Lost Your Luggage or Bag at an Airport?
Report lost luggage on DokiFinder alongside your airline's PIR report. We help you reach airport staff, baggage handlers, and fellow travellers who may have picked up your bag by mistake.
What to Do When Your Luggage Is Lost
- File a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) — Before leaving the airport, report to your airline's baggage desk and get a PIR reference number. You will need it to track the bag and to support any claim.
- Report on DokiFinder — Post your luggage details — color, brand, size, and any distinctive markings. Airport staff and other travellers may have found it.
- Track your claim — Use your airline's baggage tracking with the PIR reference. According to SITA, about two thirds of mishandled bags are resolved within 48 hours, but some take longer.
- Make a written claim in time — Keep receipts for essential purchases and ask your airline what it reimburses. Compensation for baggage comes from the Montreal Convention, and claims must be made in writing within set deadlines.
Report Your Lost Luggage for Free
File on DokiFinder alongside your airline PIR to maximise recovery chances from all channels.
Frequently asked questions
What to do if my luggage is lost by the airline?
Immediately file a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) at the airline's baggage desk before leaving the airport. Then report on DokiFinder to reach airport staff and other passengers.
How long can an airline take to find lost luggage?
Many delayed bags are found within two days: SITA's 2025 report says over 66 percent of mishandled bags were resolved within 48 hours. Some take longer. Keep your PIR reference, follow the airline's tracking, and make a written claim within the deadline for your case.
How do I find lost luggage at an airport?
Contact the airline's baggage services desk and use their online tracking system with your PIR number. Also report on DokiFinder — other passengers occasionally pick up wrong bags by mistake and list them here.
Can I get compensation for lost luggage?
Yes. Under the Montreal Convention, an airline is liable for lost, damaged or delayed checked baggage up to 1,288 Special Drawing Rights, which the EU's passenger-rights page puts at approximately €1,300. Keep receipts for essential purchases while your bag is delayed, and claim in writing within the deadline.
What if someone took my bag by mistake?
This is more common than theft. Report on DokiFinder immediately — confused passengers often realise the mistake within hours and are looking for a way to return the bag.
Does travel insurance cover lost luggage?
Most travel insurance policies cover lost luggage for replacement costs beyond the airline's liability limit. Check your policy's baggage section and keep all receipts and the PIR reference number.
About DokiFinder
DokiFinder is a lost-and-found recovery network for people and organizations. Owners report lost items for free; honest finders report what they found. AI-assisted matching compares the two, the owner's reward is held securely, finders are identity-verified, and the reward is released only after both sides confirm the handover. Available on the web in 13 languages. Reporting is free.