Lost Luggage at an Indian Airport? Here’s What Foreign Visitors Should Do Next

Losing your baggage at an airport can instantly ruin your trip. If you’ve landed in India and discovered your luggage is missing, delayed, or sent to the wrong destination, don’t panic. This guide will walk you through how to handle lost baggage at Indian airports, the proper complaint channels, what documents you’ll need, and how Indian Travel Help can step in to assist.

🧳 Why Does Baggage Get Lost at Indian Airports?

India’s busiest airports — Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai — handle millions of passengers annually. While the baggage systems are modern, errors still occur due to:

• Tight layover connections
• Manual handling mistakes
• Inaccurate tagging at the departure airport
• Weather delays or aircraft changes

Knowing the common causes can prepare you for what steps to take next.

📌 First Steps to Take Immediately After Discovering Your Luggage Is Missing

The first 30 minutes after realizing your bag didn’t arrive are crucial. Follow these steps:

1. Head to the Airline’s Baggage Service Desk

Most international airports in India have a Lost and Found / Baggage Services counter near the baggage claim area. This is usually operated by your airline or their ground-handling partner.

2. File a Property Irregularity Report (PIR)

This report acts as your official complaint. You’ll need to provide:

• Baggage claim tag (given at check-in)
• Passport and boarding pass
• Description of the luggage
• Hotel or Indian local address
• Contact number (preferably with WhatsApp access)

3. Get a PIR Number and Keep It Safe

The airline will give you a tracking number and a helpline or website to monitor the status of your baggage.

🕒 How Long Does It Take to Recover Lost Luggage in India?

Most missing baggage cases are resolved within 24 to 72 hours, especially if the bag was just delayed or misrouted. The airline will usually deliver it to your hotel or accommodation once found.

If the bag is not located within 21 days, it is officially declared lost, and you are entitled to compensation.

💸 Can You Get Compensation for Lost Luggage?

Yes. Compensation is usually governed by the Montreal Convention. Airlines are liable for:

• Essentials purchased during the delay (up to a limit)
• Full compensation for permanently lost bags, depending on the airline’s policy

You’ll need to:

• Keep receipts of all replacement items (toiletries, clothes, chargers, etc.)
• Follow up regularly with the airline’s claims department
• Submit a final compensation claim if luggage isn’t recovered

Note: Compensation varies by airline and class of travel.

📄 Important Documents You’ll Need

To lodge a strong claim, keep these handy:

• Boarding pass and baggage claim stub
• Copy of passport and visa
• FIR or police complaint (in case of theft)
• PIR report number
• Itemized list of lost belongings
• Receipts for any essentials purchased due to the loss

🧭 Indian Airport Lost & Found Offices

Each major Indian airport has a Lost & Found Department operated by airport authorities (not airlines). These can be helpful if you suspect the baggage was left in the terminal or stolen.

Here are direct links for reference:

• Delhi Airport Lost & Found
• Mumbai Airport
• Bengaluru Airport

Pro Tip: Take a photo of your bag before check-in and save it on your phone for identification purposes.

🙋 What If You Need Help with the Process?

Filing reports, chasing airlines, submitting claims, and dealing with language barriers can be frustrating. That’s where Indian Travel Help comes in. We offer:

• Personalized assistance with claim filing
• Contacting the correct baggage service offices
• Helping with forms, FIRs, and follow-ups
• Hotel communication for baggage delivery
• Emergency item shopping guidance

📞 Contact Indian Travel Help for Lost Luggage Support

If your bag goes missing at an Indian airport and you need quick action, get expert help to avoid delays and ensure recovery or rightful compensation.

🔹 Email: support@indiantravelhelp.com
🔹 Website: www.indiantravelhelp.com

Let us take the stress out of your situation—so you can get back to enjoying your trip.