Smartwings delayed baggage compensation.
How much are you entitled to claim? What are the regulations?
Waiting at the baggage carousel and discovering that your suitcase hasn’t arrived can be an annoying part of air travel. Your baggage may have been misplaced or missed the connecting flight. Regardless of the reason, it’s always a hassle when your bag doesn’t arrive.
What should you do if your luggage is delayed or even lost?
What to Do If Your Luggage Is Lost?
What should you do if your baggage gets delayed or lost?
The first and most crucial step is to report the delayed/lost baggage straight away.
If you notice that your baggage is delayed, report it to the official at the baggage claim area. To report a lost bag, you will need to present your passport, boarding pass, and baggage tag (a small sticker usually attached to your boarding pass during check-in). Having a picture of your suitcase or any other relevant information can speed up the process.
The official will record your contact details and provide you with a Property Irregularity Report or PIR along with a reference number for tracking. Ensure not to misplace this document.
If your baggage goes missing, it is usually found within the first 24 hours. Once your bag is located, the airline will contact you to arrange a convenient delivery time.
Tracking Your Lost Luggage
When you’re at the airport terminal, you’ll receive a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) with a unique identification number.
Make sure to keep it safe because it’s important for tracking your lost baggage. To stay updated on the status of your missing bag, use the airline’s online baggage tracking system.
You can access this system using the details provided by the representatives when you reported your missing bag. Remember, the number on your baggage tag is not the same as your PIR number.
Smartwings Delayed Baggage Compensation
Are you entitled to Smartwings delayed baggage compensation?
What rights do you possess if your baggage is delayed?
Baggage Delayed For Several Days
Airlines invest considerable resources in quickly tracing and delivering their customers’ delayed baggage, with a usual goal of achieving this within 24 hours. It’s crucial to note that in most instances, bags are located and delivered within a 72-hour timeframe.
For online tracking of your baggage, you can make use of the World Tracer Tool by entering the provided PIR (Property Irregularity Report) number. This tool enables you to easily monitor the status of your bag throughout the entire process.
Reimbursement of Expenses
Remember that compensation for delayed baggage means covering expenses incurred due to baggage delay.
It’s important to note that you can claim compensation for essential items like toiletries, underwear, and necessary clothes in case your baggage is lost or delayed. Remember to keep the receipts for these purchases as they will be required when filing a claim.
Only essential items are eligible for reimbursement.
The claim has to be lodged within 21 days from the date when the delayed bag is received.
This reimbursement is often called “delayed baggage compensation”.
Lost Baggage (You Can Get Compensation)
Smartwings has a window of 21 days to locate and return your baggage.
If your delayed bag hasn’t been discovered within 21 days, it is considered officially lost. Once this condition is met, you can lodge a claim for compensation with the airline.
The maximum compensation that can be received is up to €1300.
It’s important to note that it’s not recommended to carry valuable items such as electronics, art, jewellery, etc., in checked baggage, because Smartwings (or any other airline, for that matter) isn’t liable to compensate for the full value of such items, only to the extent defined by the Montreal Convention and its Conditions of Carriage.
For lodging a claim, you will need to present your boarding pass, baggage tags, and the Property Irregularity Report (PIR) with your reference number. If you had to bear any additional expenses while waiting for your baggage, you can file a claim by providing receipts for your purchases.
Is Travel Insurance Necessary?
Should you invest in travel insurance?
While it’s not mandatory to have insurance to make a claim for Smartwings delayed baggage compensation, it is highly recommended to have one before embarking on your journey.
With travel insurance in tow, your mind can be at ease during your travels, particularly if unforeseen issues arise. Your insurance provider handles most situations, allowing you to fully enjoy your trip. Additionally, some insurance policies are affordable, making them a practical choice to consider. Alternatively, you can explore travel debit/credit cards that offer insurance benefits.
If your baggage is misplaced or delayed through no fault of your own, the insurance policy may cover refunds for essential purchases. This could be an easier option than negotiating directly with the airline.
Before making any purchases, make sure to contact your insurer and keep all receipts. Without receipts, refunds won’t be possible. Also, remember to ask about the details of your coverage, including whether it includes delayed baggage.
Travel Prepared
To prepare for the possibility of baggage misplacement or delay, it’s a smart idea to pack spare clothes and undergarments in your carry-on. This is especially important if you’re travelling to a tropical destination where you’ll need weather-appropriate attire and swimwear.
It’s recommended to carry medications and items of value in your hand bag as a preventive measure if your checked baggage goes missing.
What is your experience with baggage delays on Smartwings flights? Has Smartwings ever lost your baggage? Have you ever applied for “Smartwings delayed baggage compensation” (reimbursement of expenses in case of baggage delay)?
Please note that the rules for compensation for lost or delayed baggage with Smartwings are the same as those for other airlines. This is due to the Montreal Convention, which applies to the carriage of baggage on most international flights operated by Smartwings and other airlines globally.