Passenger rights
Air Passenger rights in relation to baggage

The Montreal Convention is an international agreement that gives air passengers rights in the event of baggage delay, damage or loss.

Airlines’ Liability

The Montreal Convention states that:

Passengers can demand from the airline up to 1,000 ‘Special Drawing Rights’ (SDRs) (approximately €1,200) for delay, damage or loss to baggage. The value of an SDR is based on a basket of international currencies. The calculation is made daily by the International Monetary Fund and is available on www.imf.org.

What to do if something goes wrong with your baggage

If you encounter any difficulties with your baggage, report the problem immediately at the airport to the airline’s agent or representative. Most airlines insist that you complete a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) before you leave the baggage hall. Filling out a PIR may also help your claim against the airline, as you have proof that the problem was notified to the airline at the time of discovery.

In every case, you should notify the airline of the problem while in the baggage hall, a PIR should be filled out and you should make sure you receive a copy of this report. A copy of the PIR should then be sent to the airline with a written claim within the time limits below.

Time limits

The Montreal Convention states that a written claim must be sent to the airline within the following time limits:

Tips in relation to baggage delay / damage / loss

Air Passenger Rights in the event of Denied Boarding, Cancellation or Delay

On February 17th 2005 “EU Regulation 261/2004 on compensation and assistance to passengers in the event of denied boarding and of cancellation or long delay of flights” came into effect.

The Commission for Aviation Regulation has been designated as the body responsible for the enforcement of this Regulation in Ireland.

Further information on your rights under this Regulation and on the Commission for Aviation’s role in the enforcement of this Regulation is available on the Commission’s website www.aviationreg.ie

Refunds, Changes, Baggage Allowances and Taxes, Fees and Charges

Make sure to carefully read the terms and conditions on the ticket before completing your booking. Most airline tickets are non-refundable, this should be outlined in the terms and conditions. Some airlines allow you to make changes to your ticket, once you meet certain criteria and pay a change fee.

If you cannot travel and your ticket is non-refundable, some airlines will allow you apply for a refund of relevant taxes, fees and charges. However, they may charge you an administration fee and where the fee is more than the refund due, no refund will be issued.

Make sure you carefully read the airline’s terms and conditions in relation to baggage allowances. Airlines are free to set their own baggage allowances and these allowances can vary from airline to airline. Excess baggage fees are also set by the airlines themselves and can vary. Make sure to check what the baggage allowance is – if you do not stick to the allowance the airline is entitled to charge you excess baggage charges.