Brussels Airlines lost baggage compensation.
How much can you claim? What are the rules?
Losing your luggage is a common and frustrating problem that can occur due to transfer errors, mishandling, or mislabeling. Waiting by the baggage carousel, hoping for your suitcase to arrive, only to find out that it’s missing can ruin your travel experience. If you are faced with this situation, you might be wondering what steps to take next.
What to Do If Your Luggage Is Lost?
If you discover that your bag is lost, it’s crucial to report it immediately.
You can do this by visiting the Baggage Service Office, which is typically situated close to the baggage carousels. Make sure to have your passport, boarding pass, and baggage tag handy. Providing a photo of your bag can help expedite the process, but if you don’t have one, a detailed description will suffice.
If you skip this, you won’t get lost baggage compensation.
Once you have reported the loss, you’ll receive a Property Irregularity Report along with a reference number. It’s important that you keep this document safe as you’ll need it for tracking your bag online.
The delivery arrangements for your lost baggage will be determined, but it may take up to 24 hours or longer to locate your missing belongings.
Tracking Your Lost Baggage
Thankfully, tracking your lost baggage is now easier than ever.
Simply use the personal reference number noted on the Property Irregularity Report provided to you at the airport to track your bag’s progress online through the airline’s baggage tracing system. This will allow you to stay updated on the progress of your baggage and its whereabouts.
Once Brussels Airlines personnel has located your baggage, they will contact you to let you know.
Brussels Airlines Lost Baggage Compensation
What are your entitlements if your baggage is lost?
Are you entitled to Brussels Airlines lost baggage compensation?
Will they cover expenses to replace your belongings? Is your baggage really lost or just delayed?
Baggage Delayed For 5+ Days
In the event that your baggage remains undiscovered within 5 days after reporting the delay, you need to provide the airline with a comprehensive description of the missing item and its contents. To facilitate this process, complete the list of contents on the baggage status page. You will gain automatic access to this page precisely five days after reporting the delay.
Reimbursement of Expenses
In the event of lost baggage where you need to purchase essential items like toiletries, underwear, and clothing, you may be eligible for reimbursement. This is known as delayed baggage compensation; however, immediate payment is not guaranteed.
Please be aware that only necessary expenses such as toiletries, underwear, and essential clothing will be covered under this compensation.
It’s crucial to keep all receipts as they are required for filing additional expense claims. Furthermore, note that the deadline for submitting a claim and obtaining reimbursement is within 21 days of receiving your lost baggage, so please avoid missing this deadline.
Lost Baggage Compensation
If Brussels Airlines is unable to locate your baggage within 21 days, you may be eligible for compensation of up to €1300 for the lost items. To receive this compensation, you should provide Brussels Airlines with a detailed list of your baggage contents. It is recommended to prepare this list beforehand to avoid any omissions.
Brussels Airlines lost baggage compensation should be paid directly to your bank account. You don’t have to accept any Brussels Airlines vouchers. You can’t buy a new suitcase using a voucher, can you?
It is advised not to pack valuable items such as electronics, art, or jewellery in checked baggage. You can’t get reimbursed in full for such expensive items. Please note that Brussels Airlines only compensates for a limited amount as defined by the Montreal Convention and its Conditions of Carriage.
Furthermore, you are entitled to file a claim for any additional expenses incurred during the search for your lost baggage.
Is Travel Insurance Necessary?
Is travel insurance necessary to claim compensation for lost baggage?
No, travel insurance is not a requirement for claiming lost baggage compensation from an airline. While it can offer extra protection and cover costs like purchasing replacement items or clothing due to loss of baggage, it is not a necessity for making a claim.
If the airline loses or delays your baggage and is found responsible, you may get refunded for necessary expenses. You must keep all receipts for claiming expenses. You can either get reimbursement from the airline or your insurance provider, although insurance claims may be more efficient than claiming directly with the airline.
Travel insurance is usually reasonably priced and may even come as part of your debit or credit card perks.
Travel Prepared
It’s wise to be ready for unforeseen circumstances while traveling.
Pack additional clothes and innerwear in your carry-on baggage, in case your checked bag is lost or arrives late by one or two days.
Make sure to remove all old tags and labels so that your bag is not misrouted or delayed. Attach a luggage tag with your name, address, and contact information to your luggage. This will help in identifying your bag in case it gets lost or misplaced.
Always store important medications and valuables in your carry-on bag so that you can access them even if your checked bag is delayed or lost. Always remember that your baggage may not arrive at your destination as expected, so plan accordingly to avoid any inconvenience.
What is your experience with baggage delays on Brussels Airlines flights? Has Brussels Airlines ever lost your baggage? Have you ever applied for “Brussels Airlines delayed baggage compensation” (reimbursement of expenses in case of baggage delay)?
Please note that the rules for compensation for delayed or lost baggage with Brussels Airlines are the same as those for other airlines. This is due to the Montreal Convention, which applies to the carriage of baggage on most international flights operated by Brussels Airlines and other airlines globally.
Featured photo by Markus Winkler from Pexels