Know Your Rights: What the Rules Say
When your bag is delayed, it's not just an inconvenience; it's a 'deficiency in service' for which you are owed compensation. In India, passenger rights are outlined by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). For domestic flights, an airline's
liability for delayed, lost, or damaged baggage is capped at ₹20,000 per passenger. For international journeys, the Montreal Convention applies, offering a much higher liability limit of approximately 1,288 Special Drawing Rights (SDR), which translates to roughly ₹1.5 lakh. Recent consumer commission rulings, like one in Kerala from July 2026, have repeatedly held airlines accountable, ordering them to reimburse passengers not only for essential purchases but also for the mental agony caused by the delay. These judgments confirm that the regulations have teeth and passengers who are persistent can get their rightful compensation.
The First 30 Minutes: Your Most Crucial Step
What you do immediately upon realising your bag is missing is critical. Before you leave the arrivals hall, you must go to the airline's baggage service desk and file a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). This document is the single most important piece of evidence for your claim. Without a PIR, most airlines will not process a claim for reimbursement or compensation. When you file the report, you will receive a reference number. Take a photo of the completed form and the reference number before you leave the counter. This number allows you to track your bag's status, usually through a global system like WorldTracer, and serves as the foundation for all your follow-up communication with the airline.
What Are 'Reasonable and Necessary' Expenses?
While you wait for your bag, the airline is obligated to reimburse you for 'reasonable' interim expenses. This generally includes essential items you need to continue your trip. Think toiletries like a toothbrush and deodorant, a basic change of clothes, underwear, and socks. If you're travelling for work, essential items for your job may also be covered. However, luxury or designer goods are not considered reasonable and will likely be rejected. A good rule of thumb is to purchase what you absolutely need, not what you want. Some airlines suggest a daily limit of around $50 (approximately ₹4,000), but this is not a hard rule. The key is that the expenses must be justifiable based on your circumstances.
The Golden Rule: Keep Every Single Receipt
Your claim for reimbursement will live or die by your documentation. You must keep every physical receipt for every essential item you purchase. No receipt means no reimbursement. It is also wise to take a clear photograph of each receipt as a digital backup, in case the original gets lost. When you submit your claim, you will need to provide an itemised list of your expenses supported by this proof of purchase. Paying with a credit card can provide an additional layer of record-keeping, but it does not replace the need for the actual itemised receipts. This meticulous record-keeping is non-negotiable and will make the entire claims process smoother.
Filing and Following Up on Your Claim
Once your bag has been delivered, you can formally submit your claim for reimbursement. For delayed baggage, this must typically be done within 21 days of receiving your luggage. Most airlines have an online portal for submitting claims. You will need to provide your flight details, PIR reference number, and copies of all your receipts. If the airline is unresponsive or refuses your legitimate claim, you have further recourse. You can escalate the issue by filing a grievance on the government's AirSewa portal or app. This system routes your complaint directly to the airline and is monitored by the DGCA, adding pressure for a resolution. If that fails, filing a case with a consumer commission is the next step, as recent rulings have shown they often side with the passenger when service is clearly deficient.
