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Who pays if my suitcase gets lost?

In short

Who pays if my suitcase gets lost on a flight? First the airline: up to 1,519 special drawing rights, about EUR 1,800, but only the proven value. If it is stolen from your hotel room after a break-in, German contents insurance (Hausratversicherung) pays; for simple theft only luggage insurance does. Report the loss to the airline in writing within 7 days.

Who pays if my suitcase gets lost?

What it costs

What you are entitled to after a luggage loss.

ExampleTypical range
Airline liability for checked baggageup to 1,519 SDR, about EUR 1,800
Deadline for loss or damage7 days
Deadline for delayed baggage21 days after receipt
Contents insurance away from home10 to 20 percent of the sum, at most EUR 10,000

As of October 2026.

The euro value of special drawing rights changes with the exchange rate.

Figures in the example are guide values from our quoting practice.

Worked example

Suitcase missing after a flight to Lisbon

The suitcase never turns up. Contents: clothes, shoes, toiletries and a hair dryer, about EUR 1,400 new, much of it older.

Value of the contents newabout EUR 1,400
Current value after age deductionabout EUR 800 to 1,000
Airline liability limitabout EUR 1,800
Necessary purchases in the first days, with receiptsabout EUR 150 extra

The airline pays about EUR 950 to 1,150 if you report in time and have receipts. Contents insurance pays nothing here as there was no break-in. Guide values from our quoting practice.

Who pays in which case

Who pays depends on where the suitcase gets lost. On a flight the airline is liable under the Montreal Convention regardless of fault. After a break-in at the hotel, contents insurance helps; for theft on the beach usually only luggage insurance does.

On a package holiday the tour operator may also be responsible if the transfer was part of its service, so report the loss there as well.

SituationWho pays firstLimit
Suitcase does not arrive after the flightthe airlineup to 1,519 SDR, about EUR 1,800
Suitcase arrives damagedthe airlinesame limit, report within 7 days
Break-in at the hotel roomcontents insuranceoften 10 to 20 percent of the sum
Theft on the beach or in a restaurantonly luggage insuranceper policy, current value
Suitcase gone on a coach or trainluggage insurance or the carrierper policy and liability

What the airline pays and what not

Since 28 December 2024 airlines are liable for checked baggage up to 1,519 special drawing rights, about EUR 1,800. They only pay what you prove; without receipts they reduce the value of older items.

You only get more if you declared a higher value at check-in for a fee. Jewellery, electronics and cash belong in your hand luggage.

Deadlines you must not miss

Report the loss at the baggage desk before you leave the airport and get a report. Then complain in writing within 7 days for loss or damage, or within 21 days of receiving a delayed suitcase.

If you miss the deadline, the airline can refuse to pay. An email with the report, boarding pass and baggage tag is enough proof.

When contents insurance pays

German contents insurance also protects your belongings on trips, usually for up to three months and with 10 to 20 percent of the sum insured, at most EUR 10,000. It pays after a break-in at a hotel room or holiday flat.

Simple theft on the beach or in a restaurant is not covered. Report a break-in to the local police immediately and get written confirmation.

Step by step

  1. Report the loss at the airport and keep the report.
  2. Complain to the airline in writing within 7 days.
  3. List the contents with receipts or photos.
  4. Keep receipts for necessary replacement purchases.
  5. After a hotel break-in, inform the police and your contents insurer.

Checklist

  • Baggage tag and boarding pass kept
  • Loss report from the airport
  • Written claim within the deadline
  • List of contents with receipts
  • Valuables in hand luggage

Common mistakes

  • Leaving the airport without a report
  • Missing the 7-day deadline
  • Packing a laptop and jewellery in the suitcase
  • Thinking contents insurance pays any theft on holiday

Questions and answers

Frequently asked

How much does the airline pay for a lost suitcase?

At most 1,519 special drawing rights, about EUR 1,800, and only the proven value.

Does the airline pay for purchases if my bag is delayed?

Usually for necessities such as a toothbrush and underwear,

with receipts and within the liability limit.

Do I need luggage insurance?

With contents insurance and a flight, usually not.

On tours, coach trips or without contents insurance it can pay off.

What if the airline refuses to pay?

In Germany you can turn to the conciliation body for public transport (söp) before going to court.

Sources

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Related questions

Your broker: Norman Nammert, trading as NAMMERT.

Insurance broker licensed under section 34d(1) of the German Trade Regulation Act.

Broker register no. D-C08Q-TOSD4-37.

NAMMERT Assekuradeur GmbH is a separate company.

It does not arrange your contract.

Statutory disclosure (German) · Updated

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