A Full Comprehensive Guide to Paris CDG Airport Delayed Baggage
If your baggage is lost or delayed at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, here’s what you should do. Factors like bad weather, technical issues in baggage handling, or a detached bag tag can result in luggage not arriving on the same day as you. It's important to know the steps to take in these situations.

Lost, Damaged, or Delayed Luggage at CDG Airport
Checked-in Luggage
You can claim compensation of up to EUR 1300 if your luggage is damaged, lost, or delayed. If the damage is caused by a defect in the luggage, however, you are not entitled to compensation.
Hand Luggage
If your hand luggage has been damaged, the airline will be liable for any damage if they were responsible.
Travel Insurance
It is advisable to purchase private insurance when traveling to Paris with expensive items. You can request for a fee a higher compensation cap (over EUR 1,300) from your airline if you don't want to. You must do this in advance, and no later than when you check-in.
How to File a Complaint
You can file a claim with the airline for damaged or lost luggage within seven days or, if your luggage was delayed, within 21 days. There is no EU-wide standard form.
What to Do When Your Baggage Is Delayed at CDG Airport?
You can check whether you have lost your luggage or not at the Service Baggage desk which is found in the baggage claim section. If you have already left the airport, then call the airline right away using the baggage tag (receipt) number.
Find the Airline's Baggage Service Desk
Each airline at CDG airport has its own designated baggage service desk. You can your airline's desk by looking for signs at the airport or asking the king staff. There are dedicated counters for the major airlines at Paris CDG. These include Air France, Delta Airlines, Emirates, and others.
Airline | Location |
---|---|
Air France | Terminal 2E |
Air Canada | Terminal 2A |
American Airlines | Terminal 2A |
British Airways | Terminal 2A |
Delta | Terminal 2E |
EasyJet | Terminal 2G |
Lufthansa | Terminal 1 |
Turkish Airlines | Terminal 2A |
United Airlines | Terminal 1 |
File a Delayed Baggage Report and Receive a PIR with a Reference Number
- A Property Irregularity Report (PIR) will be prepared.
- You will receive a reference number (e.g. CDGXX12345).
Keep all documents relating to your flight (baggage invoice, boarding card).
What Comes Next
The majority of bags are returned to their owners in less than 72 hours. After your luggage is located and cleared by customs the airline will contact you to arrange for a convenient delivery time.
Please contact your airline if your luggage is not found within four days after you have declared it. You will need to complete a list of contents (baggage inventory form). It is important to describe your luggage as accurately as possible. A complete and accurate description will help you locate your bag.
Tracking Your Luggage
Your airline is responsible for the delivery and handling of your baggage from the time you check in to when you collect it. CDG Airport doesn't process or have information on lost baggage from airlines. Contact your airline or ground handler for detailed information on missing luggage.
Enter your PIR reference (e.g. CDGXX12345) into the WorldTracer online lost baggage tracker to monitor your luggage status and make changes to your delivery details. Enter the WorldTracer lost baggage tracker online using CDGXX12345. You can find the PIR number on your declaration form.
Compensation for Lost Baggage
Keep all receipts if you have to buy essential items due to a long delay in your luggage. You must contact the airline and file a complaint within 21 days.
Main CDG Airlines Delayed Baggage Policies
# Air France
You can report missing baggage online within 48 hours of arrival, or in person at the AIR FRANCE KLM baggage desk before you leave the airport.
Tracking Delayed Baggage
Air France offers an online baggage tracker that allows passengers to monitor the status of their claim using the claim number provided during the report.
Claiming for Essentials
Reimbursement claims may be submitted within 21 days from when their baggage has been delivered back. Please include receipts with all reimbursement requests to claim any necessary purchases (i.e. hygiene products and clothing) due to delays with their luggage.
Handling Long Delays
If the baggage isn’t located within 72 hours, passengers should complete an inventory and claim form with detailed descriptions and values of items in the bag. For bags still missing after 21 days, compensation is offered, capped at €1,607 under the Montreal Convention. Additional insurance can be purchased at check-in for higher-value items.
# American Airlines
For U.S. domestic flights, delayed bags should be reported within 4 hours of arrival (or within 12 hours with Bags VIP Luggage Delivery). For international flights, passengers must report delays before leaving the airport.
Tracking Delayed Baggage
Upon filing a report, you will receive a 13-character file ID for tracking the status of your bags and submitting any necessary claims.
Handling Extended Delays
If a bag remains missing for over 5 days, you should submit additional details online using your file ID, allowing American’s Central Baggage Resolution Office to attempt to locate the bag.
Reimbursement for Essentials
American Airlines will reimburse passengers for essential items needed while without their bags. Claims must be submitted within 30 days of the delay and include the file ID, ticket receipt, baggage claim checks, and itemized receipts.
Submitting a Claim
Claims can be submitted online for faster processing, or by mail (though this may lead to delays) to American Airlines Central Baggage in Texas.
American Airlines Central Baggage
P.O. Box 619619
DFW Airport, TX 75261-9616
# Air Canada
You should report missing baggage to a baggage service agent at their destination or use Air Canada’s self-serve option by scanning a QR code near Baggage Services counters. A Delayed Baggage File is created using the passenger's contact details, baggage description, baggage claim stubs, and boarding passes.
Tracking and File Updates
You can access and update their Delayed Baggage File through the Air Canada app or online using their incident report number. If there’s no update within 48 hours, you are advised to reach out to Air Canada.
For Bags Missing Beyond 5 Days:
If the baggage isn’t located within 3 days, you should complete a detailed Baggage Tracing form. This form provides the Central Baggage Tracing Team with specific item details to aid in locating the baggage.
Delivery and Reimbursement
Once located, Air Canada will arrange delivery via a local contracted carrier or FedEx. If a checked bag fee was paid, it will be refunded if the baggage was delayed on flights operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, or Air Canada Express.
# British Airways
At the airport, you can visit a baggage desk to report delayed baggage and complete customs declarations if needed. If you have already left the airport, you can still report delayed baggage online. Reports should be filed within 8 days of the flight.
Tracking Delayed Baggage
After reporting, you receive a unique report number (five letters and five numbers) to track the status of your delayed baggage, add details to aid identification, or update contact information through the baggage tracing system.
Claims and Compensation
Passengers may be eligible for claims or compensation for delayed or damaged baggage and its contents.
# Delta Airlines
You should report delayed baggage at the Delta Baggage Service Office (BSO) at the airport and receive a file reference number for tracking.
For Bags Delayed 5 Days or Less:
Delta will deliver the bag based on the information in the baggage report once located. Passengers can file a claim for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses due to the delay.
For Bags Delayed 6 Days or More:
Passengers should submit a property loss claim, including relevant receipts for reimbursement, using the file reference number from the BSO.
Baggage Rebate
For bags delayed over 12 hours for travelers who paid a bag fee before October 28, 2024, passengers may request an electronic travel voucher (ECTV).
# EasyJet
You should report missing baggage to the airport Baggage Services Team upon arrival. If unable to do so immediately, you can register your delayed bag through EasyJet's Baggage Portal within 24 hours of landing.
Bag Tracking and Updates
For the first 5 days, EasyJet’s airport teams handle most delayed baggage cases, with passengers receiving notifications and tracking updates through the online portal.
After 5 days, a Specialist Baggage Tracing team takes over, and passengers can check status updates through the portal or via live chat.
Essential Items Reimbursement
If the delayed baggage hasn't been returned within 24 hours, EasyJet will reimburse essential purchases (toiletries, basic clothing) up to £25 per day for up to three days (maximum of £75 per person). Receipts are required, and claims must be submitted within 21 days. Payments are made in Pounds Sterling, Euros, or the local currency equivalent.