In an ideal situation, it’s best to travel with carry-on baggage only. However if this is not possible, it is important to know your rights when faced with a lost baggage, damaged or a delayed one.
Tips and tricks to avoid the situation of lost luggage
Of course, if you travel with only a carry-on luggage, you will (almost) never run into a lost bag. Indeed, it is rare that a carry-on bag goes astray when you have to « volunteer » to check it at the gate. Usually, in this context, the carry-on luggage goes down the stairs of the boarding gate and is immediately put in the aircraft hold.
Then, for those situations where you need to travel and check in a piece of luggage, here are some tips to maximize your chances of finding it.
Limit the number of checked bags
When traveling in a group, you should try to reduce the number of checked bags; are you able to combine all your belongings into one luggage and maximize the number of carry-on bags?
It is true that it is less cumbersome to check in our luggage and it is very tempting since we can do it for free ,or almost, with the many advantages and credits available on credit cards.
However, since this credit can also be used for upgrades, seat selections or airport lounges, it may be more economical to always have the least amount of checked baggage.
The smaller the number of checked bags, the less chances of having a lost bag!
A luggage that is dropped off at check-in too early will most likely be put aside in a holding area. Indeed, with the shortage of staff, we must avoid giving them « non-priority » tasks.
On the other hand, you should not leave your luggage too late either as there is a good chance that it will not be transported in time and the planes will not wait for your luggage. They absolutely want to take off so as not to accumulate delays.
As a general rule, checking-in your baggage 2-3 hours before your flight is reasonable.
Use electronic locators to search for baggage
The one time I have to check my baggage, I used an electronic locator to avoid having a lost bag.
I had chosen Tile in the past, but with the advances in technology, Apple’s AirTags seem to be very effective in tracking lost luggage. Indeed, their scope is very broad.
These locators are very useful to find your suitcase among hundreds!
Laws that regulate the situation of a lost luggage
Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR)
When you are faced with a lost, damaged or delayed baggage situation, you can file a claim under the RPPA Bill of Rights. The RPPA regulates all flights to and from Canada; domestic flights are also subject to the RPPA.
To be eligible for compensation for a damaged or delayed baggage, you must notify the airline in writing no later than 7 days after arrival at your destination.
A baggage is considered lost when the carrier is unable to locate it within 21 days of the flight. Likewise, you must file your claim within this time frame.
Under the RPPA, you can claim up to $2,300 in compensation for lost, damaged or delayed baggage and checked baggage fees, if applicable.
Lost luggage under the jurisdiction of the EU261
European laws are different from Canadian laws as they are much more generous with respect to compensation for flight delays and cancellations.
All incoming flights of EU carriers as well as outgoing flights (all airlines) from the EU are subject to EU261.
The coverage for a lost luggage, damaged or delayed is less advantageous than the RPPA. Indeed, the maximum amount that can be claimed is €1,300 or $1,700.
The Montreal Convention
The Montreal Convention is a treaty signed by 132 countries and the European Union; this convention aims to standardize the rules for the transportation of passengers, baggages and cargo.
On most international flights, you are also subject to the Montreal Convention when claiming a lost baggage. In order to be subject to the rules of the Montreal Convention, both countries of your departure and arrival must have signed the treaty.
That’s right, it has to be an international flight between two eligible countries to benefit from these rules. However, the RPPA is, in a way, an extension of the Montreal Convention. Therefore, you are also protected against a lost baggage on domestic flights in Canada with the RPPA.
What you can claim for a lost or delayed baggage
When you arrive at your destination without your personal belongings, you can claim the cost of replacing the items that were in your luggage.
There is no list of items that are allowed or not, you just have to be reasonable about what you are asking for (toiletries, clothes, shoes, skis, bathing suit, sunscreen, etc.).
Be sure to keep all receipts to support your claim for a lost baggage or a delayed one.
According to the Montreal Convention, you are entitled to a maximum of approximately $2,300 to replace what you need or items from a lost baggage.
What to do when you have a lost or delayed baggage
The first thing to do when your bag is not on the carousel after baggage claim is completed is to fill out a report at the carrier’s baggage claim counter.
