You might feel powerless or frustrated if your luggage is lost, but knowing exactly what to do when this happens is key to minimizing your stress and (hopefully!) getting your bag back. We’ll guide you through the process of filing a claim and explain your rights when it comes to lost luggage compensation.
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What to do if the airline loses your luggage
If you waited in the baggage carousel but your luggage never turned up, it’s time to find an airline agent. If you’re at a smaller airport, there may not be agents to assist you, so you’ll have to call your airline carrier for help. Some airlines might allow you to file a claim online.
You’ll typically have to provide the following:
- Your contact info
- Baggage claim tags
- Boarding passes
- Description of your luggage
What if your bag is delayed?
The airline is responsible for tracking your missing bags and returning them to you. If they can locate your bags quickly, you should get them before you leave the airport. Otherwise, the airline will deliver your luggage to you.
Many airlines offer compensation for delayed bags, though it varies by carrier.
You’ll typically file a claim for a dollar amount once your luggage has been missing for a specific amount of time. For instance, if you flew with WestJet, you can claim up to $100 if you’ve been waiting up to 48 hours and an additional $150 after that.
As per your passenger rights, you’re entitled to up to $2,350 for items you may need until your baggage is returned to you – or to replace items that were lost or damaged.
The airline is more likely to reimburse you for the full amount of your claim if you give them receipts. You should also be reimbursed for any baggage fees you may have paid, although luggage policies vary by carrier.
Pro Tip: Never put anything valuable in your checked bags. Valuables should be stowed in your carry-on bag since airlines and insurance companies won’t compensate you for losing a high-priced item in your checked bag.
Lost luggage policies in Canada
Airlines around their world have their own policies, but here are the lost luggage policies for our major Canadian carriers.
Air Canada lost luggage
An Air Canada agent will help you create a WorldTracer report to track and locate your luggage. You can then call 1-888 689-BAGS (2247) or enter the report number online to get an update on your luggage. If it’s been 3 days and your luggage hasn’t been located, Air Canada will have you complete an additional Baggage Tracing form.
Not only will Air Canada refund your checked baggage fees, but you can also receive reimbursement for expenses. Make your claims within 21 days of the day you get your luggage back.
Learn more: Air Canada baggage policy
WestJet lost luggage
You can create a baggage report within 12 hours of arrival at your destination or speak with a Baggage Services Agent at the airport who can help you file a lost luggage claim.
WestJet will reimburse you for reasonable expenses, like Air Canada does, and you may be entitled to compensation for delayed baggage as per the bill of passenger rights.
Learn more: WestJet baggage policy
Porter lost luggage
If Porter loses your bag(s), you can start the lost luggage claim process at the airport or by emailing after you leave. Porter states that they'll compensate you for reasonable and necessary out-of-pocket expenses, and any lost luggage (located after 21 days) is eligible for compensation up to $2,035.
Learn more: Porter baggage policy
Air Transat lost luggage
If your bags don’t arrive when you do, you should let an Air Transat agent know. The agent can help you fill out a Property Irregularity Report, or you can submit one online before you leave the airport. Transat uses the WorldTracer report to track your baggage, allowing you to see the status of your bag online.
Air Transat reimburses for essential out-of-pocket expenses up to $50 per day per baggage for a maximum of 7 days. If your luggage isn’t found after 21 days, you’ll need to file a compensation claim. Unfortunately, the airline doesn’t specify how much you’ll receive.
Learn more: Transat baggage policy
Sunwing lost luggage
To start your claim, you'll have to see a Sunwing representative at the airport. Sunwing claims to be able to retrieve your luggage in 24 hours – and considering that Sunwing mostly offers point-to-point flights to sun destinations, it should never be hard to find it.
If you need to make a claim, you must do so within 21 days of your bags going missing. According to Sunwing’s tariff document, the airline must reimburse a passenger up to $2,000 for lost luggage.
Learn more: Sunwing baggage policy
Compensation requirements for lost luggage
According to the Canadian Transportation Authority (CTA), you must file a claim in writing if your baggage is lost by the airline and hasn’t been returned to you after 21 days.
The airline must:
- Refund any baggage fees you paid
- Pay up to $2,350 to replace the contents of your lost luggage
If you’re unsatisfied with the payout you receive or haven’t heard anything from the airline within 30 days of filing your claim, you can contact the CTA for support.
How lost baggage insurance works
Airlines are required to provide you with some type of compensation for missing bags – but it can take some time to see a payout. One way to improve your coverage is with travel insurance. This specialized insurance policy often includes coverage for lost luggage. If it doesn’t, you can typically add it to your policy.
Here's an example of how it works from Allianz:
A basic Allianz travel insurance package includes up to $500 in baggage coverage plus expenses per traveler; however, you can only file a claim if your baggage is delayed for more than 12 hours. You can claim the basics you need until your bags arrive as long as you keep the receipts.
