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 may entitle you to compensation for delayed or mishandled baggage. 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.
The Montreal Convention October, 24 edition bumped up compensation limits from $2,350 CAD to $2,870 CAD. Stay informed about your baggage rights!
Key Points
- You can be compensated up to €1,920 ($2,870 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.
If the airline lost your baggage, you don’t have to grin and bear it, you deserve to be compensated!
Start your claim today
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 €1,920 ($2,870 CAD) if your baggage is delayed, lost, or damaged.
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- Outdated technology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 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, 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
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.
You’ve spent days tracking your baggage, but you can start your compensation claim in just a few easy stepsGet the compensation you’re owed.
Start your claim now!
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.
People Also Ask
Yes! Your rights in this case would be protected by the Warsaw Convention.
Yes! For flights in the EU or within one EU country then your rights are protected under EU 261/2004
