Loss, damage, or delay of baggage is one of the most stressful experiences for a passenger. Arriving at a destination without personal belongings causes not only psychological discomfort but also real material loss. Airline liability for baggage is strictly regulated by international conventions, but to receive compensation, the passenger must adhere to strict procedural deadlines and rules. The "Lost Baggage" service includes legal assistance in obtaining adequate reimbursement from the airline, whether for baggage repair costs, reimbursement for essential items, or full compensation for the value of lost items.
What do Baggage Claims cover?
Legal services cover three main categories:
- Delayed Baggage: If baggage is delayed (arrives later than the passenger), the passenger has the right to claim reimbursement for essential items (clothes, toiletries) purchased while waiting.
- Lost Baggage: If baggage is not found within 21 days, it is officially considered lost. In this case, the passenger is entitled to compensation for the contents and the suitcase itself, up to a limited amount.
- Damaged Baggage: If the suitcase or items inside were damaged during transport (broken handle, wheel, torn fabric), the airline is obliged to repair it or reimburse the cost.
- Stolen Items: Claims regarding theft of items from baggage, which requires police involvement and evidence.
Common Situations and Problems
Baggage disputes are often complicated:
- Missed Deadlines: A passenger took damaged baggage home and filed a claim 10 days later. Unfortunately, by law, damage claims must be filed within 7 days.
- Proving Value: The airline asks for receipts for lost items (clothes), which the passenger does not have. Lawyers help submit alternative evidence (photos, market prices).
- Liability Limitation: The airline claims it is not liable for fragile items (electronics, glass), which is not always a legal argument if the packing was adequate.
Georgian Legislation and Regulations
Baggage carriage in Georgia is regulated by the Montreal Convention and the Air Code of Georgia. The Montreal Convention sets a liability cap of approximately 1,288 SDRs (Special Drawing Rights), which is equivalent to about 1,600-1,700 USD per passenger (not per kilogram, as was the case in the Warsaw Convention). This means airline liability is limited unless the passenger declared a special value for the baggage in advance and paid an additional fee.
Service Process
For a successful claim, it is essential to:
- File a PIR: Fill out a "Property Irregularity Report" (PIR) at the airport immediately upon discovering the loss/damage. Without this, compensation is almost impossible.
- Send a Claim: Submit a written claim within the legal deadlines (Damage - 7 days, Delay - 21 days).
- Evidence: Provide receipts, baggage tags, and boarding passes.
- Negotiation: Agree on the amount with the airline.
Why Legal.ge?
Airlines often offer meager amounts for lost baggage (e.g., based on weight), violating the principles of the Montreal Convention. Lawyers on Legal.ge will help you receive real compensation reflecting the market value of your items and the damage suffered. We know how to meet deadlines and present claims so that the airline can no longer avoid liability.
Updated: ...