This counter is usually located near the carousels. Once you’ve filled out your form for a lost baggage or delayed one, you can start buying what you need while you wait to hear from the airline.
Then, you must file a written claim for compensation within the 7-day window for a delayed baggage and the 21-day window for a lost baggage. Without this claim, the company is only bound by its obligation to transport your baggage without compensating you for your out-of-pocket expenses.
Here is an interesting website concerning all the detailed steps to follow for a lost baggage, a damaged one or delayed one : Air Passenger Rights
Credit card luggage delay insurance
The previous section discusses the airline’s obligations to you when there is a lost bag.
However, you can also turn to your travel insurance or credit card insurance to defray the costs you face when your luggage goes missing.
To receive this coverage, you usually have to charge the entire cost of the airline ticket to your credit card and keep your receipts as proof. Also, they should be notified as soon as possible before making any charges to the card (ideally).
If the total cost of travel on a common carrier during a trip has been charged to the account and baggages checked with that carrier are delayed for 6 hours or more before the return date, the Insurer will reimburse the cost of essential items (such as clothing and toiletries) up to a maximum of $500 per person.
Conclusion – Claim and reimbursement for lost or damaged baggage
With the current situation, you should do everything you can to avoid any problems with lost luggage with a carry-on!
If this is not possible, make sure you know your rights and pay with the right credit card!
$150ⓘMilesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueAnnual fee rebated$150Total$150Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Milesopedia first-year estimateⓘFirst-year valueAnnual fee rebated$150Total$150Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
With Milesopedia, take advantage of an exclusive offer: your first-year annual fees are refunded with the National Bank World Elite Mastercard. This offer is exclusively available on the Milesopedia network, from June 30 to November 4, 2026.
Refund of the first-year annual fee (a $150 value) for the primary cardholder. This fee is charged to your new card account, then refunded as a credit on your statement within five months of opening your account, provided it remains open and in good standing.
The National Bank World Elite Mastercard is the best Mastercard credit card offered by NBC.
With this card, you earn up to 5 points per dollar on your purchases:
5 points per dollar for groceries and restaurants
2 points per dollar on gas and electric recharge purchases
2 points per dollar on recurring bills
2 points per dollar on À la carte Travel
1 point per dollar for all other purchases
And since it’s an NBC mycredit Mastercard, you can use it at Costco.
With this card, you have access to a $150 annual travel credit that you can use in any of these categories:
Airport parking
Baggage fees
Seat selection
Access to airport lounges
Airline ticket upgrades
What’s more, you can enjoy access to DragonPass airport lounges and unlimited access to the National Bank Lounge at Montreal-Trudeau.
Finally, Milesopedia has named the National Bank World Elite Mastercard as the Best Travel Credit Card in 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026.
Legal
® Mastercard and World Elite are registered trademarks, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. National Bank is an authorized user.
® The À LA CARTE REWARDS logo is a registered trademark of National Bank of Canada.
® NATIONAL BANK OF CANADA LOUNGE is a registered trademark of National Bank of Canada.
® À LA CARTE REWARDS PLAN is a registered trademark of National Bank of Canada.
® Apple Pay is a registered trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Apple Inc. is not a sponsor of or participant in National Bank Mobile Banking Solutions.
® Google Pay is a registered trademark of Google LLC. Use of this trademark is subject to Google Inc. Permissions.
TM À LA CARTE TRAVEL is a trademark of National Bank of Canada. The À la carte Travel agency is owned by Transat Distribution Canada Inc. and holds a Quebec permit (No. 753141).
TM À LA CARTE REWARDS is a trademark of National Bank of Canada.
® THE TOTAL, THE CONNECTED and NATIONAL BANK are registered trademarks of National Bank of Canada.
* Mastercard® World Elite®
The National Bank® World Elite® Mastercard® credit card was voted best Mastercard credit card by Milesopedia in 2026, 2025 and 2024.
The National Bank® World Elite® Mastercard® credit card was voted best travel credit card by Milesopedia in 2026, 2025 and 2024.
Every year, Milesopedia reviews credit card offers from major financial institutions and establishes its Ranking based on over 150 criteria such as fees, welcome offer, minimum income required, number of points per category, account credits, insurance, airport lounge access, etc.
