Your baggage arrived late, after you did
When your baggage arrives late, the Montreal Convention entitles you to reimbursement for essential items you had to purchase while waiting. File your PIR at the airport, keep every receipt, and claim promptly.
Compensation
Reimbursement for essential purchases
Regulation
Montreal Convention Art.19
Time Limit
21 days to file delayed baggage claim
Delayed baggage occurs when your bag doesn't arrive on your flight and is delivered later. You can claim reimbursement for essential items you needed in the interim — toiletries, clothing, medications.
Montreal Convention Art.19: Airlines are liable for damage resulting from delay of baggage. Claims for delayed baggage must be made within 21 days of receiving the bag.
Delayed baggage entitles you to reimbursement of reasonable essential purchases while waiting.
| Scenario / Distance | Example | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essential toiletries and clothing | Toothbrush, shirt, socks | Reasonable actual cost | Keep all receipts |
| Medication not in carry-on | Prescription medication you checked | Reasonable cost to replace | Medical necessity prioritised |
| Work essentials (business travel) | Laptop charger, formal clothes | Reasonable actual cost | Must be genuinely essential for trip |
Check these against your situation — the more you can tick, the stronger your claim.
Filed a PIR at the airport before leaving the baggage hall
RequiredBag was late and you needed to purchase essential items
RequiredYou kept receipts for all emergency purchases
RequiredClaim submitted within 21 days of receiving your bag
RequiredNot sure if you qualify? Submit your details via our free claim checker — we assess eligibility at no cost and no obligation.
"You should have put essentials in your carry-on."
You are entitled to carry your belongings in checked baggage. Carry-on size limits and the nature of some essential items (medication bottles, liquids) mean this isn't always possible. The Convention protects you.
"Your purchases weren't essential.'"
Courts interpret 'essential' broadly — particularly for longer delays, business travel, and medical items. A reasonable set of clothes and toiletries for a 3-day delay is always defensible. Luxury items are not.
"Your bag arrived within 24 hours — we don't owe anything.'"
There is no minimum delay period in the Convention. If you needed to purchase essential items and the delay was caused by the airline, you can claim those costs from hour one of the delay.
We handle everything from the first letter to final payment. You do nothing.
Before leaving the baggage hall, file a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) at the airline desk. This is mandatory — without it, your claim may be refused.
List all missing or damaged items with estimated values. Attach receipts for emergency purchases. Submit via SkyVolo for us to negotiate.
We handle the airline directly. For lost bags we pursue the Montreal maximum. For delays, emergency essentials are reimbursed.
Specific answers to the questions that matter for your case.
No win, no fee — 25% only on success
We handle the airline. You get paid. Reimbursement for essential purchases.
Last updated: 2025-01-15 · Covers EC261, UK261 and Montreal Convention