What if your luggage is damaged?
The problems of lost and damaged luggage are covered by the Warsaw Convention, a 50 year old international agreement. If your luggage arrives open, damaged or in pieces log a complaint immediately with the airlines staff or local agent before you leave the airport. You will need to complete a Property Irregularity Report. Get a copy of the report, or at least the reference number, you will need it when you make your insurance claim.
Lost Luggage?
If your luggage is lost tell the airline staff or local agent immediately and fill in Property Irregularity Report form and get a copy.
Whilst you wait for your luggage you are entitled to buy and claim for essential items to tide you over. Many airlines will make an interim payment if you ask for one. Either way make sure you keep receipts. Seek advice from the airline staff, but you can normally expect to be reimbursed for expenses of £50 - £75 for a 12 - 24 hour delay. You should not be expected to return to the airport to collect your luggage when it does arrive. It should be delivered too you.
If it does not arrive you should be aware that compensation from the airline is based on the weight of the lost luggage, not the value of the contents. You'll get a measly £15 per kilo. This may be topped up by your travel insurance policy, depending on the type of travel insurance you have.
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