Certain restrictions apply. For more information, see the Rewards Plan section or the Plan Rules applicable to point accumulation.
Grace period: No interest is charged on purchases made during the month if the cardholder pays the full balance of their account within twenty-one (21) days of the statement date. This grace period does not apply to cash advances and balance transfers. Minimum payment: if your account balance is less than $10, you must pay the balance in full. If you reside in the province of Quebec, your minimum payment is 5% of your account balance plus any overdue amount, or $10, whichever is greater. If you reside outside Quebec, your minimum payment is 2.5% of the credit card account balance plus any overdue amount, or $10, whichever is greater. Account statement: an account statement is sent monthly.
Table of examples of credit fees calculated over a 30-day period
Annual interest rate
$500
$3,000
22.49%
$9.24
$55.45
20.99%
$8.63
$51.76
13.2%
$5.53
$33.16
9.2%
$3.78
$22.68
*Variable interest rate in effect as of September 1, 2021.
Balance transfers and cash advances are subject to National Bank credit approval. Each amount transferred cannot be less than $250.
Exclusive to World Elite Mastercard cardholders. Presentation of the physical credit card and boarding pass is required to access the lounge. The National Bank® Lounge is accessible to customers traveling on international flights only (excluding flights to Canada and the United States). You benefit from free and unlimited access with one guest and two children aged 12 and under. Until July 31, 2026 (date subject to change), customers can enter the National Bank Lounge three hours before their flight departure time. From August 1, 2026 (date subject to change), access will be authorized for a maximum duration of 2 hours (3 hours for customers who hold a Private Banking 1859® World Elite® Mastercard® credit card). National Bank customers who are not World Elite ® Mastercard ® cardholders can also access the current lounge based on current rates and benefit from a 25 % discount on these rates : 63,24 $ taxes included for adults (excluding discount) $40.24 taxes included for children aged 2 to 12 (excluding discount) free for children under 2 (excluding discount) The entry fee is subject to change without notice and is the responsibility of the lounge operator.
Subject to providing the required supporting documents in the manner and within the prescribed timeframe. Certain conditions may apply. Only the primary cardholder of a National Bank World Elite Mastercard (Cardholder) whose account is in good standing can request a « Travel Fee Reimbursement ». « Account in good standing » means an account linked to the credit card that does not violate the Credit Card Agreement in any way and on which no restrictions apply. For example, and without limitation, the associated annual fees must have been paid in full. The maximum reimbursement of $150 can be requested from January 1 to December 31 of each year. Eligible expenses are: airport parking baggage fees seat selection airport lounge access worldwide airline ticket upgrades A reimbursement request must be made within 60 days of the purchase date. Travel expenses must be charged to the National Bank World Elite Mastercard credit card account. The maximum reimbursement of $150 is applicable per account. Please allow up to 7 business days for the reimbursement to be processed from the date your request is submitted. National Bank reserves the right to request additional supporting documents for validation purposes (e.g., invoices). You must keep all receipts and supporting documents for a period of 12 months from the date you made your reimbursement request. An unused reimbursement in one year cannot be carried over to the next year. You can make your request online at rewards.nbc.ca or by calling 1-800-341-8083 (toll-free) for an agent to assist you with your travel fee reimbursement request.
Point accumulation on grocery and restaurant spending depends on the total gross monthly amount charged to the credit card account, across all categories. Earn 5 points per dollar spent on eligible grocery and restaurant purchases. The 5 points per dollar accumulation is valid for the first $2,500 of gross monthly purchases charged to the account. Beyond this amount, eligible grocery and restaurant spending will earn 2 points per dollar. The calculation of the gross monthly purchase amount is based on monthly billing. A grocery purchase means a purchase made at a merchant whose primary business is selling food, such as a grocery store, delicatessen, supermarket, fruit store, or specialty food store. Meal kit subscriptions and meal delivery services are eligible. Therefore, this definition excludes, among others, retail stores and big-box stores whose primary business is selling non-food items. Some merchants may sell products or services identical or similar to those of eligible merchants, or are separate merchants located on the same premises as eligible merchants, but are classified by Mastercard in different categories. Purchases made from other merchants only earn base reward points. A restaurant purchase means a purchase made at a restaurant, including quick-service restaurants, bars, discotheques, nightclubs, and taverns. To view the full list of Mastercard codes associated with eligible merchants, download the À la carte Rewards Plan® terms and conditions document.
