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

Joanna Teljeur

By:  Joanna Teljeur

Last Updated:  February 19, 2026

Reviewed by:  Anton Radchenko

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 qualify for delayed, damaged, or lost baggage compensation under airline rules.

Airlines' compensation responsibility for baggage mishaps just increased from €1,600 to €1,920. This can significantly boost your airline baggage delay and loss compensation potential under the updated Montreal Convention.

Key Points

1. If you submit your report and claim within the deadlines, then you could receive up to approximately $2,080 (€1,920) in compensation for delayed, lost, or damaged baggage.
2. Your rights for baggage mishandling are protected by the Montreal Convention.
3. Skipping the reporting step could eliminate your chances of compensation.

You’ve spent days tracking your baggage, but you can start your baggage delay compensation claim online in just a few easy stepsGet the compensation you’re owed.
Start your claim now!

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 request reimbursement through a delayed baggage compensation claim.

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 move on to filing a formal baggage delay and damage 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 delay or loss compensation request, 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.

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 $2,080 (€1,920) in airline compensation for delayed and missing baggage from Malaysia Airlines. 

Does it feel like too much to handle?You don’t have to do it alone. AirAdvisor can help you navigate the process and secure compensation for delayed or lost luggage without the stress.
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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