SAS delayed baggage compensation.
How much can you claim? What are the rules?
As you wait patiently by the baggage carousel in the airport, it dawns on you that your suitcase probably didn’t make it this far. This is undoubtedly one of the most exasperating aspects of air travel. Your baggage could have been misplaced somewhere along the way, or if you had a connecting flight, there is a possibility that the airport personnel failed to load it onto the plane on schedule. Whatever the cause may be, losing your baggage is never fun.
What to do if your luggage is lost?
What to Do If Your Luggage Is Lost?
First and foremost, make sure you don’t leave the area where you collect your luggage.
Next, look for the Baggage Service Office which is often located near the baggage carousels in the same area. There, you can report the loss of your baggage.
Only after this you can claim for delayed baggage compensation.
You’ll need to show your passport, boarding pass, and the baggage tag which is a small sticker that is usually placed on your boarding pass when you check in your luggage. If you have a photo of your suitcase or any additional information, it can help to speed up the process of locating your bag. However, if you only have your passport and boarding pass, don’t worry, go ahead and register the loss anyway.
Then they will give you a written confirmation (Property Irregularity Report or PIR) with a personal reference number and will tell you what to do next. Don’t lose this document. In most cases, you’ll have to wait for some 12 – 24 hours until SAS or airport staff will contact you to arrange delivery of your bag.
In some cases you may be allowed to report missing baggage online.
Tracking Your Lost Baggage
The staff at the airport have given you a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) with a personal reference number. Make sure to keep it safe, as you will use it to track your baggage.
Use an online baggage tracing system (World Tracer Tool) to check the status of your lost baggage. You’ll need to enter your PIR number and provide other necessary details such as your name and date of travel. Remember, the number on your baggage tag is not the same as the PIR number.
SAS Delayed Baggage Compensation
What are your rights if your baggage is delayed?
Could you be entitled to delayed baggage compensation from SAS?
Baggage Delayed For a Few Days
Use the PIR to track baggage online with a World Tracer Tool.
You will see the status of your bag.
The airline has 21 days to find and return your baggage.
Reimbursement of Expenses
Keep in mind that you are eligible for reimbursement of expenses, also known as delayed baggage compensation, if your luggage is lost and you need to replace essential items such as toiletries, underwear, and necessary clothes. But only essentials.
It is important to save the receipts for any purchases made. These receipts will be necessary when submitting a claim for extra expenses. The deadline for filing a reimbursement claim is 21 days from the date when the lost baggage is received.
Lost Baggage (You Can Get Compensation)
SAS has 21 days to locate and return your baggage.
If the luggage is not found after 21 days, SAS will close the case and the passenger will need to provide a list of the missing items to make a compensation claim. Compensation amount is up to €1300.
Please note that it’s not advised to carry electronics, art, jewellery, etc., in checked baggage, because SAS (or any other airline, for that matter) isn’t liable to compensate for the full value of such items, only to the extent defined by the Montreal Convention and its Conditions of Carriage.
You’ll also have to present your boarding pass, baggage tags, and the Property Irregularity Report (PIR) with your reference number. If you incurred any additional expenses while waiting for your luggage, you can file a claim by providing receipts for your purchases.
Is Travel Insurance Necessary?
Do you need travel insurance?
The answer is both yes and no. While it’s not required to submit proof of insurance when filing a claim, it’s strongly advised to purchase insurance prior to your trip.
Having travel insurance can provide peace of mind during your trip, especially if unexpected issues arise. Your travel insurance company can handle most of the consequences, which can make your trip more enjoyable. Additionally, some travel insurance policies don’t cost a lot. Therefore, it may be beneficial to consider obtaining travel insurance or a travel debit/credit card with insurance coverage.
If your luggage is lost or delayed and it’s not your fault, you may be able to get a refund for necessary purchases through the insurance (can be easier than dealing with an airline directly). It’s best to check with your insurer before buying anything, and make sure to keep all receipts. Without receipts, you won’t get your money back.
Be sure to inquire about the specifics of coverage provided by the policy.
Does it includes coverage for baggage delay?
Travel Prepared
It’s possible that your luggage may be lost or delayed, so it’s a good idea to pack a change of clothes and underwear in your carry-on bag. This is especially important if you’re headed to a tropical destination and will need clothing appropriate for the weather, as well as swimwear.
It’s also a good idea to keep any medications and valuable items in your carry-on, just in case your checked luggage doesn’t arrive with you.
What is your experience with baggage delays on SAS flights? Has SAS ever lost your baggage? Have you ever applied for “SAS delayed baggage compensation” (reimbursement of expenses in case of baggage delay)?
Please note that the rules for compensation for delayed or lost baggage with SAS 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 SAS and other airlines globally.
Featured photo by Markus Winkler from Pexels