SAS lost baggage compensation.
How much can you claim? What are the rules?
There are various reasons why baggage can get lost at airports. Regardless of the cause, losing luggage is always an unpleasant experience. Waiting by the baggage carousel at the airport, hoping for your suitcase to arrive, and realizing that it is most likely missing can be one of the most aggravating aspects of air travel.
What to do if your luggage is lost?
What to Do If Your Luggage Is Lost?
If your baggage has been lost, make sure to report it immediately.
This is the only way to get lost baggage compensation (if it will be due).
Remain in the baggage reclaim area and locate the Baggage Service Office, which is typically found near the baggage carousels. You can report your lost baggage at this office.
Make sure you have your passport, boarding pass, and baggage tag ready. The baggage tag is a small sticker that is usually placed on your boarding pass once you’ve checked in your luggage. It might be helpful to provide a photo of your bag to speed up the process of finding it. However, if you only have your passport and boarding pass, still report your lost bag.
The office staff will provide you with a written confirmation called a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) along with a personal reference number. They will also instruct you on what steps to take next. Depending on the situation, it may take up to 24 hours or longer to locate your lost baggage.
After they contact you, you will have to agree about the delivery of your bag.
In some cases you may be allowed to report missing baggage online.
Tracking Your Lost Baggage
You can use the World Tracer tool to track the progress of your lost bag online.
Use the personal reference number on the Property Irregularity Report (which is given to you at the airport) to track your bag’s progress online (World Tracer Tool).
Once SAS personnel has found your baggage, they will contact you.
SAS Lost Baggage Compensation
If your baggage gets lost, what are your entitlements?
Could you be entitled to SAS baggage compensation? Will SAS cover any expenses for you to replace your belongings? Is your baggage really lost, or is it simply delayed?
Baggage Lost 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.
Until then it’s considered delayed.
Reimbursement of Expenses
In case your baggage gets lost and you need to purchase essential items, you are eligible for reimbursement of expenses (commonly known as delayed baggage compensation). However, you should not expect immediate payment and it is important to note that the compensation only covers necessary items such as toiletries, underwear, and essential clothing – items you cannot do without.
It is crucial to keep all your receipts. These receipts are required when filing a claim for additional expenses. Remember that you have 21 days to file the claim for reimbursement from the day you receive your lost baggage. Make sure not to miss this deadline.
Lost Baggage Compensation
If your baggage is not found by SAS within 21 days, you can receive compensation of up to €1300 for lost baggage. To receive this compensation, you need to provide SAS with a list of the items that were in your baggage. To ensure you don’t forget anything, it’s recommended that you prepare this list in advance.
SAS has to pay this compensation to your bank account. You don’t have to accept SAS compensation voucher. You can’t buy a new suitcase with it, can you?
To clarify, it is not recommended to pack electronics, art, jewellery or other valuable items in checked baggage, as SAS is only responsible for compensating a limited amount as defined by the Montreal Convention and its Conditions of Carriage.
In addition to this, you can file a claim for any additional expenses.
Is Travel Insurance Necessary?
Do you need travel insurance to claim lost baggage compensation?
No, it’s not necessary, but having it can be useful. Although you don’t have to show any insurance paperwork when filing a claim for compensation, it’s strongly advised to purchase insurance before embarking on your journey.
With a reliable travel insurance policy, you can enjoy a more stress-free journey, especially in the event of any unforeseen incidents. This is because your travel insurance provider will be responsible for handling most of the aftermath. Furthermore, travel insurance often comes at an affordable price or may even be included in your debit or credit card benefits.
In most cases, if the airline is at fault for losing or delaying your luggage, you may be eligible for reimbursement for essential purchases. This reimbursement can be obtained either directly from the airline or through your insurance provider. Sometimes, the latter is more effecient. Remember to keep all your receipts if you plan on claiming reimbursement for any expenses incurred.
Please note, that not all insurance policies cover baggage delays and loss.
Find out what your travel insurance covers.
Travel Prepared
It’s a wise move to have a backup plan in case something unexpected happens.
While lost baggage isn’t a too-frequent occurrence, it can happen. Therefore, it’s a good idea to pack spare clothes and underwear in your carry-on luggage in case your suitcase is misplaced or delayed for a day or two. Additionally, keep your medications and valuable belongings in your carry-on bag, so you can access them even if your checked baggage doesn’t arrive at your destination.
Always keep in mind that your bag may get lost or delayed somewhere during your travels.
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 TUI and other airlines globally.
Featured photo by Markus Winkler from Pexels