Glasgow Airport have provided some useful guidance to Scottish travellers
Scottish travellers have been urged to carry key documents with them too to help their claim(Image: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)
Glasgow Airport passengers have been urged to follow a few simple steps to help keep their luggage safe.
In advice issued to travellers, the airport said delayed, lost or missing checked-in bags can happen for a number of reasons. It also set out what to do if baggage doesn’t arrive, including following the airport’s reporting process as soon as possible. Glasgow Airport explains: “Please be aware checked-in baggage can be delayed for a number of reasons, including tight connections, customs and excise processes, or security requirements, but sometimes baggage is simply delayed due to weather or infrastructure and resource challenges along the way.”
The Airport notes that there is a well-established, tried-and-tested process for getting checked bags to their final destination. Airlines aim to reunite passengers with their bags at the earliest opportunity, but delivery times can vary due to factors such as flight schedules and weather disruption.
It adds: “Please allow up to 5 working days for your airline to return your baggage to you. Because your baggage is travelling on its own it subject to tighter flight restrictions and security processes.”
Follow these steps
1. Report the Problem – Make sure you complete a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) before leaving the airport, as without it, your airline’s customer services team may be unable to process your claim. Keep a copy of the completed PIR for your records.
2. How to report the problem – You will need to complete a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). The fastest way to report your missing bag is to visit your airline’s baggage page. You will need your booking locator reference. On completion of the form, most airlines provide a reference code which can be used to trace your baggage. Your PIR reference is a combination of 5 letters and 5 digits, for example, GLAZZ12345.
3. Tracking your Baggage – Keep a note of your reference number provided upon completion of the PIR form. Many airlines allow you to track the status of your baggage here. You will require your PIR reference number in order to track the status of your baggage. If your baggage has not been returned to you within 7 days from the date it was reported, the Airport recommends contacting your airline’s handling agents.
4. After you’ve reported the problem – You’ll still have to make a claim for compensation after you report the problem, unless the airline decides to pay you upfront, e.g. for expenses while your luggage is delayed. You’ve already reported the problem if you filled in a ‘property irregularity report’ (PIR) at the airport – this is the form you get from customer services in the baggage claims hall. If you didn’t report the problem at the airport, contact the airline or use their website to report the problem – and get the airline to confirm in writing that you reported it. Keep a copy of your PIR for written confirmation to help with your claim.
5. Guidelines for Claiming – Glasgow Airport notes that most airlines follow the guidelines below, but they recommend checking with your airline. If your luggage is delayed or missing, the airline has 21 days to return it to you. If you get your luggage back within 21 days, you can still claim compensation for delayed luggage. If you don’t, you can claim for lost luggage.
What you are claiming for / Guideline for claiming
- Damaged Luggage – 7 days after getting your luggage
- Missing or Damaged Contents – 7 days after getting your luggage
- Delayed or Missing Luggage – 21 days after the flight
- Lost Luggage – it’s officially lost after 21 days – As soon as possible after it’s officially lost
Glasgow Airport’s recommended documents needed for claims
To help your claim proceed smoothly, Glasgow Airport recommends that passengers have the following seven documents ready.
- Your boarding card
- Your luggage labels (these have a bar-code and number to identify your luggage)
- Proof you reported the problem, e.g. your PIR form or email from the airline
- Receipts for things you had to buy due to a delay
- Proof of purchase for lost or damaged items, e.g. receipts or credit card statements
- Photographs of any damage to your luggage or contents
- Cost estimates for any repairs you’re claiming for, e.g. from a luggage repair business
You can find a list of airline links and phone numbers via the Glasgow Airport website here. Always check with your airline to ensure you have all the necessary documents and no extra steps are needed.
