Lost Baggage in India: Time Limits and Compensation Rules

How long do you have to claim lost luggage?

On a recent flight from Delhi to Chennai, my checked bag didn’t arrive, leaving me stranded without essentials. The frustration of navigating Air India’s lost baggage desk sparked my dive into India’s baggage claim rules. Lost luggage is a traveler’s nightmare, and with India’s busy airports, mishaps happen. This guide details time limits for claims, DGCA regulations, and compensation policies for major Indian airlines like Air India, IndiGo, and Vistara, helping you reclaim your rights.

Table of Contents

• Time Limits for Lost Baggage Claims
• DGCA Rules for Lost Baggage
• Compensation for Delayed and Lost Baggage
• Major Indian Airlines’ Baggage Policies
• Frequently Asked Questions

Time Limits for Lost Baggage Claims

In India, airlines typically allow 21 days to locate lost luggage before declaring it officially lost, as per Air India’s policy. Passengers must file a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) immediately at the airport’s baggage desk upon noticing missing luggage. For damaged baggage, report within 7 days of receipt with details like photos and receipts. Delayed baggage claims should be filed within 21 days of delivery, per DGCA guidelines. Timely reporting is critical to initiate tracking and ensure eligibility for compensation.

DGCA Rules for Lost Baggage

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) governs baggage compensation in India under the Carriage by Air Act, 1972, incorporating the Montreal Convention. Per Delhi Airport’s passenger charter, airlines are liable for up to 1,131 Special Drawing Rights (SDR, ~USD 1,500) per passenger for lost, delayed, or damaged baggage. The DGCA’s CAR Section 3, Series M, Part VI, caps domestic compensation at INR 20,000 per passenger for baggage issues, though airlines may offer more. Passengers must provide proof of loss, such as receipts, to claim compensation.

Compensation for Delayed and Lost Baggage

For delayed baggage, airlines like Air India offer interim compensation (e.g., ~USD 60) for essentials like clothing and toiletries, requiring receipts for reimbursement, as noted in U.S. DOT guidelines. If luggage is declared lost after 21 days, compensation is based on the baggage’s value, up to 1,131 SDR (~USD 1,500) under the Montreal Convention. Airlines may require itemized lists and proof of purchase. Travel insurance, as highlighted by India Baggage Rules: Travel Insurance, can cover additional costs, easing financial stress.

Major Indian Airlines’ Baggage Policies

Major Indian airlines follow DGCA and international guidelines but have specific procedures:

• Air India: Offers interim relief for delayed baggage and compensates up to USD 1,500 for lost luggage. File a PIR at the airport and track via Air India’s tracker. Contact baggageservices@dnata.com or 1800 452 308 for updates.
• IndiGo: Provides immediate compensation for essentials and processes lost luggage claims per Montreal Convention standards. Check IndiGo’s policy for details.
• Vistara: Compensates for delayed baggage essentials and offers up to 1,131 SDR for lost luggage. Visit Vistara’s baggage page.
• SpiceJet: Offers fixed interim relief and processes lost luggage claims per international guidelines. Recent X posts indicate SpiceJet paid INR 2 lakh for a lost bag with valuables. See SpiceJet’s policy.
• AIX Connect & Air India Express: Both provide interim compensation and follow Montreal Convention limits for lost baggage, per Air India Express.
• Akasa Air: Compensates for essentials during delays and aligns with DGCA standards for lost luggage. Check Akasa Air’s policy.
• Alliance Air & Star Air: Offer interim relief and process claims per international standards, though specific policies are less detailed. Refer to Alliance Air and Star Air.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do you have to claim lost luggage in India?

You must file a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) immediately at the airport. Airlines allow 21 days to locate luggage before declaring it lost, after which you can claim compensation.

What are the rules for lost baggage in India?

Per DGCA’s Carriage by Air Act, 1972, airlines are liable for up to 1,131 SDR (~USD 1,500) for lost baggage. File a PIR and provide proof of contents within 21 days.

[](https://www.myticketstoindia.com.au/blog/compensation-for-lost-damaged-delayed-baggage-in-india/)

Do airlines compensate for delayed baggage in India?

Yes, airlines like Air India and IndiGo offer interim relief (e.g., INR 3,000–10,000) for essentials during delays. Submit receipts within 21 days of baggage delivery.

What are the rules for lost baggage in DGCA?

DGCA’s CAR Section 3, Series M, Part VI, limits liability to INR 20,000 for domestic flights and 1,131 SDR for international flights. Airlines may offer more, requiring proof of loss.

[](https://www.myticketstoindia.com/blog/compensation-for-delayed-damaged-lost-baggage/)

What is the new baggage rule in India?

The DGCA’s latest rules, aligned with the Montreal Convention, cap liability at 1,131 SDR (~USD 1,500) for lost baggage, with airlines responsible for tracking and compensating within 21 days.

Who is responsible if my luggage is lost?

The airline handling your baggage is responsible, per Montreal Convention. File a PIR at the airport and follow up with the airline’s baggage desk.

