Air Canada Baggage Claim: Compensation, Deadlines & How to File
Domestic Max
$2,000
International Max
1519 SDR
Avg Response
2 days
Claim Types
3
To get Air Canada baggage compensation, report the issue at the airport baggage office immediately and get a PIR (Property Irregularity Report). Domestic compensation is capped at $2,000. International compensation is capped at 1519 SDR (~$2,000). File online at Air Canada's claims portal.
Air Canada Baggage Claims & Compensation: What You Need to Know
Air Canada is a North American carrier headquartered in CA, a member of the Star Alliance. Under applicable aviation regulations, passengers have defined rights when baggage is lost, damaged, or delayed.
When filing a claim with Air Canada, time-sensitive actions are critical. The tightest deadline is 7 days from the incident; excluded items include Cash, Jewelry, Electronics; typical response time is 2 days. Acting quickly and having your documentation ready significantly increases the likelihood of a successful claim.
For the best chance of resolving your claim: the the claims mailing address channel (rated 75% effective) tends to yield the best results; the escalation path with the highest success rate (80%) involves file in provincial small claims court. 2-year statute of limitations.; our data for Air Canada has a confidence score of 90%; last verified in February 2026.
Compared to other airlines in our database: Air Canada's domestic liability cap of $2,000 is 18% below the industry average of $2,431; their international limit of ~$2,000 matches the industry standard. These figures are based on data from 56 airlines.
Air Canada Claim Deadlines
Damaged Baggage
| Flight Type | Action | Deadline | Regulation |
|---|---|---|---|
| domestic | Submit Documentation | 7 days | Montreal Convention Article 31 / Canadian APPR |
| international | Submit Documentation | 7 days | Montreal Convention Article 31 |
If missed: Claim may be denied per Montreal Convention Article 31
Delayed Baggage
| Flight Type | Action | Deadline | Regulation |
|---|---|---|---|
| domestic | Submit Documentation | 21 days | Montreal Convention Article 31 / Canadian APPR |
| international | Submit Documentation | 21 days | Montreal Convention Article 31 |
If missed: Right to claim compensation may be forfeited
Lost Baggage
| Flight Type | Action | Deadline | Regulation |
|---|---|---|---|
| domestic | File Claim Online | 21 days | Montreal Convention / Canadian APPR |
| international | File Claim Online | 21 days | Montreal Convention |
If missed: File PIR immediately; full compensation claim after 21 days
Documentation Requirements
Required Documents
- ✓pir report
Property Irregularity Report
Note: File within 7 days
- ✓photo
Photos showing damage to baggage
Note: Multiple angles, close-ups of damage
- ✓id document
Passport or driver's license
Note: Must match name on booking
- ✓interim expense receipt
Receipts for essential items purchased
Note: Submit within 21 days of baggage return
- ✓pir report
Property Irregularity Report reference number
Note: Format: YULAC12345. File at airport immediately.
- ✓boarding pass
Original boarding pass
Note: E-boarding pass or physical copy accepted
- ✓baggage tag
Claim tag sticker from check-in
- ✓pir report
Property Irregularity Report
Note: Filed initially as delayed; becomes lost after 21 days
- ✓itemized list
Baggage Declaration Form with contents and values
Note: Required after 5 days if baggage not located
Recommended (Optional)
- ○repair estimate
Quote from luggage repair shop
- ○receipt
Proof of purchase for items
Air Canada Liability Limits
Domestic Flights
$2,000
1519 SDR
Montreal Convention
Excluded: Cash, Jewelry, Electronics, Documents, Medication
International Flights
$2,000
1519 SDR
Montreal Convention
Excluded: Cash, Jewelry, Electronics, Documents, Medication
Air Canada Contact Information
Baggage Hotline
1-888-689-2247
Hours: 24/7
Central Baggage Office. Toll-free within North America. Fax: 1-800-237-3563
Claims Mailing Address
Air Canada Baggage Claims, P.O. Box 8000, Airport Station, Dorval, QC H4Y 1C3, Canada
Central Baggage Office mailing address
Customer Service
1-888-247-2262
Hours: 24/7
Customer Relations for unresolved complaints. Online form required.
Claim Forms & Portals
Baggage Recovery Portal
Online PortalSubmit via online
Typical response: 2 days
Baggage Recovery Portal
Online PortalSubmit via online
Typical response: 2 days
Baggage Recovery Portal
Online PortalSubmit via online
Typical response: 5 days
Baggage Declaration Form (PDF)
PDF DownloadSubmit via mail
Typical response: 14 days
Escalation Path
internal
70% successContact Central Baggage Office at 1-888-689-2247 or bagrecovery.aircanada.com
When to escalate: Initial baggage issue
Avg resolution: 2 days
internal
65% successEscalate to Customer Relations at 1-888-247-2262 or online form
When to escalate: Baggage Office does not resolve within 30 days
Avg resolution: 30 days
internal
60% successWritten complaint via registered mail to Executive Customer Relations
When to escalate: Customer Relations response unsatisfactory
Avg resolution: 21 days
regulatory
55% successFile complaint with Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA)
When to escalate: Airline fails to respond within 30 days
Avg resolution: 90 days
legal
80% successBest Success RateFile in provincial small claims court. 2-year statute of limitations.
When to escalate: CTA too slow or claim exceeds regulatory scope
Avg resolution: 90 days
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Air Canada's maximum baggage liability for domestic flights?
Air Canada's maximum liability for domestic flights is $2,000 under Montreal Convention. This covers the depreciated value of your bag and its contents.
What is Air Canada's maximum baggage liability for international flights?
Air Canada's maximum liability for international flights is 1519 SDR (approximately $2,000) under the Montreal Convention. SDR values fluctuate with exchange rates.
How long do I have to file a lost baggage claim with Air Canada?
Baggage deemed lost if not recovered within 21 days
What items does Air Canada exclude from baggage liability?
Air Canada excludes the following items from baggage liability: Cash, Jewelry, Electronics, Documents, Medication. These items are not covered even if they are damaged, lost, or stolen during transit. Consider keeping high-value and excluded items in your carry-on.
Can I track my missing Air Canada bag online?
Yes, Air Canada uses the WorldTracer system for tracking mishandled baggage. You can check the status of your delayed or lost bag using the reference number from your Property Irregularity Report (PIR). Track your bag at Air Canada's tracking portal.
How does Air Canada calculate the value of lost items?
Air Canada applies depreciation when calculating compensation for lost items, meaning you receive the current value rather than the original purchase price. Typical depreciation is 10-20% per year for clothing and 20-33% for electronics. Provide purchase receipts or credit card statements to support your claimed values.
How much compensation can I get from Air Canada for lost or delayed baggage?
Air Canada's maximum baggage compensation is up to $2,000 for domestic flights, and up to 1519 SDR (approximately $2,000) for international flights under the Montreal Convention. Actual compensation is based on the depreciated value of your items, so keep receipts and purchase records to support your claim.
What's the fastest way to reach Air Canada about a baggage claim?
Based on our data, writing to the claims mailing address is the most effective channel for Air Canada baggage claims, with an effectiveness rating of 75%.
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