This insurance is part of the company’s basic travel insurance plan. For additional baggage coverage, you can shop for a premium insurance plan.
Credit cards with lost baggage insurance
You might not need to add baggage coverage if it’s included with your credit card. Many cards that charge an annual fee include at least some type of insurance, though you’ll want to read the details of your policy.
Here's the key phrase for delayed baggage from one credit card that includes it – the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard.
Here’s the coverage if your bag was not located and deemed lost:
This coverage is independent of whatever the airline may give you. To be covered, however, you must charge the cost of the trip to your credit card.
As with any insurance, you must notify the insurer and provide proof that your bags were lost. This is where a report or claim number is useful.
Here are some of the top credit cards that offer lost baggage insurance:
| Credit card | Welcome bonus | Coverage | Annual fee and income requirements | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Express Cobalt Card |  $100 GeniusCash + Up to 15,000 bonus points (terms) | Delayed: $500 Lost: $500 | * $191.88 * None | Apply now |
| BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard |  $175 GeniusCash + Up to 90,000 100,000 bonus points, first year free (terms) | Delayed: $200 Lost: $750 | * $150 * $80K personal or $150K household | Apply now |
| RBC Avion Visa Infinite | 35,000 bonus points (terms) | Delayed: $500 Lost: $500 | * $120 * $60K personal or $100K household | Apply now |
| Scotiabank Gold American Express Card | $100 GeniusCash + Up to 50,000 bonus points, first year free (terms) | Delayed: $1,000 Lost: $1,000 | * $120 * $12K personal | Apply now |
Scotiabank credit cards tend to provide the best level of coverage on their premium cards. The
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1x Award winner In general, this is an excellent credit card for insurance, giving you an impressive 12 types of coverage.
Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card
| Extended Warranty | 1 year |
| Purchase Protection | 90 days |
| Mobile Device | $1,000 |
| Travel Accident | $500,000 |
| Emergency Medical Term | 25 days |
| Emergency Medical Maximum Coverage | $1,000,000 |
| Emergency Medical over 65 | 3 days |
| Trip Cancellation | $1,500 |
| Trip Interruption | $1,500 |
| Flight Delay | $500 |
| Baggage Delay | $1,000 |
| Lost or Stolen Baggage | $1,000 |
| Hotel Burglary | $1,000 |
| Rental Car Theft & Damage | Yes |
Please review your insurance certificate for details, exclusions and limitations of your coverage.
The final big benefit is that you won’t pay the 2.5% foreign exchange fee that most credit cards charge for purchases made outside of Canadian dollars. This, coupled with the higher-value lost luggage/delayed luggage coverage, makes it the card for travel.
How to reduce the risk of lost luggage
We’ve mainly focused on what to do after your bags have gone missing, but there are several things you can do to prevent lost luggage in the first place. Here are some of our top travel tips:
- Put contact info inside your bag: Luggage tags can come off, so play it safe and put your phone number and address in your bag where it can be seen as soon as you open the luggage.
- Opt for bright luggage: It’s easier to spot a bright bag versus a black one.
- Remove old barcodes: If you leave barcodes from previous flights on your luggage, airline staff can have a difficult time determining where your bag is supposed to be. Take them off after each flight.
- Book direct flights: A direct flight greatly reduces the chance that your luggage won’t make it with you.
- Check in early: This gives baggage handlers plenty of time to stow your luggage. If you check in at the last minute, they might be rushed and more likely to misplace your bag.
- Use a luggage tag: Remember to fill in your contact information so that if your bags are misplaced, they can be returned to you faster.
FAQ
What happens if my luggage is lost?
If your luggage is lost, speak to your airline to submit a claim. They’ll track your bag(s) and deliver them to you, either at your destination or at home. If they can’t find your luggage after 21 days, they’re required to compensate you for the loss.
How much do airlines pay for lost luggage?
The exact amount that airlines compensate you for out-of-pocket expenses varies by airline, and each airline has a different process for lost luggage reimbursement. Per the passenger bill of rights, they’re required to provide up to $2,350 in compensation, but that doesn’t guarantee you’ll get the full amount.
How can I find my lost luggage?
If you need to locate lost luggage, start filing a baggage claim with the airline. You’ll need to provide contact information and details about your bags. If you have a tracker (like an AirTag) on your bags, they might be quicker to locate – but you’ll still need to let the airline investigate and return your bag to you.
Who is responsible if my luggage is lost?
Ultimately, the airline is liable for lost or damaged luggage. If you’ve filed a lost luggage claim and they haven’t found it after 21 days, they’re required to refund your baggage fees and pay you up to $2,350 in compensation.
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