What can I claim if my luggage is damaged by the airline, and what is the time limit?
The short answer
The UK CAA and nidirect both say you must contact the airline in writing within seven days for damaged baggage. Report the damage at the airport, get a Property Irregularity Report, and keep proof of what your bag and contents were worth.
At the airport
The CAA says to report damage on arrival, usually at the airline baggage desk in the baggage claims area, where you may receive a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). Keep a copy. The CAA warns that having a PIR is no guarantee the airline will accept your claim.
nidirect adds: ask staff to record the damage, keep the luggage tags from check-in, and photograph the damage.
The 7 day written claim
The CAA says you must contact the airline in writing within seven days for damaged baggage. nidirect says the written complaint must reach the airline within seven days, running from when you receive the bag, and suggests recorded delivery so you can prove the date.
What you can claim
The CAA says you must show the bag and contents were worth the amount claimed, using receipts, credit card records or any other proof of value. Airlines do not allow new for old replacement, so value is based on the item's age. If accepted, the airline may pay for repair or provide replacement baggage.
There is no fixed amount. The CAA says the maximum will be around £1000 but it would be very rare to receive this much. It says travel insurance may be better, since airlines may not pay the full cost, and that insurance usually has an excess of about £40 and often a claim time limit.
Delayed and lost bags: the sources differ
The CAA says the 21 day limit applies to delayed bags. nidirect says luggage is only declared lost after 21 days, then you have seven days from that declaration to claim, and it gives no claim deadline for delayed luggage. Because the two official pages describe 21 days differently, ask your airline for its exact deadline in writing.
Airlines may also pay a one-off cash sum, a daily amount or emergency purchases on receipts for delayed bags, and rules vary by airline. The GOV.UK passenger guide says most airlines will reimburse essentials, but to check with your airline. This page covers UK guidance only; EU and US rules were not read.
Rules and fees change, so check the official page before you travel.
Sources: UK CAA: Lost, delayed or damaged baggage, nidirect: Damaged or lost luggage, GOV.UK: Air passenger travel guide, summary of passenger rights. Read 5 November 2026. Rules and fees change, so check the official page before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to claim for damaged luggage?
The CAA and nidirect both say seven days in writing.
What is a PIR?
A Property Irregularity Report, completed with airline staff at the airport. The CAA says to keep a copy, but it does not guarantee the claim is accepted.
How much can I get?
The CAA says there is no fixed amount and the maximum will be around £1000, though receiving this much would be very rare.
Can I claim for new replacement items?
The CAA says airlines do not allow new for old, so the value is based on the age of the item.
Is insurance better than an airline claim?
The CAA says insurance may be better, but it usually has an excess of about £40 and often a claim time limit.