TAP lost baggage compensation.
How much can you claim? What are the rules?
Discovering that your baggage is missing during air travel can be an incredibly frustrating experience. Whether it’s due to transfer errors, mishandling, or mislabeling, there are various reasons why bags may get lost in transit. This unexpected situation can quickly turn a smooth travel experience into a stressful one as you anxiously wait by the baggage carousel, hoping to catch a glimpse of your bag.
What to do if your luggage is lost?
What to Do If Your Luggage Is Lost?
In the event that your baggage is lost, it’s crucial to take swift action.
Visit the Baggage Service Office located near the baggage carousels and file a report immediately. It’s important to have your travel documents, such as your passport, boarding pass, and baggage tag, ready for submission. Additionally, providing a photo of your missing bag can expedite the process; however, a detailed description of the bag will also suffice.
You won’t get lost baggage compensation if you skip this step.
Upon reporting the loss, you’ll receive a Property Irregularity Report with a reference number. Keep this document safe as you’ll need it for tracking your missing bag online.
Delivery arrangements will be made, but bear in mind it may take more than 24 hours to locate your bag. Be patient during the recovery process, as finding lost items can be a time-consuming task.
Tracking Your Lost Baggage
If you have lost your baggage, it can be an inconvenience; however, airlines have procedures in place to locate and recover lost bags.
To track your missing baggage, use the personal reference number from the Property Irregularity Report given to you at the airport to access the airline’s online baggage tracing system. This system provides updates on the status and location of your baggage. If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to contact the airline’s customer service team for further assistance.
Once the airline has successfully located your baggage, they’ll notify you.
TAP Lost Baggage Compensation
If your baggage is lost, you may be entitled to compensation from the airline.
To support your claim, keep a detailed list of the items in your bag and all relevant receipts and documents.
It’s advisable to pack essential items like medication, important documents, and valuables in your carry-on bag to minimize the impact of lost baggage on your travel plans.
Baggage Delayed for More Than 72 Hours
If TAP Airlines is unable to locate your baggage within 72 hours of reporting it missing, they will request further information to aid in the search. To assist them in the process, they will ask for a more detailed description of the appearance and contents of your lost baggage. Additionally, you will be required to complete a baggage inventory form.
It’s crucial to note that there is a deadline of 5 days from the time of the loss to submit the completed baggage inventory form.
For more information about lost baggage, visit the website of TAP.
Reimbursement of Expenses
In case of lost baggage, passengers often find themselves needing to purchase essential items. Fortunately, there is a provision for reimbursement often called “delayed baggage compensation”. However, it’s important to understand that immediate payment may not be readily available.
It’s essential to note that this compensation is specifically intended to cover the cost of essential items that passengers cannot do without. Such items are toiletries, underwear, and clothing.
It’s crucial to keep all receipts for any additional expenses incurred during this period. These receipts will serve as evidence when filing a claim for reimbursement. Remember, without the receipts, you can’t recover your expenses.
It’s crucial to file the claim for reimbursement within 21 days of receiving your lost baggage, so don’t miss this deadline.
Lost Baggage Compensation
If TAP fails to locate your baggage within 21 days, you may be eligible for compensation, which can amount to up to €1300 to cover the value of the lost items. To facilitate the process, it’s important to provide TAP with a detailed inventory of the contents of your baggage. It’s advisable to prepare this list in advance to ensure you include all relevant items.
It’s worth noting that TAP is obligated to transfer the compensation directly to your bank account. Avoid accepting any vouchers or alternative forms of compensation.
While compensation can help replace lost items, it’s important to exercise caution when packing valuable belongings such as electronics, art, or jewelry in your checked baggage. Airlines typically offer limited compensation for such items, as specified by the Montreal Convention and the airline’s Conditions of Carriage.
In addition to lost baggage compensation, passengers may also be eligible to claim reimbursement for essential items they had to buy. It’s crucial to keep all relevant receipts and documents to support the claim.
Is Travel Insurance Necessary?
Wondering whether travel insurance is necessary to claim lost baggage compensation?
While it is not mandatory, having travel insurance offers additional protection and coverage for unexpected incidents during your trip, including lost baggage, item replacements, or medical emergencies.
Flight travel insurance is often available at an affordable cost or even included as a benefit of your debit or credit card. It is advisable to keep receipts for essential purchases in the event of loss or delay. In some cases, claiming expenses through your insurance provider may be more efficient than filing a claim with the airline. It’s important to review and understand the coverage provided by your travel insurance policy.
However, if you do not have travel insurance, there’s no need to worry. You can still pursue lost baggage compensation directly from TAP. While having travel insurance adds an extra layer of protection, TAP is obligated to provide compensation for lost baggage regardless of whether you have insurance or not.
Travel Prepared
When embarking on a journey, it’s essential to prepare for the unexpected.
Include a spare set of clothes and undergarments in your carry-on bag. This way, if your checked-in bag is delayed, you’ll have essential items readily available. Additionally, keep important medications and valuable belongings with you in your carry-on, ensuring they’re easily accessible.
Remember that unforeseen circumstances, such as lost or delayed baggage, can occur during your travels. By planning ahead and packing wisely, you can minimize any potential inconvenience caused by such situations. Stay prepared and travel with peace of mind.
What is your experience with baggage delays on TAP flights? Has TAP ever lost your baggage? Have you ever applied for “TAP delayed baggage compensation” (reimbursement of expenses in case of baggage delay)?
Please note that the rules for compensation for delayed or lost baggage with TAP 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 TAP and other airlines globally.
Featured photo by Markus Winkler from Pexels