Are my rights protected if I’m flying to a country that isn’t part of the Montreal Convention?

Yes! Your rights in this case would be protected by the Warsaw Convention .

If I’m flying within one country in Europe, are my rights protected?

Yes! For flights in the EU or within one EU country then your rights are protected under EU 261/2004

WestJet Lost Baggage: How to Get Compensation for Delayed and Damaged Luggage

Last Updated: April 22, 2024

Lost baggage is one of the most frustrating situations an airline passenger can experience. But don’t panic. If your bags have been damaged, lost, or delayed while traveling with WestJet, your passenger rights entitle you to baggage compensation. All you have to do is follow some steps within specific time limits. So, let’s dive in and explore exactly what you need to do to get baggage compensation from WestJet.

Has your WestJet flight been canceled or delayed? If it has, did you know you are entitled to compensation? Check below to see if your flight is eligible.Check eligibility

Key Points

You can be compensated up to $2,350 CAD from WestJet for damaged, delayed, or lost baggage.
Baggage compensation isn’t automatic. You must follow specific steps within certain time frames to get reimbursement.
Your passenger rights for lost baggage are protected under the rules of the Montreal Convention.

Your Rights as a Passenger

As a WestJet passenger, your rights are protected by the Canadian Transportation Agency for domestic flights and the Montreal Convention for international ones. Under these regulations, WestJet is required to compensate passengers up to a maximum of $2,350 CAD if your baggage is delayed, lost, or damaged.

WestJet lost baggage

What Causes Lost and Delayed Baggage

Delayed and lost baggage can be caused by any of the following:

Human error
Labor shortages
Technological problems
Mechanical problems
Outdated technology
Poor communication

Reports vs. Claims

While these two terms are often used interchangeably, it’s important to understand the difference between these terms if you’re hoping to be compensated for lost baggage.

A Report: Making a report is the first step you must take when you realize your baggage is missing or damaged.

A Claim: Making a claim is the second step you need to take. This is the step where you ask WestJet for compensation.

Lost & Delayed WestJet Baggage

Lost & Delayed Baggage

If you land at your final destination and realize your luggage is missing, the first thing to do is wait for about a half hour. Baggage can sometimes take as long as an hour to reach the baggage carousel.

But if you’ve waited for a half hour, and your baggage is still missing then take the following steps.

File a baggage report

WestJet asks you to complete your report within 12 hours of your arrival.

Find the WestJet Baggage Service Desk or file your report on WestJet’s Baggage Report page.
Tell the WestJet agent your baggage is lost
Complete a Property Irregularity Report (PIR)

Essential purchases

Understandably, if you’re away from home, you’ll need to purchase some toiletries and other essentials because your baggage is missing. If you do make necessary purchases, keep track of your receipts because you can file them for reimbursement.

WestJet provides specific amounts for interim expenses while your baggage is missing:

The first 48 hours your baggage is missing - $100 CAD/USD
After 48 hours - an additional $150 CAD/USD

You can submit receipts for your purchases and file for reimbursement here.

What happens next

At this point, you wait for someone from WestJet to contact you. You can also check the status of your baggage. If your baggage is missing for more than 21 days, then you can file a lost baggage compensation claim.

How to File a Claim with WestJet for Lost Baggage

If you’ve waited for 21 days and your baggage is still missing, then you are eligible for compensation from WestJet.

Go to their Baggage Claims page
Look for the Submit Request for Compensation form and complete it

WestJet Baggage Claims

Documents you’ll need

PIR number
Copy of signed photo ID
Copy of your itinerary
Baggage claim checks
Receipts from essential purchases or rentals
Receipts for items that were in your bags

What happens next

The claims process can take some time to complete. So, wait for someone from WestJet to contact you with their decision about your claim.

Damaged Baggage

If your baggage is damaged then you should make a report at WestJet’s baggage information desk. WestJet asks you to file your claim within 5 days of your arrival. It’s best however, to file your report before you leave the airport.

Find the WestJet baggage information desk or file the report online
Complete the Property Irregularity Report (PIR)
Take photos of your damaged belongings

How to File a Damaged Baggage Claim with WestJet

Once you’ve filed your report, you can file a damaged baggage claim, but it’s important to understand that not all damage will be covered in a compensation claim.

What is not covered in a damage compensation claim

Normal wear-and-tear
Small cuts
Scratches
Damage caused by improper packing
Damage to fragile items
Cash
Jewelry
Cameras and video equipment
Broken zippers
Inconveniences
Faulty luggage
Pre Existing damage

To file your damage claim

Navigate to WestJet’s baggage claims page, and look for the section on filing your damaged baggage claim. You’ll download a form, so simply complete the form and submit it.

Documents for you damaged baggage claim

PIR number
Copy of signed photo ID
Copy of your itinerary
Baggage claim checks
Photos of damage

What to do next

After you’ve filed your damaged baggage claim, a WestJet representative will contact you about their decision.

About WestJet

Founded in 1994, WestJet is a Canadian airline. They are the second biggest airline in Canada and based in Calgary, Alberta.

Here at AirAdvisor we're working to add baggage claims to our services, but while we’re preparing this service, we want to give you as much information as possible so you can claim compensation for baggage mishandling on your own.