What to do if luggage is lost on Indian flight?

File a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) at the airline baggage counter BEFORE leaving the airport. Get a reference number and follow up within 24 hours. If not found in 21 days, you're entitled to up to Rs 20,000 compensation on domestic flights. Keep all receipts for essential items you had to buy.

How much compensation for lost luggage in India?

For domestic flights, airlines must compensate up to Rs 20,000 for permanently lost luggage. For delayed bags, airlines cover essential items (Rs 2,000-5,000) and deliver the bag to your address free of charge once found. For damaged bags, the airline must repair or replace at their cost.

Passenger Rights

Lost Luggage — What to Do & Compensation Rules

Updated June 25, 2026 | 5 min read

Your bag didn't arrive on the belt? Don't panic. Here's the exact step-by-step process to get your luggage back or get compensated.

Immediate Steps

🚨 Stay at the belt: Wait until the belt stops completely — sometimes bags come late
📝 File a PIR: Go to the airline baggage counter BEFORE leaving the airport. File a Property Irregularity Report (PIR)
📱 Get a reference number: This is your claim ID — save it
📞 Call airline: Follow up with customer care within 24 hours

Compensation Rules

Situation	Your Rights
Delayed (arrives within 24 hrs)	Airline delivers to your address free
Delayed (24-48 hrs)	Essential items reimbursement (₹2,000-₹5,000)
Lost (not found in 21 days)	Up to ₹20,000 compensation (domestic)
Damaged	Repair/replace at airline cost

Prevention Tips

🏷️ Use a bright luggage tag: Name, phone, email — inside AND outside
📸 Photo your bag before checking in: Proof of condition and contents
💎 Don't check valuables: Laptop, jewelry, medicines — always in cabin bag
🔒 Use a TSA-approved lock: Reduces pilferage risk
📱 AirTag/SmartTag: Put a tracker in your checked luggage

Know Your Rights

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