How do I claim lost baggage on Ethiopian Airlines | +1(808) 865–5455| Policy

How do I make a claim for lost luggage?

7 min readOct 16, 2023

Claiming lost baggage on Ethiopian Airlines can be a frustrating experience, but the airline has a well-established process in place to help you recover your belongings as efficiently as possible. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the steps to claim lost baggage on Ethiopian Airlines, including the immediate actions to take at the airport, the documentation required, and how to track the progress of your claim.

1. Immediate Actions at the Airport

Discovering that your baggage is lost or delayed upon arrival at your destination can be stressful, but it’s essential to take immediate action to report the issue and initiate the claims process. Here’s what you should do right away:

a. Visit the Baggage Service Counter: As soon as you realize your baggage is lost, damaged, or delayed, head to the Ethiopian Airlines baggage service counter at the airport. The location of the counter may vary depending on the airport, but you can ask airport staff for directions if needed.

b. Report the Issue: Inform the airline’s staff at the baggage service counter about the situation. Be prepared to provide details about your flight, including your name, flight number, and arrival airport. You will also need to present your baggage claim tags or receipts.

c. Complete a Property Irregularity Report (PIR): Ethiopian Airlines staff will assist you in filling out a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). This report is a crucial document that officially documents the issue and provides information that will be used to track and resolve your lost baggage claim.

d. Provide Accurate Details: When completing the PIR, be as accurate and specific as possible about your missing baggage. Include information about the type of bag, its color, size, and any distinguishing features. It’s important to detail the contents of the bag to help airline staff identify it more easily.

e. Request a Copy of the PIR: Ask for a copy of the completed Property Irregularity Report for your records. This document is essential for your lost baggage claim and can help you provide evidence to the airline.

f. Obtain a Reference Number: Ethiopian Airlines will provide you with a reference number or case number associated with your lost or delayed baggage. This reference number is critical for tracking the status of your claim and ensuring that the process proceeds smoothly.

2. Tracking Your Lost Baggage

Once you have filed a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) with Ethiopian Airlines, the airline’s baggage tracing system will use the reference number to help track the status and location of your missing baggage. This system will facilitate the process of reuniting you with your belongings.

3. Ethiopian Airlines’ Baggage Delivery Service

In the event of delayed baggage, Ethiopian Airlines may offer a baggage delivery service to transport your luggage to your location. The airline generally covers the costs associated with delivering your baggage once it is located. You can specify your delivery address and receive updates on the progress of your baggage’s journey.

4. Monitoring the Progress of Your Lost Baggage Claim

Ethiopian Airlines provides several methods for monitoring the progress of your lost baggage claim. You can stay informed about the status of your claim and the search for your baggage through the following channels:

a. Online Baggage Tracing System: Ethiopian Airlines typically offers an online baggage tracing system that allows you to track the status of your lost baggage. You can enter your reference number on the airline’s official website to check for updates.

b. Contacting the Baggage Service Counter: You can contact the baggage service counter at the airport where you filed your lost baggage report. They can provide you with information on the progress of your claim and help with any questions or concerns.

c. Email Communication: Ethiopian Airlines may send you email updates about the status of your lost baggage claim. Make sure to provide an accurate and frequently checked email address when filing your claim.

d. Telephone Assistance: The airline’s customer service hotline may be available to provide you with updates on your claim. Ethiopian Airlines typically provides contact information for their customer service, which you can use for inquiries.

e. Regular Follow-Up: Regardless of the tracking method you choose, it’s a good practice to make regular follow-up inquiries about your lost baggage to ensure that the process is progressing. Be patient but persistent in your communication.

5. Lost Baggage Claim Timeframe

Ethiopian Airlines typically establishes a timeframe within which passengers must submit a claim for lost or delayed baggage. This timeframe can vary depending on the airline’s policies, and it’s important to file your claim as soon as possible after discovering the issue. Delaying the claim process may result in complications with your claim.

6. Ethiopian Airlines’ Compensation for Lost Baggage

Ethiopian Airlines’ compensation policy for lost or delayed baggage is subject to international regulations, primarily governed by the Montreal Convention. The Montreal Convention is an international treaty that sets the maximum liability of airlines in the event of lost or damaged baggage.

The airline’s compensation for lost baggage can be outlined as follows:

a. Limit of Liability: Ethiopian Airlines’ liability for lost or delayed baggage is generally limited to the equivalent of 1,131 Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) per passenger. The actual value in local currency can vary, and the Montreal Convention defines this limit.

b. Exceptions: Ethiopian Airlines may offer compensation exceeding the Montreal Convention limit in certain cases, such as for valuable items or electronic devices that are not recommended for checked baggage.

c. Proof of Value: To facilitate your lost baggage compensation claim, it’s important to provide proof of the value of the items contained in your baggage. This can include receipts, invoices, or other documentation showing the worth of your belongings.

d. Perishable Items: Compensation for perishable items, such as food or plants, may be limited. Ethiopian Airlines may not provide full reimbursement for such items.

e. Delayed Luggage: In the case of delayed luggage, Ethiopian Airlines typically offers limited reimbursement for essential items you may need during the time your baggage is delayed. The airline may provide a fixed daily allowance for purchasing necessary clothing and toiletries.

7. Making a Lost Baggage Compensation Claim

To make a claim for lost baggage compensation on Ethiopian Airlines, follow these steps:

a. Submit Your Claim: File your claim as soon as possible, typically within the specified timeframe set by the airline. You can submit your claim online through Ethiopian Airlines’ official website or by visiting their local office.

b. Provide Documentation: When making a claim, you will need to provide documentation supporting the value of the lost items. This may include receipts, invoices, or other evidence of the items’ worth.

c. Reference Number: Include the reference number or case number from the Property Irregularity Report (PIR) that you received when reporting the lost baggage. This reference number is essential for tracking your claim.

d. Be Patient: Ethiopian Airlines will conduct an investigation into your claim to determine the appropriate compensation. This process may take some time, so it’s important to be patient while the airline reviews your case.

e. Communication: Stay in communication with Ethiopian Airlines during the claims process. The airline may require additional information or documentation to process your claim.

f. Resolution: Once Ethiopian Airlines reviews your claim and documentation, they will provide a resolution, which may include compensation or reimbursement for your lost or delayed baggage.

8. Lost Baggage Compensation for Valuables

If you have valuable items in your lost baggage, such as electronics, jewelry, or other high-value items, it’s advisable to consider separate insurance coverage or to carry these valuables in your cabin baggage. Ethiopian Airlines’ compensation for lost or damaged baggage typically has limitations, and valuable items may not be fully covered.

9. Review Your Travel Insurance

If you have travel insurance, it’s recommended to check the coverage it provides for lost baggage. Your travel insurance policy may offer additional compensation or reimbursement for lost or delayed baggage beyond what the airline provides. It’s essential to understand the terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy and how to make a claim if necessary.

10. Conclusion

Claiming lost baggage on Ethiopian Airlines requires a clear and organized process to ensure that your belongings are located and that you are fairly compensated for any inconvenience or losses. By following the steps outlined in this guide and remaining patient and persistent throughout the process, you can increase your chances of a successful lost baggage claim. Always refer to Ethiopian Airlines’ official website or contact the airline directly for the most up-to-date information on their lost baggage claims process and compensation policy.