Air China Baggage Claim: Compensation, Deadlines & How to File
Domestic Max
$
International Max
1519 SDR
Avg Response
30 days
Claim Types
3
To get Air China baggage compensation, report the issue at the airport baggage office immediately and get a PIR (Property Irregularity Report). Domestic compensation is capped at $. International compensation is capped at 1519 SDR (~$1,900). File online at Air China's claims portal.
Air China Baggage Claims & Compensation: What You Need to Know
Air China is a Asia-Pacific carrier headquartered in CN, 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 China, time-sensitive actions are critical. The tightest deadline is 7 days from the incident; excluded items include jewelry, cash, electronics; typical response time is 30 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 customer service channel (rated 60% effective) tends to yield the best results; the escalation path with the highest success rate (70%) involves file suit within 2 years of arrival (montreal convention art. 35). consult an aviation attorney or pursue small claims court where eligible.; our data for Air China has a confidence score of 80%; last verified in June 2026.
Compared to other airlines in our database: their international limit of ~$1,900 is slightly below the average. These figures are based on data from 83 airlines.
Air China Claim Deadlines
Damaged Baggage
| Flight Type | Action | Deadline | Regulation |
|---|---|---|---|
| domestic | Report at Airport | 7 days | warsaw_convention |
| international | Report at Airport | 7 days | Montreal Convention Art. 31 |
If missed: Claim may be denied; airline may assume damage occurred after receipt
Delayed Baggage
| Flight Type | Action | Deadline | Regulation |
|---|---|---|---|
| domestic | File Claim Online | 21 days | warsaw_convention |
| international | File Claim Online | 21 days | Montreal Convention Art. 31 |
If missed: May lose right to interim expense reimbursement
Lost Baggage
| Flight Type | Action | Deadline | Regulation |
|---|---|---|---|
| domestic | File Claim Online | 21 days | warsaw_convention |
| international | File Claim Online | 21 days | Montreal Convention Art. 31, 35 |
If missed: Claim may be denied or reduced
Documentation Requirements
Required Documents
- ✓pir report
Record of Baggage Transport Irregularities issued at the Air China baggage service counter
Note: Obtain this document from staff BEFORE leaving the airport.
- ✓id document
Valid identity document used to board the flight
- ✓baggage tag
Baggage claim tag(s) for the baggage in question
- ✓photo
Photos of the damaged bag from multiple angles
Note: Include close-ups of the damage and full-bag photos.
- ✓interim expense receipt
Receipts for reasonable emergency purchases made while baggage was delayed
Note: Keep all receipts for toiletries, essential clothing and medication.
- ✓pir report
Record of Baggage Transport Irregularities issued at the airport
- ✓id document
Valid identity document used to board the flight
- ✓itemized list
Itemized list of bag contents with estimated values
Note: Be as detailed as possible; include brand names, purchase dates and condition.
- ✓pir report
Record of Baggage Transport Irregularities issued at the airport
- ✓id document
Valid identity document used to board the flight
- ✓baggage tag
Baggage claim tag(s) for the lost baggage
Recommended (Optional)
- ○boarding pass
Boarding pass, flight ticket or e-ticket itinerary (if requested)
- ○receipt
Receipts or proof of value for claimed items
Air China Liability Limits
Domestic Flights
—
Warsaw Convention
Excluded: jewelry, cash, electronics, documents, medication, fragile items
International Flights
$1,900
1519 SDR
Montreal Convention
Excluded: jewelry, cash, electronics, documents, medication, fragile items
Air China Contact Information
Baggage Hotline
+86-95583
Hours: 24/7
Avg wait: 30 min
Air China service hotline (China). For baggage irregularities dial 95583 then options 1-6. International callers use +86-95583.
Claims Mailing Address
Air China Limited, Tom Bradley International Terminal, 380 World Way TBIT, Room 3301A, Los Angeles, CA 90045, USA
Air China LAX airport office (US baggage service). Phone +1-310-215-1188, Fax +1-310-216-7792. Send formal claims by certified mail.
Claims Email
customer.relations@airchina.us
North America customer relations / feedback email. Response time varies.
Customer Service
1-800-882-8122
Hours: Mon-Fri 06:00-21:00, Sat-Sun/holidays 07:30-16:00 Pacific
Avg wait: 25 min
Air China North America call center (toll-free US).
Executive Office
Air China Limited (Attn: Chairman/President), No. 30 Tianzhu Road, Airport Industrial Zone Zone A, Shunyi District, Beijing 101312, People's Republic of China
Corporate headquarters / executive escalation. Use only after other channels exhausted. Chairman Liu Tiexiang; President Qu Guangji (2026).
Want us to handle this for you?
We'll file your Air China claim end-to-end — or use the official forms below.
Claim Forms & Portals
Escalation Path
internal
55% successCall the Air China baggage hotline (95583 / +86-95583, or US 1-800-882-8122) with your file reference number
When to escalate: Irregularity reported, no response within 7 days
Avg resolution: 10 days
internal
55% successSubmit a written complaint to Air China North America Customer Relations (customer.relations@airchina.us) or the LAX office
When to escalate: Claim denied or inadequate offer
Avg resolution: 21 days
internal
55% successSend an executive escalation letter to Air China headquarters (Attn: Chairman/President), Shunyi District, Beijing
When to escalate: Customer Relations response unsatisfactory
Avg resolution: 30 days
regulatory
65% successFile a complaint with the US Department of Transportation (for travel to/from the US)
When to escalate: All internal options exhausted; itinerary touches the US
Avg resolution: 45 days
legal
70% successBest Success RateFile suit within 2 years of arrival (Montreal Convention Art. 35). Consult an aviation attorney or pursue small claims court where eligible.
When to escalate: Regulatory complaint unsuccessful; within 2-year Montreal Convention suit limit
Avg resolution: 90 days
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Air China's maximum baggage liability for domestic flights?
Air China's maximum liability for domestic flights is $undefined under Warsaw Convention. This covers the depreciated value of your bag and its contents.
What is Air China's maximum baggage liability for international flights?
Air China's maximum liability for international flights is 1519 SDR (approximately $1,900) under the Montreal Convention. SDR values fluctuate with exchange rates.
How long do I have to file a lost baggage claim with Air China?
File a written claim within 21 days of travel for baggage not recovered on domestic (within China) flights.
What items does Air China exclude from baggage liability?
Air China excludes the following items from baggage liability: jewelry, cash, electronics, documents, medication, fragile items. 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 China bag online?
Yes, Air China 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 China's tracking portal.
How does Air China calculate the value of lost items?
Air China 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 China for lost or delayed baggage?
Air China's maximum baggage compensation is up to 1519 SDR (approximately $1,900) 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 China about a baggage claim?
Based on our data, contacting customer service is the most effective channel for Air China baggage claims, with an effectiveness rating of 60%. You can reach them at 1-800-882-8122.
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