These protections apply if the purchases or rental are paid for in part with the card before departure, except, if applicable, for out-of-province medical-hospital insurance for which it is not necessary to charge the purchase of an à la carte trip and for baggage delay protection where the full cost of transport must have been charged to the card. All these protections apply to the primary cardholder, their spouse and/or their dependent children when they (spouse and dependent children) travel with the cardholder. Extended warranties apply to most new items purchased with the card, in Canada or abroad, provided the manufacturer’s warranty exists and is valid in Canada. Certain conditions, limitations and restrictions apply. For more information and details regarding your insurance coverage, please consult the insurance certificate linked to your card.
Subject to credit approval by National Bank.
Certain conditions apply. Visit mastercard.ca for more information. See all credit card terms and conditions.
To earn 2 points per dollar spent, you must pay for your gas or electric charging purchases at a gas station or certain big-box stores. Some merchants may sell products or services identical or similar to those of eligible merchants, or are separate merchants located on the same premises as eligible merchants, but are classified by Mastercard in different categories. Purchases made from other merchants only earn base reward points. To view the full list of Mastercard codes associated with eligible merchants, download the À la carte Rewards Plan® terms and conditions document.
Recurring bill payments are defined as payments made monthly or regularly that are automatically charged by the merchant to your National Bank World Elite Mastercard. Not all merchants offer recurring payments, and not all recurring payments are considered recurring bill payments. Therefore, some payments may not qualify for accelerated reward points.
To earn 2 points per dollar spent, you must pay for your eligible purchases through the À la carte TravelTM agency section of our À la carte RewardsTM site.
For example, if you spend $400 monthly on groceries, $200 on gas, $100 on recurring bills and $150 on other purchases, the $850 spent will generate 2,750 points, broken down as follows: 2,000 points for grocery spending (since the total gross monthly amount is $850, which is less than $2,500), 400 points for gas spending, 200 points for recurring bills and 150 points for other purchases.
Insurance up to $1,000 in case of breakage, loss or theft of mobile devices for a maximum period of 2 years following the date of purchase. Subject to purchasing the device with the National Bank World Elite Mastercard or a phone service subscription paid by recurring payments from your National Bank Platinum Mastercard starting September 1, 2022. For all conditions, please consult the insurance certificate linked to your card.
Annual fee
Primary card$150
Additional card$50
Annual income required
Individual$80,000
Household$150,000
Conversion fees
2.5%
Earning rate
5xRestaurants
5xGroceries
2xTravel
2xBills & recurring payments
2xGas & EV
1xAll spending
Value
1st Year Value$778
2nd Year Value$923
Card benefits
Airport lounge access$400
Travel creditsIncluded
Travel insurance
Travel medical (under 55)Up to $5,000,000 / 60 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $5,000,000 / 31 days
Travel medical (65+)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days
Trip CancellationUp to $2,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $5,000
Delayed BaggageUp to $500
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $500
Travel AccidentIncluded
Purchase protection
Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+2 years
Mobile DeviceUp to $1,000 / 2 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days
How do I know where my suitcase is?
Electronic locators are available, such as Tile or Apple’s AirTags, which seem to be very effective in tracing lost luggage. Indeed, their scope is very broad.
These locators are very useful to find your suitcase among hundreds!
In addition, Air Canada has a new baggage tracking function in its mobile application. For the moment, this is valid for domestic flights only, and tracking will be available for cross-border flights in 2024.
Aline, an experienced traveler and avid photographer, is an Avgeek, a foodie at heart and a mother to two children. An expert in credit cards & rewards programs, including Aeroplan, Marriott Bonvoy, American Express Membership Rewards, CIBC Aventura, and RBC Avion, she uses points to travel affordably and save in daily life. Having explored all 7 continents and 83 countries, Aline shares her travel passion and insights to help others make the most of loyalty programs.
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