Originally Posted by Kiwi_FF

The Montreal convention governs compensation, see link below. The relevant clause is: In the carriage of baggage, the liability of the carrier in the case of destruction, loss, damage or delay is limited to 1 000 Special Drawing Rights for each passenger. 1,000 SDR's are about USD 1300.

In the case of delay you are entitled to reimbursement of actual and reasonable expenses upto SDR1,000 keep receipts and claim within 21 days. In the case of damage you must claim within 7 days or for loss or delay within 21 days. Clearly getting a claim number immediately is best. The convention states if not returned within 21 days your baggage is considered is lost and can be claimed on.