'I knew my rights': Traveller's tip for ensuring you're reimbursed for lost luggage

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If you've ever had your luggage lost by an airline - or even just delayed - you know how annoying it can be.

While we've all become accustomed to taking important items in our carry-on, a lost suitcase can really ruin a holiday.

But there's a little-known regulation that can help you replace your lost items.

What normally happens is that once you register your bag as lost, the airline will give you a reimbursement payment.

However, this payment isn't always as high as it should be.

Fodors reports that a traveller, Bailey Berg, flew from the US to Portugal, but her bag never made it on the plane - in fact, she didn't see it again until she was back home in the US.

The airline offered her USD $800 ($1202), but she knew the value of her belongings was much more than that.

After filing claims and pushing back against the airline, she ended up being reimbursed nearly USD $2200 ($3307).

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"Because I had documentation, and because I knew my rights under the Montreal Convention, that lowball offer didn't stand," Bailey wrote for Fodor's.

Airlines are governed by the Montreal Convention, which dictates that if an airline loses a passenger's luggage, they are liable to pay up to approx AUD $2,607.

This limit is a hard cap. If your luggage is lost and is worth $3,000, the airline is only responsible for up to $2,607.

Bailey showed receipts for the items in her suitcase, and after a few strongly-worded emails and follow-ups, she was reimbursed by the airline.

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"This entire ordeal taught me something: airlines bank on passengers not knowing their rights or not wanting to deal with the hassle," she wrote.

"Many people accept the first offer because it is the path of least resistance."

If you're exhausted from a long-haul flight and just want to have a shower and a nap, it's easy to take the first offer from an airline.

But if you know that your valuables are worth a lot more, Bailey says you should always push back.

It's not just overseas travel that can see you losing your bags.

For domestic travel in Australia, travellers are also protected by law.

Airlines must compensate you for lost luggage under the Civil Aviation (Carriers' Liability) Act 1959 or complementary state legislation. Airline liability for loss or damage is limited to $1600 per passenger for checked luggage and $160 per passenger for carry-on.

Getting travel insurance is also a good idea, especially if you're travelling with high-ticket items like cameras, electronics, or jewellery.

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