In short: At the airport, go to the baggage desk and get a PIR (or file one yourself via WorldTracer). For a delayed bag, claim essentials under "Bag delay" with receipts, PIR, bag tag and boarding pass – in writing within 21 days of delivery. After 21 days unfound, Wizz says it is liable for loss: claim under "Bag loss". For damage, report within 7 days, repair the bag and claim under "Bag damage" with the repair receipt. The cap is 1,519 SDR (about £1,534 / €1,837 on 10 November 2026).
Report it before you leave the airport
Wizz Air's reporting procedure asks you to go to the "Baggage Claim", "Lost Luggage" or "Lost & Found" desk in the arrivals area. Wizz's handling agent will help you fill in a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). Alternatively, you can create the report yourself on the WorldTracer Self Service platform (mybag.aero).
- Include as many details of the bag as possible – Wizz says this speeds up the search.
- Write the value of the bag in the PIR: Wizz asks for this for lost-bag claims.
- For damage, record the bag's brand, model, value and age.
- Keep your boarding pass and bag tag – Wizz asks for both later.
Once a bag is found, Wizz says it notifies you by SMS or email and delivers it to the address in the PIR. You can follow the trace on WorldTracer with your PIR reference.
Delayed bag: claiming essentials ("Bag delay")
If you had to buy essential hygiene products and a change of clothes because your bag was delayed away from home, Wizz says you can claim them back through the claim form under the "Bag delay" category. Attach:
- all receipts;
- a copy of the PIR;
- the baggage tag;
- your boarding pass.
Wizz reimburses "only essential items within reasonable cost". Under Article 31 of the Montreal Convention, a delayed-baggage complaint must be made in writing within 21 days of the bag being placed at your disposal – submit the claim promptly. Our guide to delayed baggage compensation explains what counts as reasonable.
Lost bag after 21 days ("Bag loss")
Wizz's procedure says that if the baggage is not found within 21 days of being reported, Wizz will be liable for its loss. Claim under the "Bag loss" category and attach:
- a copy of the PIR (with the bag's value stated);
- the baggage tag;
- your boarding pass;
- your bank details.
Add an itemised list of contents with approximate age and value, and any receipts or bank statements you have. Expect a deduction for depreciation. If your travel insurer pays first, it may pursue Wizz itself – do not claim twice for the same items. Full guide: lost luggage compensation.
Damaged bag ("Bag damage")
Wizz's steps for damaged checked baggage:
- Report at the baggage desk and get a PIR confirming the damage (brand, model, value, age).
- Have the bag repaired and keep the receipt – Wizz says it covers the repair cost on the receipt "as per applicable regulation".
- If it is beyond repair, get a written confirmation from the repair shop stating the type and value of the bag.
- Claim under "Bag damage" with the PIR and the repair receipt (plus bag tag, boarding pass and bank details if you report later).
If you only notice the damage after leaving the airport, Wizz says you must report it at the airport within 7 days of arrival; if a delayed bag is delivered damaged, report in writing within 21 days of delivery. Wizz excludes minor exterior damage from normal wear and tear (scratches, soiling, stains, dents). See damaged luggage compensation.
Limits, deadlines and escalation
| Problem | Written complaint | Wizz claim category |
|---|---|---|
| Delayed bag | Within 21 days of delivery | Bag delay |
| Damaged bag | Within 7 days of receipt | Bag damage |
| Lost bag | After 21 days without the bag | Bag loss |
The airline's liability under the Montreal Convention is limited to 1,519 SDR per passenger (since 28 December 2024) – about £1,534 or €1,837 at the IMF rate on 10 November 2026 – and you must prove the loss. Court action must start within 2 years. If Wizz rejects the claim, AviationADR (Wizz is a member) can consider baggage complaints – see ADR schemes. Was the flight itself 3+ hours late as well? That is a separate claim: Wizz Air claim guide.
Frequently asked questions
How do I claim for a delayed bag with Wizz Air?
Get a PIR at the airport, then submit a claim on wizzair.com under the "Bag delay" category with your receipts, the PIR, baggage tag and boarding pass. Wizz reimburses essential items within reasonable cost.
When does Wizz Air treat a bag as lost?
Wizz says it is liable for loss if the bag is not found within 21 days of being reported. You then claim under "Bag loss" with the PIR, bag tag, boarding pass and bank details.
How much does Wizz Air pay for a lost suitcase?
Your proven loss, after depreciation, up to the Montreal Convention limit of 1,519 SDR per passenger – about £1,534 or €1,837 on 10 November 2026. There is no fixed payout.
I noticed the damage at home. Is it too late?
Not necessarily. Wizz says hidden damage must be reported at the airport within 7 days of arrival; the Montreal Convention also requires a written complaint within 7 days. Act quickly and keep photos.
The Wizz Air name belongs to its owner; EU261 Flight Delay is an independent information site and is not affiliated with Wizz Air. Information only, not legal advice.
Sources
- Damaged, delayed and lost bags – reporting procedure – Wizz Air
- Claim submission – Wizz Air
- Lost, delayed or damaged baggage – UK Civil Aviation Authority
- Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) – UK Civil Aviation Authority
- SDR valuation – currency units per SDR – International Monetary Fund
We check every rule against the sources above. Spotted an error? Tell us – see our editorial policy.