Practical information in case of delayed or lost luggage: procedures, steps, and compensations
Sometimes luggage doesn’t arrive at the same time as the passenger, due to various factors such as a missing identification tag, loading constraints, or a short connection.
What to Do in Case of Missing Luggage?
1. Report the loss quickly
Within 48 hours of your arrival, contact the airport’s Baggage Service or your airline (online or by phone) to report your missing luggage.
2. File registration
- Your declaration is entered into the global baggage tracking system WorldTracer.
- A file reference is given to you (e.g., CDGXX12345).
3. Keep all supporting documents
Carefully keep:
- Boarding pass
- Luggage tags
- Invoices and proof of purchase for the contents of your suitcases
Timeframe and Luggage Delivery
In most cases, luggage is found and rerouted within 48 to 72 hours. Once located, your luggage will be delivered to the address provided during your declaration.
If, after 3 to 4 days, your luggage has still not been found, you can send a detailed inventory letter of the contents to facilitate the search.
Tracking your Case
Only your airline can provide you with information on the status of the search.“
Charles de Gaulle Airport does not have access to missing luggage files”.
To follow the progress of the search, contact your carrier with your file number (e.g., CDGXX12345).
Links to the baggage services of several airlines are available:
Requesting Compensation
If your luggage has not been delivered within 21 days, or if it is officially declared lost, you can request compensation.
Procedure:
- Send a written claim with acknowledgment of receipt to the airline.
- Attach invoices for lost items.
- In the absence of supporting documents, a flat-rate compensation may be offered (approximately 20 € per kg).
If you had to make essential purchases (hygiene items, underwear, etc.) while waiting for your luggage to be recovered, you can also request a reimbursement for these expenses, in accordance with current regulations.