The real redress, in order

General information, not legal advice on your case. Every remedy has a time limit, often set by national rules: act early, and check the limit that applies to your case before you wait.

1. The airline, in writing, within the windows

   As soon as possible

   A written complaint as soon as possible, then a quantified claim: damage within seven days, delay within 21 days from the bag's return. Ticket, baggage tag, photos, receipts: everything attached, and keep the acknowledgments of receipt. There is no standard EU-wide form: a clear letter is enough.

   Air passenger rights: luggage (Your Europe, European Union)

2. The European Consumer Centre in your country

   If the airline does not answer or refuses

   The official page of the Union says it: you can consult your local European Consumer Centre for help and advice on problems related to air passenger rights.

   European Consumer Centres Network (ECC-Net)

3. Court action, within the two-year window

   Within the two years

   The regulation's notice writes it: any action in court to claim damages must be brought within two years from the date of arrival of the aircraft. For a cross-border claim, the European Small Claims Procedure exists, and the regulation establishing it states in black and white that representation by a lawyer or another legal professional is not mandatory.

   Small claims (e-Justice portal, European Union)

The numeric cap on baggage liability is not taught here: the harvested official sources carry diverging amounts for the same ceiling, and this site does not display a figure it cannot defend. The liability principle, the complaint windows and the deadline for action, for their part, are clear-cut. General information, not legal advice on your case.