Austrian delayed baggage compensation.
Can you get compensation? If yes, what are the rules?
Experiencing a delay in receiving your baggage after a flight is a frequent inconvenience in air travel – your baggage might have been misplaced somewhere along the journey, or it may not have been transferred to your connecting flight in due time. Irrespective of the cause, being without your checked baggage is far from ideal.
What to do if your luggage is lost?
What to Do If Your Luggage Is Lost?
What to do if your luggage is delayed or lost?
The primary step, report delayed/lost baggage promptly.
The moment you notice your checked baggage hasn’t arrived, inform the airline representative at the Baggage Office in the baggage claim area of the airport. For lodging a complaint for a lost bag, you need to present your passport, boarding pass, and baggage tag (a sticker typically affixed on your boarding pass at check-in). Submitting a photo of your suitcase or any supplementary details can expedite the process.
The airline representative will record your contact details and provide you with a Property Irregularity Report or PIR with a unique reference number for tracking. Don’t lose this document. You will need it to track your delayed bag online.
If your baggage gets misplaced, it’s usually traced within the initial 24 hours. Once your bag is located, the airline reaches out to you to schedule a delivery.
Check your compensation online.
Tracking Your Lost Baggage
You have been handed a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) at the airport, which contains a unique reference number. Safeguard this document as it is essential for tracking your baggage.
To monitor the status of your lost belongings, make use of the airline’s baggage tracing system online. The representatives will share these details when you report your lost bag. Crucial information like your name and PIR are required to utilize this baggage tracer.
Remember, the number on your baggage tag is different from your PIR number.
Austrian Delayed Baggage Compensation
What are the steps if your baggage is delayed?
Could you qualify for Austrian delayed baggage compensation?
Baggage Delayed For 5+ Days
In the event that your delayed baggage has yet to be discovered within five days since you reported it, you should approach the airline to give an in-depth description of your bag and what it contains. This can be done by completing the contents list on the airline’s baggage status page, which will be accessible five days after the delay has been reported.
Reimbursement of Expenses
Keep in mind that delayed baggage compensation means reimbursement of expenses in case of baggage delay.
Bear in mind that you can receive reimbursement for essential expenses such as clothing, underwear, and toiletries if your baggage is lost or delayed. You must, however, retain the receipts for these purchases as they will be needed when making a claim. Only essential items are eligible for compensation.
The claim should be submitted within 21 days from when the delayed bag has been returned.
This reimbursement is often called “delayed baggage compensation”.
Lost Baggage (You Can Get Compensation)
Austrian Airlines has 21 days to find and deliver your baggage.
If your delayed baggage has not been found within 21 days, it is officially declared as lost. At this point, you can submit a claim for lost baggage compensation with the airline. You may be eligible for up to €1300 compensation.
Please be aware that it’s not recommended to carry valuable items such as electronics, artwork, jewellery, etc., in checked baggage, because Austrian Airlines (like all airlines) is not responsible for compensating for the total value of such items, only up to the limit as outlined by the Montreal Convention and its Conditions of Carriage.
When lodging a claim, you will need to present your boarding pass, baggage tags, and the Property Irregularity Report (PIR) with your reference number. If you had any extra expenses while waiting for your baggage, you can claim them by providing receipts for your purchases.
Is Travel Insurance Necessary
Is travel insurance a necessity?
While there is no legal requirement to provide proof of insurance when filing a claim, procuring travel insurance ahead of your journey is a strongly advocated measure.
Travel insurance offers a safety net during your travels, particularly in light of unforeseen circumstances. Many insurance providers offer affordable plans, making travel insurance a worthwhile investment. Moreover, some debit/credit cards designed for travel also provide insurance coverage.
If you were to encounter issues such as delayed or lost baggage, your insurance policy can streamline the refund process for essential purchases, potentially making it less complicated than addressing the matter directly with the airline.
Always remember to communicate with your insurer before making any purchases and to keep all receipts – without them, you won’t be able to get your money back. Thus, it’s worth inquiring about the specifics of your insurance policy, including whether delayed baggage coverage is included.
Travel Prepared
How can you prepare for possible delays or loss of baggage?
One effective strategy is to pack a spare set of clothes and underwear in your hand luggage. This is particularly relevant when heading to a tropical destination where weather-appropriate clothing and swimwear are essential.
Another significant tip is to keep medications and items of value in your carry-on bag as a preventive measure against the possible loss of checked baggage. Being prepared can help mitigate the inconveniences caused by unexpected baggage issues and enhance your travel experience.
What is your experience with baggage delays on Austrian flights? Has Austrian ever lost your baggage? Have you ever applied for “Austrian delayed baggage compensation” (reimbursement of expenses in case of baggage delay)?
Please note that the rules for compensation for lost or delayed baggage with Austrian are the same as those for other airlines. This is due to the Montreal Convention, which applies to the carriage of baggage on most international flights operated by Austrian and other airlines globally.