Question
What is the British Airways lost baggage compensation ?
Answer
If British Airways misplaces or loses a customer's baggage, British Airways will make every effort to return it to the customer as soon as possible and deliver it to an address of their choice, free of charge, and within 24 hours of its arrival at their final destination. Customers will always be given a number to contact should they wish to check on its progress.
Our liability for damaged or lost baggage is limited by the Montreal Convention*.
Liability by the Montreal Convention is limited to a maximum of SDR1,000 ** per passenger, for items lost, damaged or delayed. British Airways does not accept responsibility for fragile or perishable items or items of special value such as money, jewellery, precious metals, computers, cameras, personal electronic devices, share certificates, bonds and other valuable documents, business documents, passports and other identification documents which should not be packed in baggage checked into the hold. Items such as cameras, jewellery, cash, bottled liquids, business papers, laptops and other electrical items should be taken on board and kept in your possession.
*The Montreal Convention came into effect in the EU, on 28 June 2004.
**To calculate the local equivalent of the SDR rate (Special Drawing Rights) please visit the following website:
www.imf.org/external/np/tre/sdr/db/rms_five.cfm
For further information on Special Drawing Rights and why they are used please visit the following website:
www.imf.org/external/np/exr/facts/sdr.htm
If you have travel insurance it may be in your best interests for you to claim from your insurers. Insurance companies have the right of recovery from airlines, we would then pay them our limited liability.
You will be reimbursed the cost of essential and reasonable items (underwear, shirt, blouse, toiletries etc. - if overnight kit not provided by British Airways) that are purchased, should your baggage be delayed. The maximum value allowed for any essential items will be advised to you at the airport.
These interim expenses comprise part of the total baggage liability and are not considered separately when settling claims. Please retain all receipts until your claim has been settled in full as BA may require them as proof of purchase.
Please note : Customers arriving home on their final flight will not be reimbursed for any interim purchases.