LOT lost baggage compensation.
How much can you claim? What are the rules?
Losing your baggage during air travel can be an incredibly frustrating experience. There are various reasons why bags may go missing, such as transfer errors, mishandling, or mislabeling. This can lead to a negative travel experience as you anxiously wait by the baggage carousel hoping for your suitcase to arrive.
In case your luggage is lost, what steps should you take?
What to Do If Your Luggage Is Lost?
If your bag has gone missing, it’s vital to take quick action.
First, make your way to the Baggage Service Office (or the Lost and Found Office) near the baggage carousels and file a report. Bring your passport, boarding pass, and baggage tag, as well as a photo (if possible) or a detailed description of your missing bag.
Once you’ve reported the loss, you’ll receive a Property Irregularity Report with a reference number that you’ll need for online tracing. Keep this document safe!
Delivery arrangements will be made, but it may take up to 24 hours or longer to find your bag. Be patient during the recovery process; locating missing bags can take time.
Tracking Your Lost Baggage
When the airline loses your bag, it can be incredibly frustrating. However, airlines have established systems to track and recover lost bags. Affected passengers can use online tools to track their delayed and lost bags.
Track the progress of your missing bag online (with the World Tracer tool) using the personal reference number on the Property Irregularity Report provided to you at the airport.
When the airline locates your baggage, they will get in touch with you.
LOT Lost Baggage Compensation
If your bag is lost, you may be entitled to LOT lost baggage compensation.
To make a claim, it’s important to have a comprehensive list of the items that were in your bag, along with any receipts of the essential items you had had to replace. To minimize the effects of lost baggage on your travels, it’s always wise to pack essential items like medication, important documents, and valuables in your carry-on bag.
Baggage Delayed for More Than 5 Days
If your bag is not found within 5 days of filing the report, please contact LOT Airlines.
Use the Baggage Inventory Form to provide a detailed list of the contents of the baggage. Print and fill out the form, then send it to LOT’s Central Baggage Tracing Office. In the event that your baggage is found, LOT will deliver it to the address provided in the PIR at the airline’s expense.
For more information about lost baggage click here.
Reimbursement of Expenses
Passengers may have to purchase essential items like clothing, toiletries, and underwear in case of lost baggage. Such expenses are referred to as delayed baggage compensation. However, immediate payment may not always be available.
It’s important to note that the compensation only caters to essential items that passengers cannot do without. Passengers must retain all receipts for additional expenses incurred since they will need them when filing a claim for reimbursement. Without receipts, reimbursement is impossible!
Filing the reimbursement claim within 21 days of receiving lost bag is crucial; hence passengers should not miss this deadline.
Lost Baggage Compensation
Knowing compensation policies for lost baggage is essential.
If LOT can’t locate your bag within 21 days, you could be eligible for up to €1300 in compensation for your lost items. However, you must provide LOT with a detailed list of your belongings to qualify. To avoid missing any items, it’s recommended to prepare this list beforehand.
Bear in mind that this compensation must be paid directly to your bank account. You should not accept any vouchers.
While compensation can be helpful, it’s unwise to pack valuables such as electronics, art, or jewellery in checked baggage since airlines compensate for a limited amount as defined by the Montreal Convention and the airline’s Conditions of Carriage.
Apart from LOT lost baggage compensation, passengers can also claim for additional expenses incurred due to the loss of their baggage. It’s crucial to retain all relevant receipts and documents to support the claim.
Is Travel Insurance Necessary?
While travel insurance is not compulsory, it can provide additional coverage and protection for unforeseen circumstances that may occur during your trip. This includes lost baggage, medical emergencies and flight delays (and other disruptions).
Before you travel, it’s recommended to check if your bank card offers travel insurance. If not, consider comparing and purchasing a travel insurance policy separately as they are typically inexpensive and simple to acquire.
Keeping receipts of important purchases in case of baggage loss or delay is also recommended, and claiming expenses through your insurance provider may be more efficient than seeking compensation from the airline.
However, if you don’t have travel insurance, there’s no need to panic, as you can still claim lost baggage compensation from LOT.
Travel Prepared
Traveling can be unpredictable, so it’s crucial to be prepared for the unexpected.
In addition to planning your itinerary and making reservations, it’s essential to pack smartly and keep important items in your carry-on bag in case of checked baggage delays.
When packing for your trip, consider packing a change of clothes and undergarments in your carry-on bag, along with any necessary medication and valuables. This is especially important in case your checked-in bag is delayed or lost during your travels.
It’s also wise to research the airline’s baggage policies and regulations before departure to avoid any additional fees or surprises. By taking these precautions, you can minimize the risk of inconvenience and enjoy a stress-free travel experience.
Please note that the rules for compensation for delayed or lost baggage with LOT 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 LOT and other airlines globally.
Featured photo by Markus Winkler from Pexels