Your baggage was lost and never returned by the airline
After 21 days, the Montreal Convention declares your bag officially 'lost' — and the airline's liability is up to 1,288 SDR (approximately €1,530). Filing a PIR at the airport and keeping a detailed contents list is essential to recovering the full amount.
Compensation
Up to 1,288 SDR (≈ €1,530)
Regulation
Montreal Convention Art.17–18
Time Limit
2 years from date bag declared lost
A bag is officially 'lost' under the Montreal Convention when 21 days have passed since you reported it missing. After this, you are entitled to claim compensation up to the Convention limit.
Montreal Convention Art.17(3): Baggage is 'lost' after 21 days from the date the passenger reports non-delivery. Maximum liability is 1,288 SDR per passenger.
The Montreal Convention sets a per-passenger maximum. Your claim is based on the documented value of your lost contents.
| Scenario / Distance | Example | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lost baggage | Not returned after 21 days | Up to 1,288 SDR (≈ €1,530) | — |
| Delayed baggage | Returned after your trip | Reimbursement for essentials | Keep all receipts |
| Damaged baggage | Bag broken / contents damaged | Repair or replacement cost | 7-day claim window |
Check these against your situation — the more you can tick, the stronger your claim.
You filed a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) at the airport before leaving
Without PIR, claim is very difficult
Required21+ days have passed since reporting the bag missing, OR bag officially declared lost
RequiredYou have a documented list of baggage contents and their value
RequiredFlight was on an international route (Montreal Convention applies internationally)
RequiredYou have receipts for high-value items (electronics, watches, etc.)
ConditionalNot sure if you qualify? Submit your details via our free claim checker — we assess eligibility at no cost and no obligation.
"You didn't file the claim within 21 days.'"
The Montreal Convention provides 2 years to file a lost baggage claim — from the date the bag is declared lost. The 21-day period is when 'delayed' becomes 'lost', not a claim deadline.
"The contents you listed are too high-value."
Airlines are liable for up to 1,288 SDR per passenger. This is the convention maximum — not a threshold. You must prove the value with receipts or reasonable estimates. We help you compile a defensible contents list.
"You didn't buy a luggage protection add-on — we're not liable beyond €50.'"
The Montreal Convention minimum liability of 1,288 SDR applies by law to all international flights — airlines cannot contractually exclude or cap this below the convention limit.
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. Up to 1,288 SDR (~€1,530).
Last updated: 2025-01-15 · Covers EC261, UK261 and Montreal Convention