity Report
• Flight information, including boarding passes or flight confirmation
• Any receipts for essential purchases
• Receipts (if you have them) for items in your lost luggage
• Photos of your luggage (inside and out) if you have them

No clothes, no toiletries, no essentialsIf KLM lost or delayed your baggage, they owe you.
Start your claim today

Damaged Baggage On a KLM Flight

If your baggage arrived damaged, then you can also request compensation from KLM, but it’s important to follow some guidelines in order to improve your case.

Reporting damaged baggage with KLM

1. Take your damaged baggage to the KLM baggage desk as soon as you can after you arrive so they can assess the damage.
2. Complete a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) and keep a copy along with the number.
3. If you have already left the airport - make a damaged baggage report to KLM within 7 days of your flight arrival.

Filing a damaged baggage claim

To file a request for compensation for damaged or destroyed luggage, you will need to take the following steps:

1. Contact KLM in writing, within 7 days of your flight, asking for damaged baggage compensation
2. Include as much supporting documentation as possible including:

• A copy of your PIR
• Photos of your damaged property
• Receipts for any purchases you had to make because of the damage
• Receipts or invoices for the luggage and its contents

What is considered damaged luggage?

Most airlines will not consider normal wear-and-tear to luggage as damage. Scratches, scruffs, and small dents on your suitcase would be regarded as normal signs of wear.

If handles and wheels are missing or damaged, or if your suitcase is torn or cracked, then these would probably fall under the damaged luggage category.

If items inside your suitcase have been damaged

If you’ve packed electronics, fragile, or valuable items that arrived damaged, you will probably not be compensated for your loss. It’s also important to note that when you make a claim for damaged items inside your checked luggage, you will have to show proof of value.

Check with KLM to find out more about their particular damage policies.

Take photos of your baggage contents when you pack, and if you’re flying with valuables that you can’t keep with you in your carry-on bag, then consider buying additional insurance when you check your luggage.

Compensation Amounts for KLM Delayed & Damaged Baggage Claims

The amount of money you get for a KLM baggage compensation claim is set by the Montreal Convention, a treaty signed by 135 countries that enforces airline liability limits.

Based on the rules of the Montreal Convention, the maximum amount of compensation you can receive for KLM baggage issues is €1,920.

Claim compensation for baggage mishandlingHere at AirAdvisor we've just added baggage claims to our services, let us help your case. Start your claim

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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