Last updated: 28 October 2026 · The legal basis is the Montreal Convention, which also applies to domestic flights for airlines based in the EU. Liability limits are reviewed every five years, most recently on 28 December 2024. Not legal advice – when in doubt, consult a travel lawyer.
You pick up your suitcase from the baggage belt – and then the shock hits: wheels torn off, shell cracked, lock broken, or the trolley has disappeared altogether. Unfortunately, this happens more often than you'd think after a flight. The good news: airlines are liable – if you react quickly and correctly. This guide shows you the 6 most important steps.
The 6 Steps to Damage Compensation
Check Your Suitcase at the Airport
Check your suitcase right at the baggage belt before leaving the arrivals hall. Look for dents, broken wheels, a damaged lock, cracks in the shell, broken handles. If there's moisture inside: check that too.
Fill Out a PIR (Damage Report)
Go directly to the airline's baggage desk or Lost & Found. There you'll fill out a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). This report is your most important piece of evidence for compensation.
Take Photos
Photograph with your phone: the damage, the luggage tag, the PIR reference number. Photo evidence significantly increases your chances of compensation. Don't forget to include shoes – they show scale.
Report the Damage in Writing
Within 7 days of receiving your suitcase, you must report the damage to the airline in writing (Montreal Convention). By registered letter or via the airline's online form.
For Lost Luggage: The 21-Day Deadline
If your suitcase arrives late, you must report this in writing within 21 days of receiving it. If it still hasn't arrived 21 days after the scheduled arrival date, you can treat it as lost and claim compensation. Report the loss immediately regardless.
Claim Compensation
With your PIR, photos, proof of purchase for the suitcase, and a repair or replacement cost invoice, you can claim compensation. The amount is based on the Montreal Convention (a maximum of 1,519 Special Drawing Rights, around €1,800 according to Ryanair).
Important: It's best to fill out the PIR before leaving the arrivals hall – it's your most important piece of evidence. However, it does not replace the written notice to the airline within 7 days in every case.
Which Damages Are Covered?
Under the Montreal Convention (also applicable to domestic flights for airlines based in the EU), the following damages are covered:
- Total loss: suitcase not found after 21 days – compensation based on replacement value
- External damage: cracks, dents, broken wheels, lock
- Internal damage: damaged contents (e.g., a broken gift)
- Delay damage: when the suitcase arrives late (compensation for necessary purchases on-site)
What's Not Covered:
- Pre-existing damage: scratches, age-related wear
- Normal handling: small stains, minor marks from the baggage belt
- Fragile items without a "Fragile" label
- Valuables inside the suitcase: cash, jewellery, electronics, cameras – these belong in your carry-on luggage
- Perishable goods: food, plants
Liability Limits – How Much Can You Get?
The maximum liability under the Montreal Convention is 1,519 Special Drawing Rights (since 28 December 2024, around €1,800 according to Ryanair; the euro value fluctuates with the exchange rate). For higher-value items in your suitcase (e.g., an expensive camera, laptop), it's worth considering:
- Additional luggage insurance: higher liability limits, prices vary by provider
- Home contents insurance: check whether baggage damage is covered
- Credit card travel insurance: many cards include luggage insurance
Lost Luggage: Emergency Purchases and Receipts
If your suitcase is missing, buy the essentials and keep the receipts. The airline will reimburse reasonable, documented costs within the liability limit. Typical items include:
- Replacement clothing: shirt, underwear, pyjamas (keep the receipt!)
- Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo
- Basic necessities within the liability limit of 1,519 Special Drawing Rights
Important: collect receipts, photograph them, and submit them along with your PIR.
Online Forms of Major Airlines
- Lufthansa: World Tracer (provide the WT number from your PIR)
- Eurowings: online form on the website
- Ryanair: chatbot + email
- British Airways: online claim form
- KLM: DelayedBag tool
- Swiss: "Damaged Baggage" form
You'll find details on airline-specific handling in our airline-specific articles: Lufthansa, Ryanair, Eurowings.
How Do I Prevent Suitcase Damage?
Not every type of damage can be avoided, but a few measures reduce the risk:
- High-quality hard shell: polycarbonate is more robust than ABS – it withstands impacts better. Material comparison
- TSA lock: prevents destroyed locks when entering the US (TSA lock guide)
- Don't overpack your suitcase: pressure points on seams and shell
- Not too light: suitcases under 8 kg get thrown around more than those at 15 kg
- Luggage tag with address: faster return if lost
- Smart tracker (AirTag): inside the suitcase – makes it easier to find
- Valuables in your carry-on: electronics, jewellery, medication
Recommendations for Robust Suitcases
For frequent flyers, a high-quality, robust suitcase is worth the investment:
- Titan – German brand, robust polycarbonate models
- Travelite – good value for money
- Bric's – Italian leather suitcases for business
The right suitcase depends on how often and how you travel. Details: Suitcase sizes guide and material comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions About Suitcase Damage
What should I do if my suitcase is damaged right at the airport?
Fill out a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) right at the airline's baggage desk or Lost & Found. The PIR is your most important piece of evidence; you must also report the damage to the airline in writing within 7 days. Take photos of the damage with your phone and note down the reference number.
How much time do I have to report the damage?
Under the Montreal Convention: 7 days from receipt for damaged luggage, 21 days from receipt for delays. If the suitcase hasn't arrived 21 days after the scheduled arrival date, you can treat it as lost. Always report in writing, either by registered letter or online form.
How much compensation can I get for a damaged suitcase?
Under the Montreal Convention, a maximum of 1,519 Special Drawing Rights per passenger (around €1,800 according to Ryanair). Only the damage you can document will be reimbursed. Don't forget your original receipts!
Does the airline also pay for damaged contents?
Yes, but only for everyday travel items. It's best to pack valuable items (laptop, camera, jewellery) in your carry-on luggage. Items worth more than the liability limit should be insured separately.
What happens if the suitcase doesn't arrive?
Fill out a PIR at the airport and provide your contact details and hotel address. Until the suitcase arrives: buy the essentials in clothing and toiletries and keep the receipts – the airline will reimburse reasonable costs within the liability limit.
Is additional luggage insurance worth it?
Yes, if you regularly travel with expensive items (laptop, camera, business suit). An annual policy usually offers higher coverage than airline liability; compare prices from different providers.
How do I report damage to Lufthansa?
Fill out World Tracer at Lost & Found at the airport (remember your WT number). You can check the status and upload further documents online via the Lufthansa website. Deadline: report in writing within 7 days.
Conclusion: Act Quickly If Your Suitcase Is Damaged
A damaged suitcase after a flight is annoying – but solvable. The key steps:
- Immediately at the airport: fill out a PIR, take photos
- Within 7 days: report in writing to the airline
- Keep receipts: proof of purchase, replacement purchases, repairs
- Use the online form: every airline has its own
- For delays, note the 21-day deadline for written notice
- Maximum liability: 1,519 Special Drawing Rights under the Montreal Convention
You'll find a new suitcase in our Luggage & Trolleys category. More articles: Hard Shell or Fabric?, TSA Lock Guide, Carry-On Luggage Rules 2026.
