Steps to follow if my suitcase is lost after a plane trip
MADRIDUpdated:
Losing the suitcase is one of the biggest fears when traveling by plane even though it is not one of the most frequent incidents in flights since these claims only represent 2% of the more than 61,000 handled in 2018 by reclamador.es. The trips that involve a greater risk of loss of luggage are those that include the transfer between airplanes and / or airlines. In 2017, there were 5.57 lost suitcases per thousand passengers, the lowest recorded rate in the history of aviation, according to data compiled by SITA.
However, it is the complaint by which air passengers can be compensated with the highest average amount: 808 euros. Thus, it must be borne in mind that if the baggage appears before 21 days have elapsed, it is considered a delay. In this case, the passenger has the right to claim compensation for the expenses that he would have been forced to make due to this delay. Once those 21 days have passed, explain the sources of the claimant, the luggage is considered lost and the compensation can amount to 1,400 euros, as established by the Montreal Convention.
To be able to assert their rights in case of damage or loss of luggage, the claimant explains that the first thing the passenger must do is fill in the Baggage Irregularity Part (PIR). Even though the affected client has 21 days to complete this form, from the online portal they recommend doing it before leaving the airport. Together with the PIR, it is necessary the luggage stub that the airline delivers at the moment of checking in the suitcase. Finally, all the tickets or invoices of the clothes and personal hygiene materials that the passenger had to buy after losing their suitcases must be kept.
In addition to all the above, in the case of transporting luggage with very expensive belongings, It is advisable to make a pre-flight value statement. It is an insurance offered by the airline - with a surcharge for the consumer - and if not, the passenger could only request the limit compensation of up to 1,400 euros.
On the other hand, in the OCU they emphasize that the passenger also has the right to request the "overnight kit" with basic products for the toilet. Companies must compensate their passengers for delay either with a bonus of daily expenses or through reimbursement of receipts, remember. Likewise, the consumer organization advises carrying the documentation (including the embasque cards and the billing receipt of the suitcases or luggage stub), medicines, jewelry and a change of clothes in the hand luggage in case a loss occurs. The suitcases should also be labeled with the name and contact telephone number. Do not miss the boarding passes or the receipt of the bill for the packages.
From reclamador.es also remember that they have got the Commercial Court No. 9 of Barcelona raise a preliminary ruling for the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) to determine whether, in cases of ultimate loss, the airline must pay the 1,131 special drawing rights always, or if that amount should be moderated by each court depending on the damage caused to the passenger in each case in a particular way.
