---
title: "Montreal Convention Baggage Delay & Damage"
description: "Montreal Convention rules for delayed, damaged or lost checked baggage — liability limits in Special Drawing Rights, claim deadlines and how this differs from."
url: "https://travelshifu.com/guides/montreal-convention-baggage-delay-compensation"
category: "Air Passenger Rights"
author: "Daniel Okafor"
date_published: "2026-08-08"
date_modified: "2026-08-08"
source: "TravelShifu"
---

# Montreal Convention Baggage Delay & Damage

Montreal Convention rules for delayed, damaged or lost checked baggage — liability limits in Special Drawing Rights, claim deadlines and how this differs from.

> Desk-researched August 2026. AirHelp may appear as a partner path on successful claims — we earn ~15% of their fee via Travelpayouts at no extra cost to you. DIY claims to airlines remain free.

## What does the Montreal Convention pay for delayed or damaged baggage?

For international carriage under the Montreal Convention, airline liability for destruction, loss, damage or delay of baggage is limited to 1,288 Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) per passenger unless a higher value was declared and any supplementary sum paid. This is a liability ceiling for proven losses — not. Not for every traveller — confirm fit first.

SDR amounts are set in the Convention as amended by ICAO revision cycles — convert SDRs to your currency using the IMF published rate on the relevant date. We cite the 1,288 SDR limit as the widely published current figure; verify the live ICAO/airline notice before claiming.

EU261 delay cash (EUR 250/400/600) is a separate passenger-rights regime for flight delay/cancellation — it does not replace Montreal baggage liability.

## Delayed versus lost versus damaged — what changes?

Delay: claim reasonable essential expenses while waiting for the bag, within the liability limit and with receipts. Damage: document at the airport Property Irregularity Report (PIR) desk before leaving. Loss: airlines often treat bags as lost after a published waiting period — claim within Convention time limits.

Keep boarding passes, baggage tags, PIR reference and itemised receipts. Photograph damage before leaving the airport when possible.

| Issue | Immediate step | Liability frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Delay | PIR + essential purchases | Montreal up to SDR limit |
| Damage | PIR before leaving airport | Montreal up to SDR limit |
| Loss | Follow airline lost-bag process | Montreal up to SDR limit |
| Flight delay cash | EU261/UK261/APPR paths | Separate from baggage |

## What claim deadlines apply under Montreal?

For checked baggage damage, written complaint is generally required within seven days of receipt; for delay, within twenty-one days from the date the baggage was placed at your disposal — Article 31 Montreal Convention. Missing these windows weakens claims. Court limitation periods are separate and longer.

Domestic US itineraries may also involve DOT baggage rules — still file the airline PIR immediately.

## Montreal Convention baggage — verdict

Verdict: Montreal sets a documented-loss liability ceiling in SDRs — not automatic fixed payouts. File PIR same day, keep receipts, and cite Article 17/22/31 language in claims. Not for passengers seeking EU261 flight-delay cash — use [flight delay compensation rights](/guides/flight-delay-compensation-rights).

Framework checked August 2026 — confirm current SDR limit notices on your airline's conditions of carriage.

## Montreal baggage FAQ

Liability is capped in SDRs for proven losses; deadlines are short for damage and delay complaints. Insurance may sit above the airline limit. Carry-on? Different practical rules; Convention focus is often checked baggage claims. AirHelp? Focuses on flight delay/cancel regimes more than baggage SDR claims — DIY airline claim first.

**Carry-on?** Different practical rules; Convention focus is often checked baggage claims.

**AirHelp?** Focuses on flight delay/cancel regimes more than baggage SDR claims — DIY airline claim first.

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Last modified: 2026-08-08