Skip to main content

Aviation: Baggage

Volume 707: debated on Wednesday 4 February 2009

Question

Asked by

To ask Her Majesty's Government what measures are in place regarding United Kingdom airlines losing baggage; and whether such airlines are required to pay compensation for such lost baggage. [HL1153]

Passenger rights in respect of the loss, damage or delay to baggage are protected in the UK by the 1999 Montreal Convention, which came into force for the UK in June 2004.

The carrier is prima facie liable for luggage that has been delayed, damaged or lost, unless it can establish a defence under the convention. The liability for delay, loss or damage to baggage is limited to 1,000 special drawing rights (SDRs)—approximately £820. These are maximum limits. Claims are assessed individually.