It is an all-too-common experience for passengers in Bangladesh to find their luggage torn or damaged upon arrival. While frustration is the natural response, many travellers are unaware that under international aviation law, airlines are legally responsible for the safety and security of your belongings.

If your luggage has been mishandled, you are entitled to reparations. Follow these essential steps to ensure you receive the compensation you are owed.

1. Immediate Action at the Terminal

The moment you identify damage to your luggage, you must take action before passing through customs or exiting the airport.

• Locate the Desk: Proceed immediately to the ‘Lost and Found’ or the Customer Service desk of your respective airline.
• File a PIR: Request and complete a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). This is a formal document that serves as the official record of your claim.
• Stay Grounded: DO NOT leave the terminal building before you have submitted this form and received a signed copy. While regulations at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport may allow reports within seven days, claims made after leaving the premises are significantly harder to prove.

2. Essential Documentation

To ensure a successful claim, keep the following items safe at all times:

• Visual Evidence: A clear photograph of the damaged bag taken inside the terminal.
• Flight Details: Your original boarding pass.
• Luggage Tag: The small barcode sticker (usually attached to your boarding pass or the bag handle).
• The PIR Copy: Your filed Property Irregularity Report.

3. Your Entitlements

If the airline is found to be at fault, you are entitled to the following under aviation liability frameworks:

Awareness is the first step towards ensuring fairness. Always inspect your luggage thoroughly at the carousel. If you encounter unjust treatment or damaged property, manifest your rights immediately.