01
What the Montreal Convention actually says
Article 17(3) allows a passenger to enforce rights arising from the contract of carriage if checked baggage has not arrived after 21 days from the date it should have arrived, or if the carrier admits the loss earlier. That is why day 21 is used as the practical transition from a delay claim to a lost-baggage claim on covered journeys.
The rule does not make every journey identical. Domestic rules, airline conditions and insurance wording can differ, so submit promptly and use the process stated for your flight.
02
What does not happen automatically on day 21
The 1,519 SDR Montreal Convention limit is generally a ceiling per passenger for the combined baggage claim, not a standard payout per bag. The passenger must still show the loss and the reasonable value claimed.
- The airline does not automatically pay the maximum liability amount.
- The tracing file does not necessarily close or stop matching found bags.
- Every item in the suitcase is not automatically valued as new.
- The PIR does not automatically become the written compensation claim.
03
Build an inventory that an assessor can verify
List the suitcase and each meaningful item separately. Add brand, model or description, approximate purchase date, original price, present condition and the amount claimed. Airlines commonly account for age and wear rather than replacing every item new for old.
- Receipts, order histories and redacted card statements.
- Photographs showing the bag or items before travel.
- Product links that establish what an unusual item was.
- Warranty, serial or registration evidence where relevant.
- A short explanation when original proof is unavailable.
04
Keep delay expenses separate from lost contents
Reasonable essential purchases caused by the delay and the depreciated value of the missing bag and contents are different parts of the chronology. Present them in separate tables, keep itemised receipts and avoid counting the same item twice.
Travel insurance may cover different items or apply an excess. You cannot recover twice for the same loss, but one valid route may cover a shortfall that another excludes.
05
If the bag returns after day 21
Tell the airline immediately and preserve the delivery date and condition. The eventual outcome depends on whether a loss settlement was already agreed or paid and on the airline's instructions. Do not dispose of evidence or spend an expected settlement before the claim is resolved.
A returned bag can still support a delayed-baggage expense claim. If it arrives damaged or with contents missing, photograph it promptly and follow the airline's separate reporting deadline.