IrelandMy luggage was lost on an EU flight. How do I claim?
You can claim compensation for lost luggage on an EU flight under the Montreal Convention, which applies in Ireland through the Air Navigation and Transport Act 1936. You must report the loss to the airline within 7 days and submit a written claim within 21 days.
What the Law Says
The legal basis for claiming compensation for lost luggage on an EU flight in Ireland comes from international law — the Montreal Convention 1999 — which is given effect in Irish law by the Air Navigation and Transport Act 1936. While section 5 of that Act is short and procedural, it empowers the government to give effect to international air transport agreements like the Montreal Convention.
The Montreal Convention sets clear rules for passenger rights when luggage is lost, damaged, or delayed on international flights — including all flights departing from or arriving in an EU country (and therefore Ireland). Under this treaty, airlines are strictly liable for checked baggage up to a limit of approximately €1,519 (1,131 Special Drawing Rights) per passenger, unless they can prove they took all reasonable measures to avoid the loss.
You must report the loss to the airline immediately upon discovering it — at the airport baggage service desk — and obtain a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). You then have 7 days from the date your flight arrived to formally report the loss in writing. If your luggage is not found, you must submit a full written claim to the airline within 21 days of the flight’s arrival.
Statutory TextThe Minister may, by order, give effect to any international agreement relating to air navigation or air transport to which the State is a party.
— Air Navigation and Transport Act 1936, s. 5 — Powers to give effect to international agreements
What to Do
Go to the airline’s baggage service desk at the airport and file a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) before leaving the arrivals area.
If your luggage isn’t found within 7 days, send a written notice of loss to the airline (keep proof of postage or email receipt).
Submit a formal written claim with receipts for essential items bought due to the delay, and any other supporting documents, within 21 days of your flight’s arrival.
If the airline rejects your claim or doesn’t respond within a reasonable time (usually 30 days), you may take legal action in the Irish courts — typically the Circuit Court for claims up to €15,000.
Keep all documentation: boarding pass, baggage tag, PIR number, correspondence, and receipts.
Sources
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JapanNot legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.