Published by Flight HelpPage revision published

Air Canada baggage claims: choose expenses, damage or further tracing

Submit expenses within 21 days of receiving the bag. If the bag has not been located after five days, complete the separate Baggage Tracing form in the Baggage Issues section; a receipt-only expense request does not replace that contents search. For damage, report promptly and complete the file or claim within seven days of receiving the bag. Photograph the damage and retain the suitcase until the claim is finalized. The repair or replacement process depends on where you live or are staying, so use the relevant location tab on Air Canada’s page. For an initial missing-bag report, contact the last operating airline; after an Air Canada arrival outside Canada or the U.S., see a baggage agent before leaving the airport.

Carry-on, checked baggage, pet carrier and stroller prepared for airport travel

What to do next

  1. State whether you need tracing, reimbursement of necessary purchases or a damage remedy.

  2. Attach the incident reference and the specific evidence that request requires.

  3. Save the completed submission, retain the damaged item when applicable, and answer requests for missing documents.

  4. Submit expenses within 21 days of receiving the bag.

More booking questions

Air Canada baggage claims: choose expenses, damage or further tracing

For a delayed bag, Air Canada’s expense form requires the flight details, incident number, original receipts, baggage tags and boarding passes. Submit expenses within 21 days of receiving the bag. If the bag has not been located after five days, complete the separate Baggage Tracing form in the Baggage Issues section; a receipt-only expense request does not replace that contents search. Air Canada: Baggage support For damage, report promptly and complete the file or claim within seven days of receiving the bag. Photograph the damage and retain the suitcase until the claim is finalized. The repair or replacement process depends on where you live or are staying, so use the relevant location tab on Air Canada’s page. For an initial missing-bag report, contact the last operating airline; after an Air Canada arrival outside Canada or the U.S., see a baggage agent before leaving the airport. Air Canada: Baggage support Build the evidence for the correct request State whether you need tracing, reimbursement of necessary purchases or a damage remedy. Attach the incident reference and the specific evidence that request requires. Save the completed submission, retain the damaged item when applicable, and answer requests for missing documents. Last checked: 2026-09-22.

Checked againstBaggage support

Original worked example — fictional inputs

How can I describe photos and repair records without overstating what they show?

Describe observations, not causes: say what each photo shows and what it leaves outside the frame. In a fictional example, a before-trip photo that omits a wheel does not show that wheel’s earlier condition; a later photo can show visible damage without establishing when or who caused it. Label a shop estimate as a proposed amount, not a completed or paid repair. Explain how images relate to the same bag, and keep original images with marked copies.

What to do next

Describe each record’s visible content and limits, and distinguish an estimate from completed or paid work.

Limitations

  • The method does not establish cause, timing, responsibility, or claim eligibility.

Sources and last checked