The steps Canadians should take if luggage doesn’t show up when it should
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There’s nothing more frustrating than waiting at the baggage carousel after your flight from Canada, only to find your luggage is missing. Whether your bag has been delayed in transit or sent to the wrong destination, taking the right steps quickly can make all the difference. Reporting delayed luggage, understanding what your airline will cover and keeping the right documentation will put you in a better position if you need to make a claim. Here’s what to do first if your luggage is held up.
Once you realise your luggage is missing, report it immediately to the carrier – your airline or tour operator, for example. Get a written Property Irregularity Report (PIR) as confirmation of the delay. To qualify for benefits, the delay must be at least 12 hours.
Check with your carrier to see if you qualify for any compensation, such as the cost of basic personal items while you wait for your bags to turn up. Keep a copy of the exchange with your carrier that confirms or denies any coverage.
If you’re not compensated by the carrier, you may qualify for coverage should the delay be more than 12 hours – and if it doesn’t happen on your return flight home. Keep the original receipts for any personal items you purchase – such as a toothbrush, prescription medication or a change of clothes.
Before you go shopping for designer jeans or high-end sneakers, keep in mind that your plan has limits on what’s considered a reasonable expense. Read your plan carefully and contact us if you have any questions on what might be covered. (You wouldn’t believe some of the outrageous claims we’ve seen!)
Once you get your luggage, get written confirmation from the carrier confirming the length of the delay. As mentioned above, that period counts as at least 12 hours after the scheduled arrival time. You won’t qualify for any reimbursements for under that amount of time.
Read over your insurance plan to see what’s covered and to check if any terms, conditions or exclusions apply. With World Nomads, you can make a claim online and send in any supporting documentation afterwards.
This article is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical, legal, insurance, or travel advice and provides only a general summary of certain features that may be available under applicable travel insurance policies. Coverage is subject to the specific terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions, and pre-existing condition provisions of the applicable insurance policy. In the event of any inconsistency between this article and the wording of any insurance policy, the policy wording shall govern and take precedence. It is important that you read and understand your policy before travelling. If you have questions about your coverage or are unsure how your policy applies to your circumstances, please contact us for clarification.Insurance protection for your hard earned vacation in the event of unexpected cancellation.
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