What rights do I have if my luggage is lost?
December 13, 2022 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Ralf Schlittmaier
Dear lawyer,
my name is Gerd Ehrig and I recently booked a flight to go on vacation. Unfortunately, upon arrival at the destination airport, my luggage did not arrive. I have already filed a missing baggage report at the Lost and Found at the airport, but so far there is no information about the whereabouts of my luggage.
This situation is causing me great concern, as my luggage contains important personal items, as well as clothing and other things for my vacation. I am not sure what rights I have in such a case and how I should proceed. I also wonder if I am entitled to compensation or replacement for my lost luggage.
Could you please explain to me what legal steps I can take in this situation? Are there any laws or regulations that can help me recover my lost luggage or at least receive compensation? What documents or information do I need to provide to make my claims?
I thank you in advance for your help and advice on this matter.
Yours sincerely,
Gerd Ehrig
Dear Mr. Ehrig,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the lost luggage on your flight. I am sorry to hear that you are in this unpleasant situation. I understand that losing your luggage, especially if it contains important personal items, can be very frustrating and stressful.
In such cases, it is important that you know your rights as a passenger and know how to proceed. According to the Montreal Convention, which has been implemented in Germany through the Air Traffic Act, passengers are entitled to compensation in case of luggage loss. The airline is usually obligated to find your luggage within a certain period and return it to you.
I recommend that you first report the loss of your luggage to the airline in writing. You can do this either in person at the destination airport or online through the airline's website. It is important that you have all relevant information about your flight and luggage ready, such as the flight number, baggage tags, and a detailed description of your luggage.
Furthermore, you should collect all receipts and receipts for the items that were in your luggage. If you had to make additional expenses, such as purchasing new clothing or hygiene items to bridge the time without your luggage, you should also keep these receipts.
In the event of compensation for the loss of your luggage, you should contact the airline and make your claims. They are usually required to pay you appropriate compensation, depending on the value of the lost luggage and the actual expenses you have incurred.
If the airline refuses to pay you appropriate compensation or cannot resolve the loss of your luggage within a reasonable period, you may take legal action. In this case, I recommend that you contact a travel law attorney who can assist you and represent your interests in court.
I hope this information helps you and wish you success in resolving the loss of your luggage. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
Ralf Schlittmaier, Attorney
