Malaysia Airlines Lost Baggage: How to Get Compensated for Damaged & Delayed Bags

Last Updated: April 22, 2024

Having your baggage go missing or arrive damaged is the last thing any traveller wants to deal with when they arrive at their destination. It’s a headache to be sure, but that's why it’s so important to take action immediately.

So, if your baggage was lost or damaged by Malaysia Airlines, read on because here, you’ll learn exactly what to do to get your baggage mishandling situation sorted out as quickly as possible. Not only that, but if you follow these steps, you could also get compensated for your damaged and lost baggage.

Key Points

If you submit your report and claim within the deadlines, then you could receive up to approximately $1,728 (€1,599) for damaged or lost baggage.
Your rights for baggage mishandling are protected by the Montreal Convention.
Skipping the reporting step could eliminate your chances of compensation.

What to Do: Malaysia Airlines Damaged & Lost Baggage

Step 1

The very first thing you should do is make a lost or damaged baggage report as soon as you realise there is a problem. Seriously, don’t skip this step because the sooner you make your report, the faster the airline can get your baggage back to you. In most cases, Malaysia Airlines will return your lost luggage within 24 hours, but you have to alert them to the problem.

For damaged baggage, try to make your report to the airline before leaving the airport, but if you only discovered the damage later, then you can lodge your report to Malaysia Airlines via their reporting page.

Take photos of the damage to your belongings. If you decide to lodge a complaint to the airline, this will help your case. We recommend also taking photos of your luggage while you’re packing to show a before and after comparison and underscore any damage caused by Malaysia Airlines.

Step 2

Maybe you made your report in person at the baggage reclaim area or on the airline’s website, either way, when you made the report you were given a file reference number or property irregularity report number once the form was completed.

Keep track of this number as well as the form itself. You will need to use the number to trace the status of your baggage, but you will also need it to lodge a baggage compensation complaint.

Step 3

Use the file reference number to check the status of your lost baggage while you wait for Malaysian Airlines to contact you about delivering your bags. You can also reach out to the airline if you need any additional assistance.

Also, while you’re waiting, you can shop for replacement clothing and hygiene items which you will need since you’re away from home. Just remember to keep record of your purchases and gather receipts so you can submit these expenses to the airline for reimbursement.

Malaysia Airlines Lost & Damaged Baggage

Time Limits for Making a Report

For lost baggage, you have 24 hours to file your report.

Similarly, if your baggage was damaged, you have 24 hours from the time of your flight to make a report to the airline in person and 7 days to make the report via the website.

Malaysia Airlines Lost & Damaged Baggage Compensation Claims

Now that you submitted your mishandled baggage report, you can look into submitting a compensation claim. When you lodge a compensation claim, you are asking the airline to repay you for your damaged or lost baggage.

To file a baggage compensation claim, you must submit your information to Malaysia Airlines (via their webform) by certain deadlines that we will go over in the next section.

Your Rights Explained

Malaysia was one of the many countries that ratified the Montreal Convention. This means that if your baggage is damaged or lost, then you are protected by this international treaty, and you may receive compensation from Malaysia Airlines. However, you must be mindful of lodging your claim before the filing deadlines laid out in the table below.

Malaysia Airlines baggage claim deadlines

How Much Can You Get In Compensation

If you make your damaged and lost baggage report and lodge your claim within the time limits, then you could be eligible to receive up to $1,728 (€1,599) in compensation from Malaysia Airlines.

Did you know you could be compensated up to €600 for delayed or cancelled flights with Malaysia Airlines? If you’ve had a flight disruption, check to see if your flight qualifies for compensation!