UKMy luggage was lost on a UK flight. What compensation can I get?
If your luggage is lost on a UK flight, you may claim compensation under the Montreal Convention (which applies in the UK), not the Civil Aviation Act 1982 — that Act does not set baggage compensation rules.
What the Law Says
The Civil Aviation Act 1982 does not govern passenger baggage compensation. Instead, the Montreal Convention 1999 — implemented in UK law — sets the legal framework for lost or damaged baggage on international and domestic flights operated by UK carriers.
The Civil Aviation Act 1982 s. 76 deals with liability for surface damage caused by aircraft (e.g., falling debris), not passenger baggage claims. It states: 'no action shall lie in respect of damage caused to any person or property on land or water by an aircraft in flight or by any person or thing falling therefrom'. This section is irrelevant to lost luggage.
Baggage compensation rights come from the Montreal Convention, which the UK ratified and enforces through the Air Navigation Order 2016 and related regulations. Under the Convention, airlines are liable for proven damage up to 1,288 Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) per passenger — currently around €1,519 — for checked baggage lost, damaged, or delayed.
Statutory Textno action shall lie in respect of damage caused to any person or property on land or water by an aircraft in flight or by any person or thing falling therefrom
— Civil Aviation Act 1982, s. 76
What to Do
Report the loss to the airline immediately at the airport — get a Property Irregularity Report (PIR).
Submit a written claim within 7 days for damaged baggage or 21 days for lost baggage.
Keep receipts for essential replacement items (up to the compensation cap).
If the airline refuses or underpays, escalate to the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) or consider small claims court.
Sources
Same Question, Other Jurisdictions
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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.