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Explainers

What is a PIR (Property Irregularity Report)?

The form that starts every baggage claim — file it before you leave the airport.

Legal referenceMontreal Convention, Art. 17 & 19

A PIR — Property Irregularity Report — is the form you file at the airline’s baggage desk the moment your luggage is lost, damaged or delayed. It puts the problem on the record officially and is the starting point of any baggage claim.

Baggage is not covered by EU 261. It is governed by the Montreal Convention. But the principle is the same as for flights: get the disruption documented immediately, while you are still at the airport.

Do it before you leave

File the PIR at the baggage service desk before you pass customs. Keep the reference number, your baggage tags and any receipts. Most carriers then require written follow-up: typically within 7 days for damage and 21 days for delayed bags.

Compensation for baggage is capped at roughly 1,288 SDR — about €1,500 — per passenger under the Montreal Convention.

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