KLM delayed baggage compensation.
How much can you claim? What are the rules?
Standing by the baggage carousel at the airport, patiently waiting for your suitcase, and realising that most likely it hasn’t made it this far. This must be one of the most frustrating sides of air travel. Maybe it got lost somewhere, or if it’s a connecting flight it is also possible that airport staff simply didn’t manage to load your bags on plane in time. Whatever the reason, losing luggage is never fun.
What to do if your luggage is lost?
What to Do If Your Luggage Is Lost?
First things first, don’t leave the baggage reclaim area (baggage hall).
Try to find Baggage Service Office which often is located in the baggage hall right next to baggage carousels. There you can report the loss of your baggage.
You’ll be asked to show your passport, baggage tag and boarding pass. Baggage tag is that small sticker that they usually put on your boarding pass after you’ve checked in your baggage. All the extra information you can provide like a photo of your suitcase may make the process of finding your bag easier and faster. But don’t be put off if all you have is your passport and boarding pass, and register the loss anyway.
Then KLM will give you a written confirmation (Property Irregularity Report or PIR) with a personal reference number (don’t lose it) and will tell you what to do next. Mostly you’ll have to wait for some 12 – 24 hours until KLM will contact you to arrange delivery.
In some cases you may be allowed to report missing baggage online.
Tracking Your Lost Baggage
The PIR will have a personal reference number on it.
You can use the personal reference number to track the progress of your baggage online via the the World Tracer tool. Once KLM personnel has found your baggage, they will let you know.
KLM Delayed Baggage Compensation
What are your rights if your baggage is delayed?
Could you be entitled to delayed baggage compensation from KLM?
Baggage Delayed For 3+ Days
If your baggage is not found within 3 days, use the World Tracer tool to fill out a Baggage Inventory and Claim Form. It will be shown to you automatically after 3 days. Just log in the World Tracer tool with your last name and the personal reference number. Then fill in the needed information once you’ve logged in your file.
Reimbursement of Expenses
If your baggage is lost, and you have to replace any of necessary items, you are entitled to reimbursement for your expenses (sometimes referred to as delayed baggage compensation). With necessary items we understand essential things that were in your delayed bag that you can’t manage without, such as toiletries, underwear and essential clothes.
Keep the receipts of any items you buy. When you file the claim for additional expenses, you’ll need to provide these receipts. You have 21 days from the day you receive your lost baggage to file a claim for reimbursement.
Lost Baggage (You Can Get Compensation)
KLM has 21 days to locate and return your baggage.
If your baggage is lost for more than 21 days, you’re entitled to KLM lost baggage compensation of up to €1300. In order to receive this compensation KLM owes you, you’ll have to provide a list of things you had in your baggage. Please note that it’s not advised to carry electronics, art, jewelry, etc., in checked baggage, because KLM isn’t liable to compensate for the full value of such items, only to the extent defined by the Montreal Convention and its Conditions of Carriage.
You’ll also have to provide your boarding pass and baggage tags you were given when you checked in your luggage and Property Irregularity Report (PIR) with your reference number. In addition to that, you can file a claim for additional expenses you had while waiting for your luggage. You will have to provide receipts for purchases.
If your luggage is not found within 21 days, Baggage Inventory and Claim Form is sent to KLM Customer Contact Centre, and they contact you. In case you don’t hear from them, contact KLM yourself to register your KLM compensation claim.
Is Travel Insurance Necessary?
Yes and no.
While you don’t have to provide any insurance documentation when claiming compensation, it’s highly recommended to buy insurance before your trip.
Having a good travel insurance you’ll be able to enjoy a much more peaceful trip, especially if something does go wrong. Because they — your travel insurance company — will be the ones dealing with most of the consequences. Plus, mostly it doesn’t cost almost anything or anything at all extra. So, why not have an insurance, or a travel debit or credit card with insurance.
Generally speaking, if it’s not your fault that the luggage got lost or delayed, mostly you will be able to get money back for purchases that could be described as necessities in your particular situation. When in doubt ask your insurer first before buying anything. One thing to remember, though, always (!) keep all the receipts, if you are buying anything.
Without receipts you aren’t going to get anything.
Please note, that not all travel insurance policies covers baggage delay. Before you buy travel insurance, find out what does particular travel insurance cover.
Travel Prepared
Be prepared that your bag may get lost or arrive later than you.
Bags don’t get lost too often. But it happens.
So, pack a change of clothes and some underwear in your carry on. Just in case. If you are travelling to a tropical destination, pack shorts and t-shirt, or a summer dress. Don’t forget about the swimwear, if you’ll be swimming. Also, carry your medications and valuables in your carry on. So you can have access to them even if your checked luggage gets lost.
Note that in this case, with KLM baggage compensation, just like in many other situations we are talking about on this website, it isn’t only about KLM. Rules are the same for other airlines as well. In this case that’s because of the Montreal Convention, a treaty that applies to the carriage of baggage. It applies to most international flights of KLM and other airlines around the world.
Featured photo by Markus Winkler from Pexels