When checked luggage doesn't show up on the arrivals carousel, it can ruin a trip. In India, airline baggage operations are governed by DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) guidelines. Here is the step-by-step process of what happens to lost baggage and how to secure your compensation.
1. The Golden Rule: File a PIR Before Leaving
If your bag is missing, do not leave the airport arrival hall without filing a **Property Irregularity Report (PIR)** at your airline's baggage service desk. The PIR is your legal proof that the bag was lost in the airline's custody.
2. Baggage Tracking via WorldTracer
Most major carriers in India (like Air India, IndiGo, and Vistara) log missing bags into a global tracking system called **WorldTracer**. You will receive a tracking code (e.g., BOMAI12345) to check updates online.
3. Compensation Rights under DGCA Rules
If a bag is delayed, airlines usually pay a one-time relief fund for emergency purchases. If the bag is officially declared lost (usually after 21 days), you are entitled to compensation based on weight and standard DGCA liability limits.