What to do if your bags get lost at Manchester Airport

Scores of passengers have lost their bags at Manchester Airport in the past few weeks and months. Many passengers have simply given up waiting for their bags to come off the luggage carousels.

Instead they've chosen come back another day and claim their bags through lost property. However, this option might not be practical for those living further away from Manchester, or who have busy lives and can’t spend the extra time coming back to the airport.

So, what are your rights if your luggage is lost, and what should you do? Here is a handy guide to what you need to know.

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It’s a dull start, but a necessary one. If your bag has not come off the luggage carousel, you should fill out a ‘property irregularity report’ form, also called a PIR. You should be able to get one from the airline you’ve flown with.

The form will ask you to describe your bags. It will also require you to provide an address where you’re staying.

If you can’t get access to a PIR, most airlines have an online portal to report lost luggage. You’re more likely to get compensation the sooner you report it, experts say.

Bags are only classified as ‘delayed’ for the first three weeks — 21 days — after your flight. After this window, they’re classified as ‘lost’.

Some airlines will reimburse you for essentials, like toiletries, that have been lost while you’re without them. Always keep receipts of anything you buy if the airline agrees to this.

So, after 21 days, if your bag is still not with you, you can claim for ‘lost luggage’ — each airline has their own policy on compensation. However, under the Montreal Convention, you can get up to 1,288 of