Quick summary: Lost, delayed or damaged luggage? Learn which baggage reports, receipts, airline replies and replacement cost evidence can help organise a claim.
Keep the airport report
Save the Property Irregularity Report, baggage reference, boarding pass, bag tag and any airline tracking screenshot.
List the contents clearly
Prepare a realistic contents list with approximate values, receipts, bank records, photos or warranty emails where available.
Save replacement purchases
Keep receipts for essential items bought while the luggage was delayed, with dates and reasons for each purchase.
Keep every airline message
Save webform submissions, emails, chat logs, claim references, airline decisions and any escalation replies.
Evidence checklist
- Property Irregularity Report or baggage reference
- Boarding pass, booking confirmation and bag tag
- Photos of the bag and contents where available
- Receipts or bank records for contents
- Replacement purchase receipts
- Airline claim, replies and final decision
Common questions
What is the most important lost luggage document?
The airport baggage report or airline claim reference is usually central because it anchors the timeline and proves the issue was reported.
Do I need receipts for every item?
Receipts help, but photos, bank records, warranty emails and a credible contents list may also help organise the claim.
Should I keep essential purchase receipts?
Yes. If luggage was delayed, receipts for reasonable essential purchases can help explain the immediate cost impact.
What if the airline rejects the claim?
Keep the rejection reason, compare it with your evidence and note any appeal or escalation deadline.