What do I do if my bag is lost or damaged?
Just the facts:
The best thing to do is report the loss or damages to an Air Canada baggage service agent within 24 hours for domestic travel and 7 days for international travel. Our Delayed and damaged baggage page provides you with all the information you require.
Behind the facts:
You should know that there are existing regulations and legislation which govern airline liability on domestic and international flights. The Warsaw Convention, for example, is an international convention which regulates liability for international carriage of persons, luggage or goods performed by aircraft.
Like most international airlines, Air Canada settles claims for lost or damaged baggage in accordance with these regulations. The Warsaw/Montreal Convention's international rules for liability are listed in the 'Insurance and Baggage Liability Limitations' section of the Delayed and damaged baggage page.
Beyond the facts: You may want to consider purchasing additional liability insurance if the standard liability limits don't meet your needs. Air Canada has negotiated preferential rates with RBC Insurance.
The following items should not be included in checked baggage: passport or other travel documents, medication, money, jewellery, cameras and electronic devices, business documents, samples, valuables, fragile and perishable items. It makes good sense to store these items in your carry-on baggage for your own protection and convenience, and also because all these items are excluded from Air Canada's liability.
