Your suitcase is missing or arrived damaged, and the airline is asking for a detailed list of everything inside? Creating that list in table form is often the hardest part. Here, simply click to add your clothing, electronics, and valuables, adjust the price and age, and receive a complete inventory list with depreciated values along with the matching compensation claim letter as a PDF.
Editorially reviewed on: 10/28/2026
For air travel, liability for destruction, loss, damage, and delay of checked baggage depends on the type of flight. For international flights, airlines are generally strictly liable under the Montreal Convention without needing to prove fault (Article 17). The liability is limited:, the maximum amount is 1,519 Special Drawing Rights (SDR) per passenger, roughly $2,000 to $2,200 depending on the exchange rate. This amount applies jointly to loss, damage, and delay. For US domestic flights, the US Department of Transportation (DOT) sets a higher maximum liability of $4,700 per passenger under 14 CFR Part 254.
| Situation | Key Deadline | What You Should Do |
|---|---|---|
| Baggage damaged | Written notice within 7 days of receipt (Montreal Convention, Art. 31); check carrier policy for US domestic | Document at the airport, photograph, then submit written notice |
| Baggage delayed | Written notice within 21 days after delivery (Montreal Convention); often 45 days for US domestic | Report delay immediately, document emergency purchases reasonably |
| Baggage lost | Considered lost after 21 days without delivery, then file claim | Report loss, create inventory list, collect evidence |
| Lawsuit if claim denied | Two years from arrival or scheduled arrival (Art. 35 Montreal Convention) | Try mediation first, see notes below |
Before leaving the baggage claim area, go to the airline or ground handler counter and have a damage or loss report filed (industry term: "Property Irregularity Report" or PIR). Note the reference number and keep your baggage tag and boarding pass. For damaged baggage, photograph the suitcase and contents at the baggage carousel; for lost baggage, try to secure a photo of your suitcase if one exists.
Airlines typically do not reimburse the replacement cost but rather the depreciated value of the items at the time of loss. The older and more heavily used an item is, the lower its value. This tool calculates the depreciated value from the purchase price, age, and an annual depreciation rate. The preset percentages are common guidance values but not an official table. You can adjust each value.
| Category | Preset annual depreciation rate |
|---|---|
| Clothing and shoes | 25% |
| Personal care and cosmetics | 50% |
| Electronics | 25% |
| Sports and leisure | 15% |
| Suitcases and bags | 15% |
| Watches, jewelry, and accessories | 10% |
Airlines will ask for proof of value. If you don't have receipts, use bank statements, credit card statements, online order confirmations, warranty cards, photos of the items, or screenshots of product pages. Note the brand and model as precisely as possible. The more credible your evidence, the better your chances of acceptance.
Many airline conditions of carriage exclude valuables, cash, jewelry, or electronics in checked baggage from liability or recommend carrying them in your carry-on. Whether such clauses are enforceable in individual cases is disputed. For carry-on baggage, the airline is liable only in case of fault under the Montreal Convention. Travel baggage insurance or, depending on your contract, off-premises coverage under your homeowners or renters insurance can fill this gap. Check exclusions and maximum limits for valuables there.
If your baggage arrives days late, you may buy the most essential replacements, such as clothing and toiletries. Buy reasonably, keep all receipts, and report the delay immediately at the airport. In the tool, you can record emergency purchases via "Add emergency purchase with receipt". They are added to the list at the receipt amount.
You can use both the airline and insurance, but you cannot be compensated twice for the same loss. Insurers often first require proof that you have filed a claim with the airline. Select the recipient above, and the letter will adapt accordingly. Later inform the insurance what the airline has reimbursed.
If the flight is part of a package tour, missing baggage may also constitute a defect in the travel package. Contact your tour operator, as you may be entitled to a price reduction under applicable consumer protection law.
Request a written explanation. You can then file a complaint with the US Department of Transportation Aviation Consumer Protection Division, or for international flights, with the relevant aviation authority. You may also pursue small claims court or mediation.
There is no affiliation between Fix my Trip and the listed companies. The names are provided for orientation only.
For international flights, airlines are generally strictly liable under the Montreal Convention up to a maximum of 1,519 Special Drawing Rights per passenger - roughly $2,000 to $2,200 depending on the exchange rate. For US domestic flights, the US DOT sets a maximum liability of $4,700 per passenger under 14 CFR Part 254. Airlines typically reimburse the depreciated value, not the replacement cost.
Typically at the depreciated value, which reflects the item's worth at the time of loss considering age and wear. This tool calculates the depreciated value from the purchase price, age, and an annual depreciation rate that you can adjust.
For international flights under the Montreal Convention: damaged baggage must be reported in writing within 7 days of receipt; delayed baggage within 21 days of delivery. For US domestic flights, most carriers require written claims within 45 days for damaged/missing bags and 24 hours to 3 days for delayed baggage. Lawsuits must generally be filed within two years. Always report the issue at the airport immediately.
Collect substitute evidence such as bank statements, online order confirmations, warranty cards, photos, or screenshots of brand and model information. The more credible and detailed your documentation, the more likely the airline will accept it. Reimbursement without proof is not guaranteed.
Many airline conditions of carriage exclude valuables, cash, or electronics in checked baggage from liability, or recommend carrying them in your carry-on. Whether such exclusions are enforceable in individual cases is disputed. Baggage insurance can fill this gap if its terms cover valuables.
You can claim reimbursement for reasonable replacement purchases due to delayed delivery if you keep the receipts. The maximum liability for baggage applies jointly to loss, damage, and delay. Purchase only essentials and report the delay immediately at the airport.
Send only copies of your evidence and keep the originals. Timestamp your message (email, online form with confirmation, or certified mail) and request acknowledgment of receipt. If the airline or insurer offers their own form, enter the items from your inventory list there and attach the PDF list in addition.
Our guides and generators are based on analysis of current regulations, international conventions, and national travel law. They are developed by Marc (project lead) & team to help travelers with structured self-help when travel problems arise.
Important note: This page does not provide individual legal or insurance advice. Depreciated values are estimates; airlines or insurers make the binding decisions.
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