Baggage services
Information on what to do if your baggage has been delayed, damaged or lost when flying with us.
On this page
If your checked baggage is not available on arrival, head to the local airport baggage services counter as soon as possible to lodge a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) directly with the airline that operated your flight. If your bags were checked through for multiple flights and your final airline operator wasn’t Qantas, you’ll need to lodge your report with the airline that operated your final flight.
If your checked baggage is damaged proceed to the airport baggage services counter to lodge a damaged baggage report prior to leaving the airport.
If you have already left the airport complete the online Customer Care Form.
To assess your claim, you will need to provide photographs of the damaged item. Baggage tags should not be removed as they are required for a damaged bag claim.
The Contact Centre will assess each baggage claim and update you of the outcome. Please complete the prior to leaving the airport and refer to the reporting limits.
If the airline that operated your final flight is not Qantas, you’ll need to lodge a report directly with that airline.
Qantas is not liable for damage that occurs due to an inherent defect, quality or vice of the baggage or due to wear and tear. This may include:
- cuts, scratches and dents;
- damage to retractable or fixed luggage handles;
- external items missing from bag, e.g. wheels, feet, locks, zipper and zipper tabs, straps or name tags and
- damage to the inside contents of a bag if the item(s) were suitably packed for transportation. Refer to the next paragraph.
except to the extent required by law.
It’s the customer’s responsibility to ensure that baggage is suitably packed for transportation (including oversized items such as sporting equipment or musical instruments). Qantas is not liable for damage as a result from baggage that is unsuitably packed by the customer, including overpacked baggage.
There are certain items that must not be included in checked baggage, such as fragile, valuable or perishable items. If you carry items in breach of the Conditions of Carriage, Qantas will use all available defences against any claim in respect of any damage, loss or destruction of those items.
If your baggage is collected by another passenger without your permission, Qantas is not liable for any damage or costs, unless the damage was caused by Qantas.
On journeys where you arrive, transit or depart from an airport in the USA, the TSA may inspect your baggage, in which case they will leave a note in your baggage. Qantas is not liable for any damage caused by the TSA inspections. You may email the TSA about the inspection or call +1 866 289 9673 if you have any queries.
There are strict time limits for reporting that your baggage has been damaged, delayed or lost. Please report your delayed, damaged or lost checked baggage as soon as possible using the online Customer Care Form and no later than the following time limits set out below. If you delay in making your report Qantas may not be liable.
The time limits are:
Damaged baggage
Damage or destruction to part or whole item of checked baggage:
| Trip Type | Time limit |
|---|---|
| Domestic (with no international sectors on the itinerary) | 3 days within receiving item |
| International (including any domestic sectors on the itinerary) | 7 days within receiving item |
Delayed and lost baggage
For all Domestic and International flights:
| Description | Time limit |
|---|---|
| Delayed checked baggage | 21 days from when the checked baggage is made available to you |
| Lost baggage | If your baggage has not been located after 21 days of intended receipt submit a delayed baggage claim on the online Customer Care Form. |
If your baggage has not been located after 21 days, complete a lost baggage claim (PDF) by replying to the original email sent to you. This will ensure your details are attached to your current case reference.
Qantas liability is limited in accordance with the relevant laws and international conventions governing air travel and as set out in our Conditions of carriage.