Skip to content
Luggage carousel at the airport

AirBaltic Delayed Baggage Compensation

AirBaltic delayed baggage compensation.

What can you potentially receive? What are the guidelines?

Experiencing airport luggage issues can be quite exhausting, especially when the problem is a delayed bag. This is an unfortunate occurrence that can take place during air travel – your luggage can be misplaced or might not be loaded onto your connecting flight on time. Whatever the cause, not receiving your luggage as expected is certainly an inconvenience.

What should you do if your luggage is lost?

What to Do If Your Luggage Is Lost?

What should you do if your baggage is delayed or missing?

Could you be entitled to AirBaltic delayed baggage compensation?

The most crucial step is to report the delayed/missing luggage without delay.

You can report lost luggage on airBaltic self-service portal, too. But only up to 4 days from the moment of arrival. Do not miss this deadline.

When you discover your luggage is delayed, register it with the representative at the baggage claim area. To file a lost bag report, you will need to provide your passport, boarding pass, and the baggage tag (usually a small sticker attached to your boarding pass during check-in). If you can provide a picture of your bag or any additional details, it might quicken the process, though this is not compulsory. Even if you just have your passport and boarding pass, you can still file the loss report.

The airport staff will take your contact details and provide you with a Property Irregularity Report or PIR, which includes a unique reference number for tracking. Ensure you keep this document safe.

If your luggage goes missing, it is typically found within the first 24 hours. Once your luggage is located, the staff will contact you to schedule a delivery.

Tracking Your Lost Luggage

At the airport, you received a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) with a unique reference number. This number will be essential for tracking your luggage.

To keep tabs on your lost items, you can usually use the airline’s online baggage tracing system. You will be given this information when reporting your lost bag. Essential details including your name and PIR are usually required to use this baggage tracer. If your flight was operated by another airline, not airBaltic, you may have to use their baggage tracer.

Remember, the number on your baggage tag is not PIR number.

Euro banknotes

AirBaltic Delayed Baggage Compensation

What rights do you have if your baggage is delayed?

Could you be eligible for delayed baggage compensation from airBaltic?

Baggage Delayed For 5+ Days

If your delayed baggage is not located within 5 days of reporting it, reach out to the airline to provide a thorough description of the backpack/suitcase and at least a few of its contents. You can accomplish this by completing the list of contents available on the airBaltic’s self-service portal.

After 5 days, a new form will appear on self-service portal and you have to fill it in.

Reimbursement of Expenses

Keep in mind that you can be reimbursed for necessary expenses such as toiletries, underwear, and the essential clothes if your baggage is lost. Just don’t forget that you have to keep all the receipts for these purchases – you will need them when filing a claim. Sometimes this is referred to as the delayed baggage compensation (the reimbursement of expenses).

Only essential items qualify for reimbursement.

Claims must be filed within 21 days from the day when the lost baggage is recovered. You can do that also earlier than in 21 day, but not later.

Lost Baggage (You Can Get Compensation from airBaltic)

AirBaltic has 21 days to track and return your baggage.

If your delayed baggage isn’t located within 21 days, it is deemed officially missing. Once this occurs, you can submit a claim for compensation with the airline.

You may be get up to €1300 in compensation from airBaltic.

Please be aware that it’s not recommended to transport electronics, art, jewelry, and so on, in checked baggage, since airBaltic (or any other airline, for that matter) isn’t obliged to compensate for the total value of such items, only up to the limit set by the Montreal Convention and its Conditions of Carriage.

When submitting a claim, you will need to present your boarding pass, baggage tags, and the Property Irregularity Report (PIR) with your unique reference number. If you incurred any additional expenses while waiting for your luggage, you can file a claim by providing receipts for your purchases. But don’t forget about the 21 day deadline that applies to extra expenses claim.

Woman sitting at the airport

Is Travel Insurance Necessary?

Is it worth it to invest in travel insurance?

The necessity of travel insurance varies based on individual circumstances. While it’s not a compulsory requirement for filing a claim, having travel insurance offers a safety net for unforeseen complications during your travels.

Travel insurance can provide valuable reassurances, potentially helping you navigate through any unexpected issues that may arise. Plus, many travel insurance policies are very affordable, making them a worthwhile consideration. Having an insurance policy or using a travel debit/credit card that includes insurance can offer substantial benefits.

In case your luggage gets lost or delayed and you’re not at fault, your insurance policy could potentially cover the cost of essential purchases, offering a quicker and more streamlined solution than dealing directly with the airline.

Before making any purchases, it’s advisable to reach out to your insurance provider and always keep all your receipts. Without receipts, you may not be able to get a refund. Thoroughly understanding the specifics of your policy, including whether it covers baggage delays, is equally as important.

Travel Prepared

How can one prepare for potential luggage delays or losses?

In light of possible luggage delays or losses, it’s wise to pack a spare set of clothing and underwear in your carry-on bag. This becomes especially important if your travel destination has a specific climate requiring certain types of clothing, such as tropical locations where you would love to have swimwear right from the beginning, or colder places, where extra warm clothing might be necessary.

Additionally, keeping your medications and valuable belongings in your carry-on is a very smart idea.

What is your experience with baggage delays on airBaltic flights? Has airBaltic ever lost your baggage? Have you ever applied for “airBaltic delayed baggage compensation” (reimbursement of expenses in case of baggage delay)?

Please note that the rules for compensation for lost or delayed baggage with airBaltic are the same as those for other airlines. This is due to the Montreal Convention, which applies to the carriage of baggage on most international flights operated by airBaltic and other airlines globally.