01
PIR means Property Irregularity Report
The report records an irregularity such as a bag that did not arrive, arrived damaged or had contents missing. Depending on the airline, it may be created at the baggage desk or through an approved online self-service process.
People often call the reference itself a 'PIR number'. You may also see 'file reference', 'baggage reference', 'report reference' or 'claim number'. Use the airline's wording and copy the value exactly.
02
The reference commonly contains letters and numbers
A WorldTracer file reference is commonly shown as ten characters combining airport and airline identifiers with digits, for example FRALH12345. Formats and labels can vary, so do not reject a valid reference just because it looks different from an example online.
The baggage-tag number is a separate identifier, often a longer numeric value printed beneath a barcode. Both should appear in or support the tracing record.
03
Check the report before leaving the desk
- Passenger name, phone number and email address.
- Current address for delivery, including hotel dates if relevant.
- Every flight in the journey and the checked-bag tag number.
- Bag type, colour, brand, size, material and distinctive features.
- The official link and contact route for status updates.
04
The PIR starts tracing; it may not start a claim
The report gives the airline or handler a record to trace, manage or assess the baggage problem. The UK Civil Aviation Authority advises passengers to keep a copy, but also explains that a written claim to the airline is required within the applicable deadline.
Keep essential-purchase receipts, damage photographs or a lost-contents inventory for the separate claim. Do not assume that adding expenses to a message or tracking screen has submitted them unless the airline confirms it.
05
Use the reference only with the responsible service
Enter the reference through the official airline or handler portal identified in your confirmation. BagBack cannot use the number to look up your record, and it should not be posted publicly because it is commonly used together with a surname to access case information.