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Damaged, delayed and lost baggage

Overflowing suitcase.

We are sorry that your baggage has been mishandled

If British Airways misplaces or loses your baggage, we will make every effort to return it to you as soon as possible and deliver it to an address of your choice free of charge within 24 hours of its arrival at their final destination. The majority of bags are re-united with their owners within 72 hours.

What would you like to do?

Where are my bags?

Where are my bags

Check on the status of a bag that has already been reported

You can use our Baggage Tracer service online, to find out what is happening with your lost baggage at any time. You will need your baggage file reference number for this.

If your baggage has been delayed, we will make arrangements to deliver it to you when it arrives. This service is not available in some countries due to local government restrictions, but we will advise you if this applies.

Baggage tracking service

Report delayed or missing bags

Delayed or missing bags

Tell us about a missing bag for the first time

If your baggage is damaged on arrival, or does not turn up, contact British Airways staff at the airport immediately.

  • Details of your baggage will be taken and you will be offered immediate assistance.
  • You will be given a baggage file reference number, which you should keep safe.
  • You can track lost baggage online if you have a file reference number.
  • We will replace damaged bags as soon as possible after you have reported them.

If you have not been able to raise a delayed baggage report at the airport, you can give details about your delayed or missing baggage using the delayed baggage claim form. You will need to have your baggage, flight and contact details to hand.

If you have already told us about your missing bag and have a Property Irregularity Report number, you do not need to raise a report.

Delayed baggage claim form

Update your missing/delayed bag report with new details

If you need to update the telephone number where you can be reached or delivery address where the delayed bag is to be sent, please contact us.

Baggage contact telephone numbers

Claim baggage expenses or compensation

Baggage expenses or compensation

Start a claim for expenses or compensation

  • In the unlikely event that we cannot return your baggage to you, or you want to claim for delayed or damaged bags, you should contact your travel insurer in the first instance.
  • British Airways will give you a baggage file reference number when you report your baggage problem to us.
  • We will provide you with a written report, on request, to send to your insurer as proof of loss, damage or delay to your baggage, in support of your claim.
  • If you do not have travel insurance, you will need to contact us in writing and we will assess your claim.

Check on the status of your claim

If you have already submitted a claim, and wish to find out the latest status then please contact us.

Baggage contact telephone numbers

Insurance and baggage liability limitations

Whilst we will make every attempt to ensure your baggage is handled with care, you should know that British Airways’ liability for loss, delay or damage to baggage is limited unless a higher value is declared in advance and additional charges paid.

The extent of airline liability is not based on the weight of the bag nor its value. British Airways does not accept liability for fragile, valuable, perishable articles or baggage which is packed in damaged or unsuitable containers.

Under the Conditions of Carriage we accept no liability for the loss of jewellery, other valuables and money contained in checked baggage. You are advised to keep valuables, important documents and money either on your person or in your hand baggage.

We strongly recommend that you obtain adequate travel insurance cover prior to your journey. Use the following links for further information: