Understanding Virgin Atlantic delayed baggage compensation.
What amount can you claim? What are the ground rules?
It’s certainly exasperating when you are left waiting at the airport baggage carousel only to realize that your bag hasn’t shown up. It’s an unfortunate reality of air travel – your checked baggage could get lost somewhere or might not have been loaded onto your connecting flight. Irrespective of the cause, it’s never pleasant when your baggage goes missing.
What are the steps when your luggage is lost?
What to Do If Your Luggage Is Lost?
What to do when your luggage is lost or delayed?
Firstly, it’s crucial to report the missing/delayed baggage promptly.
The moment you notice your baggage hasn’t arrived, inform the representative at the baggage claim area. For reporting lost baggage, you’ll need to show your passport, boarding pass, and the luggage tag (a small sticker usually applied on your boarding pass during check-in). Having a picture of your suitcase or any extra information can expedite the process, but it’s not obligatory. Even if you only have your passport and boarding pass, you can still file the loss report.
The representative will note down your contact details and hand you a Property Irregularity Report or PIR with a personal reference number for tracking. Keep this document safe.
Usually, missing baggage is found within the initial 24 hours. Once your baggage has been located, the airline will reach out to you to set up a delivery schedule.
Tracking Your Lost Baggage
At the airport, you’ve been given a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) that comes with a personal reference number. Don’t misplace this as you’ll need it to track your baggage.
Using the airline’s online baggage tracing system, you can monitor the status of your lost items. The details of this will be provided when you report your lost bag. Crucial details like your name and PIR are necessary to use this baggage tracer.
Do keep in mind, the number on your luggage tag isn’t the same as your PIR number.
Virgin Atlantic Delayed Baggage Compensation
What are your entitlements if your baggage is delayed?
Can you be eligible for Virgin Atlantic delayed baggage compensation?
Baggage Delayed For a Few Days
Airlines dedicate substantial resources to swiftly delivering travelers’ bags, usually with a target of accomplishing this within a day. It’s worth noting that in most instances, suitcases are located and dispatched within 72 hours.
For online baggage tracking, you have the option to make use of the World Tracer Tool by inputting the given PIR (Property Irregularity Report) number. This tool offers a convenient way to monitor the progress of your baggage throughout the entire procedure.
Reimbursement of Expenses
Please note that you can claim reimbursements for essential expenses like toiletries, undergarments, and necessary clothing if your checked bag is lost. However, you are required to retain the receipts for these items as they will be needed to file a claim. Only basic items can qualify for reimbursement.
Claims must be submitted within 21 days from the date when the lost baggage is received.
Reimbursement for expenses if often called “delayed baggage compensation”.
Lost Baggage (You Can Get Compensation)
Virgin Atlantic has a 21-day window to find and return your baggage.
If your delayed bag hasn’t been located within 21 days, it is officially considered lost. When this happens, you can make a compensation claim with the airline.
Virgin Atlantic lost baggage compensation can reach up to €1300.
Please keep in mind that carrying items like electronics, artworks, jewellery, etc., in checked baggage is not recommended, as Virgin Atlantic (like all airlines) isn’t responsible to compensate for the full value of such items, only up to the limit set by the Montreal Convention and its Conditions of Carriage.
When filing a claim, remember to present your boarding pass, luggage tags, and the Property Irregularity Report (PIR) with your reference number. If you incurred any extra expenses while waiting for your checked bag, you can make a claim by providing receipts for your purchases.
Is Travel Insurance Necessary?
The necessity of travel insurance can vary depending on individual circumstances.
While it’s not a requirement to have insurance to make a delayed baggage compensation claim, securing travel insurance prior to your journey can provide a layer of security. Travel insurance can mitigate the risks associated with unexpected issues during your travel, increasing your enjoyment and peace of mind.
Moreover, some travel insurance policies are quite affordable, making them a worthy consideration. You might also find it easier to claim refunds for essential purchases through your insurance provider, rather than dealing directly with the airline, if your bag is lost or delayed due to no fault of yours.
Before such purchases, ensure to consult your insurance provider and retain all receipts. Always do a research to see what the insurance policy covers. Insurance policy should ideally include baggage delay coverage.
Travel Prepared
It’s wise to carry a spare set of clothes and underwear in your carry-on bag.
This holds particularly true when traveling to tropical destinations where weather-appropriate clothing and swimwear are essential. As a safety measure, important medications and valuable items should be stored in your carry-on to reduce the impact of any potential loss of checked baggage.
Additionally, don’t forget about your rights! If your bag is delayed, you may be entitled to Virgin Atlantic delayed baggage compensation (i.e., reimbursement for your expenses). If your bag is lost, you may be entitled to lost baggage compensation.
Please note that the rules for compensation for delayed or lost baggage with Virgin Atlantic are the same as those for other airlines. This is due to the Montreal Convention, which applies to the carriage of baggage on most international flights operated by Virgin Atlantic and other airlines globally.
Featured photo by Markus Winkler from Pexels