A Recent Ruling Changes The Game
In a landmark decision in July 2026, a district consumer commission in Kerala ordered an airline to pay a passenger ₹53,923 for a three-day baggage delay. The passenger, who had travelled from Jammu to Coimbatore, was forced to buy essential clothing
worth ₹8,923 while waiting for his luggage. The commission not only ordered the airline to reimburse this amount but also awarded further compensation for the service deficiency and litigation costs. This case is not an isolated incident but a powerful reminder for Indian travellers: the rules are not just on paper. When airlines fail in their duty of care, consumer courts are increasingly holding them accountable, reinforcing your right to be compensated for necessary interim expenses.
Know Your Rights: Domestic vs. International
Your rights depend on where you are flying. For domestic flights within India, rules set by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) apply. The airline's liability for delayed, lost, or damaged baggage is capped at ₹20,000 per passenger. For international journeys (including flights starting or ending in India), you are protected by the Montreal Convention. This treaty offers significantly more protection, with airline liability capped at 1,519 Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), which translates to roughly ₹1.8 lakh per passenger. This limit covers not only the value of lost items but also the reasonable costs you incur buying essentials during a delay.
The First 30 Minutes Are Critical
What you do immediately upon realising your bag is missing is the single most important factor in a successful claim. Do not leave the baggage reclaim area. Head straight to your airline's baggage service counter and file a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). This document, with its unique reference number, is the official proof that you reported the missing bag at the airport. Without a PIR, airlines are likely to reject your claim outright, arguing there is no proof the bag was mishandled on their watch. Ensure you get a copy of the PIR before you walk away from the counter.
What Are 'Essential' Replacement Costs?
While your bag is delayed, you are entitled to reimbursement for reasonable, essential purchases. This is not a license for a shopping spree. Think of items you genuinely cannot do without: basic toiletries, a change of underwear and socks, and simple clothing appropriate for your destination. The Kerala ruling deemed ₹8,923 for clothing during a three-day delay as a valid expense, providing a useful benchmark. The key is 'reasonableness'. An airline is more likely to approve a claim for a shirt and trousers needed for a business meeting than for a luxury jacket. Always keep the purpose of your trip in mind and spend accordingly.
The Perfect Documentation Trail
A successful claim is built on solid proof. You must keep every original, itemised receipt for any essential item you purchase. A credit card statement alone is often not enough; the airline wants to see exactly what you bought. As a crucial backup, take a clear photograph of each receipt with your phone the moment you get it. Your documentation file should also include your boarding pass, the baggage tag sticker (usually stuck to the back of your boarding pass), and your copy of the PIR. Being meticulous here is your best weapon. A well-documented claim is difficult for an airline to dispute.
Filing and Escalating Your Claim
Once your bag is finally delivered, the clock starts ticking. Under the Montreal Convention, you must submit your formal written claim for reimbursement within 21 days of receiving your delayed luggage. Send the airline an email with your PIR reference number, flight details, and scanned copies of all your receipts and documents. If the airline ignores you, offers an unfairly low amount, or refuses to pay, don't give up. Escalate your complaint through the official government AirSewa portal. If that fails, your next step is filing a formal complaint with a consumer commission, as the passenger in the Kerala case successfully did.
