Compensation for lost, damaged and delayed baggage
Lost and damaged baggage
If your baggage is lost or damaged while in the airline’s care, the airline must compensate you. The limit to the amount you can claim for baggage issues is set out in the Montreal Convention (the international treaty that sets rules for the carriage of passengers, baggage and cargo).
Deadlines for filing a baggage claim with the airline
To be eligible for compensation, refunds, or reimbursement, you must file a claim with the airline:
| Damaged baggage | Within 7 days of receiving your baggage |
|---|---|
| Delayed baggage on international flights | Within 21 days of receiving your baggage |
| Delayed baggage on flights within Canada | As soon as possible and no later than the time limit found in the airline’s tariff |
| Baggage that is considered lost (not returned within 21 days) | As soon as possible |
If you don't submit a claim within these time limits, the airline could deny your claim.
Baggage claim amounts
There is a limit to the amount you can claim for baggage issues set out in the Montreal Convention rules:
Flights before December 28, 2024
The maximum compensation amount is 1,288 Special Drawing Rights (SDR), which is approximately $2,350 CAD.
Flights as of December 28, 2024
The maximum compensation amount is 1,519 Special Drawing Rights (SDR), which is approximately $2,780 CAD.
Airlines must also compensate the amount you paid the airline for baggage fees.
The airline does not have to compensate you if the damage resulted from the quality of your baggage.
Baggage fees
The airline must refund any fees you had to pay for baggage services if your baggage has been lost or damaged. These could include:
- standard baggage fees
- fees for extra baggage
- fees for oversized or overweight baggage
Delayed baggage
International travel itinerary
The airline must compensate you for items you may need until your baggage is returned.
Flights before December 28, 2024
The maximum compensation amount is 1,288 Special Drawing Rights (SDR), which is approximately $2,350 CAD.
Flights as of December 28, 2024
The maximum compensation amount is 1,519 Special Drawing Rights (SDR), which is approximately $2,780 CAD.
The airline does not have to compensate you if it took all reasonable measures to avoid the issue or if it was impossible for them to take these measures.
Domestic travel itinerary
Your rights are outlined in the airline's tariff (the legal document that contains the terms, conditions and other rules that apply to your airline ticket).