Smartwings lost baggage compensation.
How much can you claim? What are the rules?
Losing baggage is a frustrating aspect of air travel, influenced by various factors like transition issues, handling errors, or incorrect labelling. The anxious wait by the baggage carousel, anticipating your suitcase’s arrival only to find it absent, can cast a shadow over your entire journey. Yet, it’s an occurrence that can happen to anyone.
What to do if your luggage is lost?
What to Do If Your Luggage Is Lost?
In case of lost baggage, promptly report the issue.
You can do this at the Baggage Service Office, typically located near the baggage collection area.
Make sure you have your passport, boarding pass, and baggage tag easily accessible. Having a photo of your bag can speed up the recovery process. If you don’t have one, providing a detailed description of your bag can be helpful.
Completing the report will get you a Property Irregularity Report along with a reference number. Save this document, as it will be required to track your bag online. Your baggage might take up to 24 hours or more to be located, which will then be delivered to your hotel or home address.
Tracking Your Lost Baggage
The status of your lost bag can be monitored online.
The reference number provided on the Property Irregularity Report (handed to you at the airport) can be used to trace your bag’s whereabouts online through Smartwings online baggage tracing system.
Once the Smartwings team locates your baggage, they will get in touch with you.
Smartwings Lost Baggage Compensation
How can you proceed if your baggage is lost?
Are you eligible for Smartwings lost baggage compensation? Will the airline cover the cost of replacing your belongings? Is it possible that your baggage is just delayed and not lost?
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
If your baggage is lost and you have to buy essential items like toiletries, underwear, and clothing, you might be eligible for compensation. This is called delayed baggage compensation. Note that immediate payment may not be possible.
Please note that the compensation is only for essential items like toiletries, underwear, and necessary clothing – things that you cannot do without.
Retain all your receipts as these are obligatory for claiming additional expenses. Please remember that you have 21 days from the day you receive your delayed baggage to file a claim and get reimbursed. Don’t forget to meet this deadline!
Lost Baggage Compensation
If Smartwings cannot find your luggage within 21 days, you might be eligible for up to €1300 as compensation for the lost items. In order to receive this compensation, you need to provide Smartwings with a detailed list of the contents of your checked bag. To make sure nothing is overlooked, it is recommended to prepare this list ahead of time.
Smartwings is obligated to transfer this compensation directly to your bank account. You are not bound to accept any vouchers. After all, you can’t purchase a new suitcase with it, can you?
It is not recommended to pack valuable items such as electronics, art, or jewellery in checked baggage. Smartwings can only compensates for a limited value as determined by the Montreal Convention and its Conditions of Carriage.
In addition to Smartwings lost baggage compensation, you can apply for a reimbursement of expenses (see above).
Is Travel Insurance Necessary?
Is travel insurance a necessity for claiming Smarwings lost baggage compensation?
No, travel insurance is not mandatory to claim lost luggage compensation from an airline. However, owning travel insurance can offer additional protection and coverage for any expenses arising due to the loss of your baggage, such as procuring replacement items or clothes.
Securing a reliable travel insurance policy can render your journey less stressful, particularly during unforeseen situations. Your insurance provider will manage most of the fallout. Travel insurance is typically inexpensive or might even be included in your debit or credit card privileges.
If the airline is responsible for lost or delayed baggage, you may be eligible for compensation for necessary purchases. You can seek reimbursement from the airline or your insurance provider. It is important to keep all receipts when making a claim for expenses. Insurance claims may be simpler than claims with the airline.
Bear in mind, that not all insurance schemes cover delays and loss of baggage.
Always ascertain what your travel insurance encompasses.
Travel Prepared
As a savvy traveller, it’s crucial to be ready for any unexpected circumstances, including the potential for lost baggage.
A practical suggestion is to include extra outfits and undergarments in your carry-on bag. This will help in case your checked luggage is delayed or misplaced, covering any unexpected situations.
Also, make sure to store any essential medications or valuable items in your carry-on bag. Knowing that baggage loss or delay can occur enables you to take steps to minimize any disruptions to your travel.
What is your experience with baggage delays on Smartwings flights? Has Smartwings ever lost your baggage? Have you ever applied for Smartwings lost baggage compensation?
Please note that the rules for compensation for delayed or lost 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.