Ryanair lost baggage compensation.
How much can you claim? What are the rules?
When it comes to air travel, losing baggage is undeniably one of the most exasperating experiences. Whether due to transfer errors, mishandling, or mere mislabeling, the frustration of waiting by the baggage carousel, hoping for your suitcase to appear, only to realize it’s missing, can truly mar your travel journey. So, what steps should you take if your luggage is lost?
What to Do If Your Luggage Is Lost?
In the unfortunate event that your luggage is lost, it’s important to take immediate action. Head to the Baggage Service Office, typically situated in close proximity to the baggage carousels.
Ensure you have your passport, boarding pass, and baggage tag readily available. To expedite the process, you can also supply a photograph of your bag. However, if that’s not feasible, a comprehensive description of your bag will suffice.
Upon completion, you’ll receive a Property Irregularity Report along with a unique reference number. Safeguard this documentation, as it’s essential for tracking the status of your bag online. Plans for delivery will be established, though it may take around 24 hours or potentially more to successfully pinpoint the whereabouts of your missing baggage.
Check your compensation online.
Tracking Your Lost Baggage
Checking the status of your lost baggage is now easier through online tracking.
Utilize the unique personal reference number provided in the Property Irregularity Report (issued to you at the airport) to monitor the progress of your bag. This can be accomplished by utilizing the airline’s dedicated online baggage tracing system.
Upon successful retrieval of your baggage by Ryanair staff, you can expect them to get in touch with you directly.
Ryanair Lost Baggage Compensation
What are your rights in the event of lost baggage?
Can you expect Ryanair lost baggage compensation? Will the airline reimburse you for expenses incurred in replacing your belongings? Is your baggage really lost or just delayed?
Baggage Delayed For a Few Days
Airlines devote significant efforts to promptly deliver their customers’ baggage, with a goal of achieving this within 24 hours. It is important to bear in mind that in the majority of cases, bags are located and delivered within 72 hours.
To conveniently track your baggage online, you can make use of Ryanair online baggage tracing system. You can use this tool by providing the PIR (Property Irregularity Report) number. This tracer enables you to easily check the status of your bag throughout the entire process.
Reimbursement of Expenses
In the event of your baggage being lost and the necessity arises to purchase essential items like toiletries, underwear, and vital clothing, there exists a provision for reimbursement of these expenses. This is commonly referred to as delayed baggage compensation. It’s important to bear in mind that it’s not an immediate payment. It takes some time to get this refund.
It’s essential to recognize that this reimbursement is solely intended to cover basic necessities such as toiletries, underwear, and basic clothing – items that are indispensable.
It is highly recommended to keep all receipts, as they are essential for initiating a claim for additional expenses. Please note that the deadline for submitting the claim and receiving reimbursement is 21 days from the time you receive your delayed baggage. Ensuring compliance with this deadline is extremely important.
Lost Baggage Compensation
Should Ryanair be unable to locate your baggage within a 21-day period, you could potentially qualify for compensation amounting to €1300 to cover the value of the lost items. To get this compensation, it’s necessary to provide Ryanair with a comprehensive inventory of your baggage’s contents. To ensure no items are omitted, it is recommended to compile this list in advance.
Ryanair is obligated to transfer this compensation directly to your bank account. It’s important to note that you don’t have to accept Ryanair vouchers. According to EU regulations, the compensation must be provided in either cash or through bank transfer.
For enhanced protection, it’s advisable to refrain from packing valuable items like electronics, artwork, or jewellery in checked baggage. This is due to Ryanair’s compensation being limited according to the stipulations outlined in the Montreal Convention and Ryanair’s 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 Ryanair lost baggage compensation, no, you don’t need insurance.
While not mandatory for claims, it’s highly recommended to buy insurance before your journey.
Travel insurance provides peace of mind in case of unexpected issues such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost belongings. Your insurance provider can assist with most outcomes, making your trip more enjoyable and worry-free. Some policies are affordable and offer comprehensive coverage for various travel scenarios.
Consider getting travel insurance or using a travel debit/credit card with coverage to protect yourself and your belongings throughout your journey.
If your baggage is lost or delayed (not your fault), you may be eligible for a lost baggage reimbursement and a refund for essential purchases through your policy, which is simpler than dealing with the airline directly. It’s important to contact your insurer and keep receipts before making any purchases. Remember, no receipts mean no refund.
Additionally, ask your insurer about coverage details, including baggage delay coverage, to ensure you have all the necessary information before your trip. Travel insurance can provide you with the necessary support and financial protection, allowing you to focus on enjoying your travels with peace of mind.
Travel Prepared
Being prepared for the possibility of baggage loss while traveling is of utmost importance.
To mitigate such situations, it is crucial to pack a spare set of clothes and underwear in your carry-on bag. This becomes even more essential when traveling to tropical destinations, where appropriate weather clothing and swimwear are a necessity.
In addition, it is advisable to keep medications and valuable items in your carry-on bag as a precautionary measure in case your checked baggage goes missing.
Furthermore, familiarizing yourself with your rights is essential! In the unfortunate circumstance of Ryanair losing your baggage, you may be eligible for Ryanair lost baggage compensation.
Please note that the rules for compensation for delayed or lost baggage with Ryanair 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 Ryanair and other airlines globally.
Featured photo by Markus Winkler from Pexels