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Bumped from a Flight in India? Shocking Overbooking Rules You Need to Know!

Can Airlines Bump You from a Flight in India? Your Rights Revealed

Last month, I arrived at Delhi’s airport for an IndiGo flight to Mumbai, ticket in hand, only to be told at the gate that I couldn’t board due to overbooking. Frustrated but curious, I negotiated a ₹10,000 compensation and a later flight, sparking my dive into India’s airline overbooking rules and passenger rights.

Overbooking is a common airline tactic globally, including in India, where carriers like Air India and IndiGo sell more tickets than seats to offset no-shows. While this maximizes profits, it can leave passengers stranded. Unlike high-profile U.S. incidents, India’s DGCA ensures bumped passengers are denied boarding before entering the plane, avoiding forceful removals. This guide explores overbooking practices, compensation rights, domestic flight safety, and new rules in India, empowering you to navigate air travel confidently.

Table of Contents

• Can Airlines Bump You from a Flight?
• Does Overbooking Happen in India?
• Denied Boarding Due to Overbooked Flight? How Much Is the Compensation?
• Who Gets Picked for Bumping?
• How Safe Are Domestic Flights in India?
• What Are the New Rules for Domestic Flights in India?

Can Airlines Bump You from a Flight?

Yes, airlines can bump passengers from flights due to overbooking, a legal practice worldwide, including in India. The DGCA mandates that airlines first seek volunteers to give up seats in exchange for compensation before involuntarily denying boarding. Unlike U.S. cases (e.g., the 2017 United Airlines incident), India’s policies prevent boarded passengers from being forcibly removed, ensuring denial happens at the gate. If bumped involuntarily, you’re entitled to compensation, provided you meet check-in deadlines and have a confirmed reservation.

Does Overbooking Happen in India?

Overbooking is a regular practice among Indian airlines like Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet, with 12,957 passengers denied boarding on domestic flights from August 2016 to February 2017. Airlines oversell to account for no-shows (5–15% of bookings), maximizing revenue on thin profit margins. The DGCA regulates this, requiring airlines to offer volunteers incentives (e.g., vouchers, cash) before bumping anyone involuntarily. Unlike U.S. airlines, Indian carriers avoid dragging passengers off planes, denying boarding before entry.

Denied Boarding Due to Overbooked Flight? How Much Is the Compensation?

Under DGCA rules, passengers involuntarily bumped from domestic flights in India are entitled to:

• Within 1 hour: Alternate flight with no compensation.
• Within 24 hours: Alternate flight plus ₹10,000 compensation.
• Beyond 24 hours: Alternate flight plus ₹20,000 compensation.
• No alternate flight: Full refund plus 400% of one-way fare (up to ₹20,000).

Compensation is paid immediately for cash purchases or within 7 days for credit card payments. Passengers can also approach consumer courts for additional damages, as confirmed by a 2017 Delhi High Court ruling. For international flights, compensation may align with the Montreal Convention, offering higher amounts based on delay and expenses.

Who Gets Picked for Bumping?

Airlines prioritize passengers with lower fares, late check-ins, or no seat assignments for involuntary bumping, as noted on Quora. Frequent flyers, elite status holders, unaccompanied minors, or premium cabin passengers are less likely to be bumped. Indian airlines must provide a written statement explaining their selection criteria, which cannot be discriminatory (e.g., based on race or gender). Checking in early and securing a seat assignment reduces your risk.

How Safe Are Domestic Flights in India?

Domestic flights in India are generally safe, with a robust safety record overseen by the DGCA. In 2024, India’s aviation sector reported no fatal accidents on scheduled domestic flights, though minor incidents (e.g., bird strikes, technical snags) occur. Airlines like IndiGo and Air India adhere to ICAO standards, and new rules mandate enhanced pilot training and maintenance checks. However, overbooking can indirectly impact safety if smaller aircraft are used for weight restrictions, though such cases don’t require compensation. Passengers bumped for safety reasons (e.g., weight balance on planes with 60 or fewer seats) are not compensated.

What Are the New Rules for Domestic Flights in India?

In 2024, the DGCA introduced updated rules for domestic flights to enhance passenger rights and safety:

• Compensation Transparency: Airlines must provide written statements for denied boarding, detailing rights and selection criteria.
• Refund Timelines: Full refunds for cancellations or overbooking must be processed within 7 days (credit card) or immediately (cash).
• Safety Protocols: Mandatory fatigue management for crew and stricter maintenance checks to prevent technical delays.
• Accessibility: Improved facilities for passengers with disabilities, including priority boarding to reduce bumping risks.
• Consumer Courts: Passengers can claim additional damages for mental or financial distress via civil courts.

These rules aim to balance airline efficiency with passenger protections, responding to rising overbooking complaints, as noted in a 2022 X post by @sandipsabharwal criticizing airline practices.

Overbooking remains a challenge in India’s booming aviation sector, but DGCA regulations protect passengers with clear compensation rights. Check in early, secure a seat, and know your entitlements to avoid being bumped or maximize compensation. For more insights, explore discussions on Quora. Fly smart and safe!