Suitcase damaged, delayed or lost? Check the deadline and claim.

Under the Montreal Convention the airline is liable up to 1,519 SDR (about CHF 1,695) per passenger, but only if you complain in writing in time: within 7 days for damage, 21 days for delay.

✓ Free deadline check, no sign-up · ✓ One-off CHF 9.90 incl. VAT, no subscription · ✓ Secure payment via Stripe · ✓ Your data stays in your browser · ✓ Not sold if the deadline has already passed

Your result appears here. Your data stays in your browser.

How it works

  1. Check for free: enter the type of problem and the date. The checker shows the legal deadline as a date, the liability limit in CHF and the time limit for court action.
  2. Letter pack for CHF 9.90: an on-time written complaint with your claim, the Montreal Convention articles and your item list, as a PDF and as text for the airline's online form, plus a reminder letter if the airline rejects or ignores you. In English, German or French.
  3. Important: a report at the lost & found desk (PIR) is good, but does not reliably replace the written complaint with your claim.

Buy the letter pack (CHF 9.90)

Deadlines at a glance

CaseWritten complaintLegal basis
Damaged suitcase / contentswithin 7 days of receiptArt. 31(2) MC
Delayed baggagewithin 21 days of being placed at your disposalArt. 31(2) MC
Lost baggagetreated as lost after 21 daysArt. 17(3) MC
Court action2 years from arrivalArt. 35 MC

Limit 1,519 SDR per passenger since 28.12.2024 (ICAO revision under Art. 24 MC), previously 1,288 SDR. 1 SDR = CHF 1.11633 (IMF, 16.10.2026). Missing the deadline bars the claim (Art. 31(4) MC) except in case of fraud. Sources: Montreal Convention (SR 0.748.411); ICAO; bazl.admin.ch.

FAQ

Does the Montreal Convention apply to my flight?

For almost all international flights to and from Switzerland, provided both the departure and destination countries are parties (including Switzerland, all EU states, the USA and the UK). According to the Swiss FOCA, the rules apply worldwide to airlines from Switzerland and the EU.

What is the maximum?

Up to 1,519 SDR (about CHF 1,695) per passenger, if you can prove the loss. The actual damage is reimbursed, for lost items usually the current value. More only with a special declaration of interest at check-in, or if the airline acted intentionally or recklessly.

Is the PIR at the airport enough?

The PIR is important evidence. Whether it replaces the written complaint under Art. 31 MC is disputed in individual cases. The safe route is a written complaint with your claim within the deadline.

Will FOCA (BAZL) help me?

No. FOCA says it is not competent for baggage disputes. If the airline refuses, the civil route remains, usually starting with a request for conciliation.

What does the letter pack cost?

The deadline checker is free. The complaint letter and reminder cost CHF 9.90 once, VAT included, no commission.