Air France lost, delayed & damaged baggage compensation guide

Baggage claim is usually the last stage of air travel, but while waiting at the carousel, your luggage may take an unexpected turn. If your baggage is lost, delayed, or damaged on an Air France flight, you may be entitled to compensation under international law. AirHelp is here to help you understand your rights and guide you through the process of claiming compensation or reimbursement.

If your baggage has been damaged, lost or delayed by Air France, your passenger rights are protected under the Montreal Convention. This treaty establishes airline liability in cases of baggage problems, including rules regarding compensation and expense reimbursement, which can reach up to 1,519 SDRs (Special Drawing Rights), equivalent to approximately $1,950.

Reimbursable expenses include essential items such as toiletries, underwear, medication, and necessary clothing while your baggage is delayed, while compensation may cover the repair of damaged baggage or reimbursement for lost baggage and its contents.

Immediate steps to take after an Air France baggage problem

In the event of delayed, lost or damaged baggage, there are certain steps you should take to assert your rights and claim compensation from the airline:

What’s the difference between reporting an issue and filing a claim?

Reporting the issue is the first step you need to take. By doing this, you report the baggage problem and complete the Property Irregularity Report: this must be done directly at the airport as soon as the baggage issue occurs.

Filing a claim is the process of requesting compensation for expenses or losses incurred due to the baggage issue. It is therefore a subsequent step, which requires having first reported the problem and completed the PIR.

To claim Air France baggage compensation and reimbursement, both are required and both have strict time limits.

To obtain reimbursement or compensation from the airline under the Montreal Convention, you must comply with the applicable time limits:

• The Property Irregularity Report (PIR) must be completed immediately at the airport.

• Claims for compensation must be submitted within 7 days for damaged baggage or within 21 days for delayed baggage.

The table below will clarify any remaining questions:

• What to do if your baggage is delayed by Air France →

• How to file a claim for Air France delayed baggage reimbursement →

• How much compensation can you receive? →

What to do if your baggage is delayed by Air France

How to file a claim for Air France delayed baggage reimbursement

You can claim for delayed baggage directly on the airline's website. Make sure you have:

• PIR reference number

• Boarding pass and flight details

• Receipts for your expenses

Although you have 21 days to submit your claim (from the date your baggage is returned to you), it’s advisable to submit your reimbursement request as soon as possible. If you are an AirHelp+ member, you can let AirHelp handle your claim to maximise your chances of reimbursement.

How much compensation can you receive?

Under the Montreal Convention, the airline’s liability is limited to 1,519 SDRs (Special Drawing Rights) per passenger, which corresponds to approximately $1,950. Usually, only reasonable expenses incurred as a result of the delay are reimbursable, such as:

• Essential clothing and undergarments

• Basic toiletries and personal hygiene items

• Necessary medications

• Phone chargers or other urgent needs

• Laundry expenses for extended delays

Luxury purchases are unlikely to be reimbursed, but business attire, for example, if required for work commitments, may be considered a necessary expense resulting from the delay.

• What to do if Air France has lost your baggage →

• How to claim reimbursement for lost baggage with Air France →

• How much compensation can you receive? →

What to do if Air France has lost your baggage

If delayed baggage is not recovered within 21 days, it is automatically deemed lost. Whether 21 days have elapsed or Air France declares the baggage lost before that deadline, you are then entitled to claim compensation. Specifically, you have the right to:

• Compensation for the value of the baggage and its contents

• Reimbursement of expenses incurred due to the baggage delay, that is, before it was actually declared lost.

How to claim reimbursement for lost baggage with Air France

The compensation claim process for lost baggage is similar to what we’ve already seen in cases of delay. However, in this case, you will also need to provide an inventory of the contents of your suitcase in order to request compensation.

Make sure you have the following ready:

• PIR reference number

• Boarding pass and flight details

• A detailed inventory of lost items with estimated values

• Receipts for expenses incurred due to the non-delivery of your baggage

How much compensation can you receive?

Even in cases of lost baggage, the maximum amount provided for under the Montreal Convention is 1,519 SDRs, which is approximately $1,950. Unlike cases involving delay only, you are entitled to claim from Air France not only reimbursement of expenses incurred due to the non-delivery of your baggage, but also compensation for the value of the baggage and its contents.

If you are an AirHelp+ member, you can let AirHelp handle your claim to obtain the reimbursement and compensation you are due.

In the event of damaged luggage, you must submit a claim for compensation within 7 days. The maximum compensation provided for by the Montreal Convention is 1,519 SDRs, or approximately $1,950.

You can claim compensation directly from the airline, or via a third party expert like AirHelp. So far, we've won compensation for 3 million passengers worldwide, particularly for cases involving delayed flights, cancellations and overbooking. However, if you are an AirHelp+ member, we can also assist you in cases of baggage problems.

We handle all communication with the airline, follow up on delayed responses, and fight for maximum compensation when airlines offer inadequate settlements. This way, you can continue your journey with peace of mind, while we handle the hassle of your baggage claim.