AirBaltic lost baggage compensation.
Just how much can you claim and what are the regulations?
Misplacing luggage is an infuriating part of traveling by air, with multiple factors at play such as transition glitches, errors in handling, or merely incorrect labeling. The moment of dread beside the luggage carousel, hoping to see your suitcase but it never appears, can taint your entire journey. At the same time, it’s a thing that can happen to everyone.
What should you do if your luggage goes missing?
What to Do If Your Luggage Is Lost?
If your baggage goes missing, it’s crucial to report it straight away.
This can be done at the Baggage Service Office, typically located near the baggage carousels.
Ensure you have your passport, boarding pass, and baggage tag handy. A photo of your suitcase can quicken the process, though if you don’t have one, a comprehensive description of your luggage will do. As always, the more information you have, the better.
A Property Irregularity Report and a reference number will be given to you. This document and this number are essential, don’t misplace them. You will need them for online tracing of your bag. Finding your lost luggage might require 24 hours or potentially longer. You can expect your bag to be delivered to your hotel or home address.
Tracking Your Lost Baggage
Online tracking of your missing bag may be possible.
The unique reference number from the Property Irregularity Report (issued to you at the airport) can be utilised to trace your suitcase online using the airline’s online baggage tracing system. The staff at the airport will give you all the details about the tracking process.
Once airBaltic staff have located your luggage, they will notify you.
AirBaltic Lost Baggage Compensation
What are your entitlements if your baggage goes missing?
Will airBaltic be accountable to compensate you? Will they cover costs to replace your possessions? Is your luggage truly lost or just delayed?
Baggage Delayed For 5+ Days
If your delayed luggage has not been found after five days, alert the airline and provide a thorough description of the bag and its contents. Complete the list of contents on the airline’s baggage status page, which can be accessed five days after reporting the delay.
Learn more about this here.
Reimbursement of Expenses
If your luggage is lost and you need to purchase necessary items such as toiletries, underwear, and basic clothing, you may be eligible for reimbursement. This is referred to as delayed baggage compensation. Bear in mind, instant payment may not be possible.
Please note that the compensation only covers essential items such as toiletries, underwear, and basic clothing – items you cannot do without.
Ensure you retain all of your receipts as they are required for filing a claim for additional expenditure. It’s crucial to remember that the claim submission deadline is within 21 days of receiving your lost baggage, so don’t let this deadline pass by.
Lost Baggage Compensation
If airBaltic cannot find your bag within 21 days, you may be qualified to receive up to €1300 in compensation for the lost items. In order to claim this compensation, you must provide airBaltic with a comprehensive list of the contents of your suitcase. To ensure you don’t miss any items, it is recommended that this list is prepared in advance.
AirBaltic has to transfer this compensation to your bank account. There is no obligation to accept airBaltic vouchers. It’s not like you can purchase a new suitcase with them, right?
It’s not recommended to store valuable items such as electronics, art, or jewelry in checked baggage because airBaltic only compensates for a limited value as determined by the Montreal Convention and its Conditions of Carriage.
You also have the option to file a claim for any additional expenses.
Is Travel Insurance Necessary?
Do you require travel insurance to claim compensation for lost baggage?
No, travel insurance is not a prerequisite to claim lost baggage compensation from airBaltic. However, having travel insurance can provide extra security and coverage for any costs incurred due to loss of your luggage, such as buying replacement items or clothing.
Securing a reliable travel insurance policy can alleviate the stress of travel, particularly in unforeseen circumstances. Your insurance provider will deal with the majority of the repercussions. Travel insurance is usually affordable or might even form part of your debit or credit card benefits.
If the airline is liable for lost or delayed baggage, you may receive compensation for essential purchases. Reimbursement can be obtained either from the airline or your insurance provider. Retaining all receipts is crucial when claiming expenditure. Insurance claims often provide a more efficient solution than claiming directly with the airline.
Please note, that not all insurance policies cover delays and loss of luggage.
Always check what your travel insurance covers.
Travel Prepared
It’s always wise to be ready for unexpected events while on the go.
Even though instances of lost luggage are relatively rare, having a contingency plan is crucial. Think about packing some extra clothing items and underwear in your hand luggage in the eventuality that your checked baggage gets delayed or goes missing for a couple of days.
Important medications and valuables should always be kept in your hand luggage, ensuring you have necessary items close at hand in case your checked baggage doesn’t reach your destination. Always remember that there’s a potential for your luggage to be misplaced or delayed during your trip, and make sure to plan in a way that minimizes any disruptions.
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 delayed or lost 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.