Baggage didn't clear customs - how do I get it?

Baggage didn't clear customs - how do I get it? - Unrecognizable female with black hair and casual t shirt showing white black notepad while standing near wall in light room

I was traveling from India to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada via Montreal by connecting flight.

My airline's (Qatar) agent told me in India that you will get your baggage at the final destination (Saskatoon) so I didn't pick up my baggage at Montreal airport.

However, I didn't get my baggage at Saskatoon Airport, so had to file all the relevant baggage claim and custom forms.

After two days gone I am still waiting for my baggage because I have very important documents in one of my bags. So, please help me what to do next and what are the procedure for claiming the baggage?



Best Answer

On flights into Canada they repeatedly announce that all passengers must claim their bags and clear customs at the first point of entry, regardless of their final destination within Canada or elsewhere. Repeatedly. Also customs in Montreal usually asks if you have checked bags. It is really unfortunate that you were given wrong information by Qatar Airlines. You did steps 1 and 2, then step 4 of the airport border process, skipping step 3.

Your bag isn't lost, customs in Montreal has it. Your airline might help you retrieve it but you need to work with customs. If you're in Canada now, call them at 1-800-461-9999 and during business hours you should be able to speak to a person. In addition continue to work with the airline since they are likely going to be the ones who actually ship the bag to you.




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Can I get compensation for delayed luggage?

Under DOT regulations (for domestic travel) and international treaties (for international travel), airlines are required to compensate passengers if their bags are damaged, delayed, or lost.

Does baggage claim come before customs?

To get your baggage: After clearing immigration, proceed to the baggage reclaim area to collect your bags. If you are on an international flight connecting to a U.S. destination, make sure you claim your baggage before going through U.S. Customs.

How do I get my luggage back from the airport?

  • 9 Steps to Take When Your Luggage Is Lost. ...
  • Contact the airline. ...
  • Request delivery to your home or accommodation. ...
  • Request checked baggage fee reimbursement. ...
  • Submit a claim to the airline after 24 hours. ...
  • Keep receipts of incidental expenses. ...
  • Check your credit card benefits.


  • What happens if your luggage is left behind?

    And while bags being \u201ctruly" lost are far and few, if this happens to you, the airline is on the hook to reimburse you. Each airline considers a bag lost, if they are not able to get it to you after 21 days of your travel. In this case, you would have to file a new claim with the airline for lost baggage.



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    More answers regarding baggage didn't clear customs - how do I get it?

    Answer 2

    Firstly, the lesson for next time - if you've got something important, especially if it's small like documents, then always carry it onto the plane with you rather than putting it in your checked luggage. There is always the possibility of bags being lost, and taking it in your carry-on is always the safer option.

    As far as getting your bag back, there is only one option, and that is to work through the airline - specifically the airline that flew your last flight. They are the only ones that can help you at this stage, and presuming the bag was actually checked through to your final destination then they are fully responsible for returning your bag to you - including delivering it to your hotel or home if that's what you want to happen.

    If your bag remains lost then you are due compensation, however this is generally calculated on a weight basis rather than based on the value of your items. If you have travel insurance (be it a specific travel insurance policy, via a credit card, or possibly even your home contents policy) then you should also consider lodging a claim there.

    The exception to the above is if the bag was only checked to Montreal, in which case it would have been your responsibility to collect it there, and whilst the airline may assist you in getting your bag back, they have no obligation to do so. You can check where the bag was checked to by looking at the baggage check receipt you would have been given at check-in, which will list the airports (and likely the flights) that you bag was due to travel to/on. If it doesn't list Saskatoon (YXE) then it was NOT checked all the way through.

    (Ironically, the international treaty that covers compensation for lost baggage is the "Convention for the Unification of Certain Rules for International Carriage by Air", or as it is more commonly know, the Montreal Convention!)

    Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

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