Losing your luggage when you go on a plane trip is a twist that can unfortunately happen. The important thing is how to react well in such a situation. You should already know that it is not the airport which is held responsible but the airline company which caused this loss of luggage, according to the provisions of the Montreal Convention and the Warsaw Convention which determine the amount compensation in the event of loss.
Before leaving, it is therefore advisable to check with your Tunisair Express airline to find out if your flight is indeed concerned by the protection of the luggage of one of these two conventions. Some flights do not benefit from these protections. On the other hand, only checked baggage in the hold can benefit from protection. Cabin baggage is excluded.
What to do if the suitcases do not appear at the airport
The fact that the suitcases do not show up on the tapes can be more of an inconvenience when we arrive at the destination airport, hoping to enjoy its well-deserved vacation. While the normal thing should be that its suitcases are not lost, it is something that is beyond its control, as the luggage passes through endless tunnels, hands, carts and vehicles, only to end up in the hold of the aircraft. If this unpleasant situation were to happen, we should not worry.
What should you do when you go to collect your luggage and it does not appear on the conveyor belt?
First of all, you should always go to the information point counter (physical counter or green jackets) that you will find near the conveyor belts (they are usually identified as “LUGGAGE”, “LOST & FOUND”, etc. ) to request the Part of Baggage Irregularity (PIR).
What is the PIR? IRP is part of Iberia Irregularity The PIR is the official document used by airlines for passengers to register incidents to their baggage. When consulting with the information point staff, they will guide you to one of these two locations so that you can request and complete the PIR: Airline handling office Counter of the airline you flew with. When you go to the counters and fill out the PIR, you will receive a copy which you should always keep with you.
This is an Iberia PIR model, where the opening of an incident with baggage is documented. It includes, among other things, the customer’s flight details and a reference number, which will be the one you use to search for your suitcase. On the other hand, there will be the contact telephone number, where the customer can request information on the incidence of his luggage.
Obtain the loss of your luggage at the airport
As soon as you have noticed the loss of your baggage, you must report your damage to the “baggage disputes” service at the airport and request a receipt. Without this first step, it will then be more difficult for you to request compensation from your airline. Fortunately, in the majority of cases, lost baggage is found within 48 hours. Do not forget to specify the address where you are during your stay if you are not returning home. Your recovered luggage will be delivered to you free of charge at the address you provide.
You can also quickly contact the insurance linked to your bank card with which you paid for your flight, which can in some cases cover compensation for your luggage and especially pay you a sum of money to buy emergency clothes. for example.
In all cases, carefully keep the invoices for the purchases you have made because of the loss of your luggage, they will serve as proof for you to be compensated. If you have purchased flight cancellation insurance from your tour operator, this usually includes a baggage guarantee.
File a loss of baggage claim with Tunisair Express
In the event of loss of baggage during an airplane trip, you must send a complaint by registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt to your airline within 21 days, accompanied by the receipt provided by the “baggage disputes” service of the company. In this letter, you must assess in money and justify your damage to claim compensation.
To make this process easier for you, remember to take photos of your luggage and its contents before check-in. Do not pack valuables in your suitcases; the maximum compensation provided by European airlines is € 1,220 per piece of luggage lost. For other companies, it is 20 euros per kilo of luggage. Otherwise, it is advisable to take out additional insurance.
If the Tunisian airline refuses to compensate you, despite the proof that you have provided concerning the luggage lost at the airport, you have the possibility to apply online to the tourism and travel mediator. If mediation fails, you will have to go to court to obtain redress.