Air Canada Lost My Bag — Track, Report & Get Compensation (2025)

You’ve just landed in Toronto or Vancouver, and your luggage didn’t show up on the carousel. It’s an awful feeling, but Air Canada’s baggage tracking system is fairly efficient, and most travelers are reunited with their bags within a few days.

Here’s your complete 2025 guide on what to do if Air Canada lost your bag, how to track it, and how to claim compensation if it’s delayed or declared lost.

Step 1: Report the Missing Baggage Immediately

Before leaving the airport, go to the Air Canada Baggage Service Counter near the baggage claim area.
You’ll need:

Your passport or photo ID

Your boarding pass

Your baggage claim tag (the sticker given at check-in)

A staff member will help you create a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) — your official lost baggage report and tracking number.

If you’ve already left the airport, you can still report it online:
https://www.aircanada.com/lost-baggage

Don’t delay. Reporting immediately increases your chances of recovery.

Step 2: Track Your Bag Online

Once you’ve submitted your PIR report, you can track your bag using WorldTracer, Air Canada’s global baggage tracking system:
https://wtrweb.worldtracer.aero/

Enter your reference number (e.g., YULAC12345) and last name to check the status. You’ll see updates such as:

Located — your bag was found and is being sent to your destination

In transit — the bag is on a connecting flight

Out for delivery — it’s been assigned to a courier

Delivered — confirmation your bag has arrived

Most Air Canada passengers get their luggage back within 24–72 hours.

Step 3: Reimbursement for Delayed Bags

If your luggage is delayed for more than 24 hours, Air Canada will reimburse reasonable expenses for essentials such as clothing and toiletries.

To qualify:

Keep all receipts for your purchases

Expenses must be “reasonable” (no designer clothes or luxury items)

Submit receipts through the Air Canada baggage claim portal

Air Canada’s Baggage Delay Reimbursement form can be found here:
https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/home/baggage/claims.html

If your bag is delayed on an international flight, compensation is covered under the Montreal Convention, up to 1,288 Special Drawing Rights (SDR) — about $1,750 USD.

Step 4: When Air Canada Declares Your Bag Lost

If your baggage has not been found within 21 days, Air Canada officially classifies it as lost.
At this stage, you’ll be asked to complete a Lost Baggage Inventory form, which details:

The contents of your luggage

Estimated values

Proof of purchase for high-value items (if available)

Air Canada reviews each claim individually and processes reimbursements typically within 4–8 weeks.

Step 5: How to Contact Air Canada About Your Lost Bag

If you haven’t received updates, reach out directly:

Air Canada Baggage Claims (U.S. & Canada): +1 (888) 689-2247
Online Help Center: https://www.aircanada.com/help

Email: aircanada.baggage@aircanada.ca

Airports: Baggage Services counters available at all Air Canada terminals

You can also message @AirCanada on X/Twitter — their social media team responds quickly to baggage inquiries.

Step 6: Real Traveler Tips and Insights

Travelers say Toronto Pearson (YYZ) and Montreal (YUL) are the most common airports for temporary luggage delays — usually during tight layovers or customs transfers.

If your bag was lost while connecting from another airline, note that the final carrier on your itinerary (even if it’s not Air Canada) is responsible for handling your claim.

Pro tip: Save your baggage tag number in your phone’s notes — it’s the fastest way to locate a delayed suitcase.

Step 7: How to Prevent Future Baggage Issues

Even with a good system, accidents happen. Here’s how to minimize the risk:

Use a smart tracker (like an AirTag or Tile) inside your suitcase

Add a secondary tag inside your bag with your contact info

Take a photo of your luggage and baggage sticker at check-in

Avoid short layovers under 90 minutes, especially at Pearson or Montreal

Step 8: If You Have Travel Insurance

Most comprehensive travel insurance policies include baggage delay coverage. If your bag is delayed more than 6–12 hours, you may be reimbursed for emergency purchases even before the airline pays.

Check your policy’s “Baggage Delay” and “Loss” sections for details. Credit card travel insurance (like from Chase Sapphire or Amex) often includes similar coverage automatically.

Step 9: Typical Timeline for Resolution

Here’s what most passengers experience:

Within 24 hours: Bag located and rerouted

Within 72 hours: Delivered by courier

After 7 days: Eligible for interim expense claim

After 21 days: Declared lost and eligible for full compensation

Keeping all paperwork, receipts, and email confirmations ensures your claim is processed faster.

Final Thoughts

While losing luggage can disrupt your trip, Air Canada’s lost baggage system is fairly reliable and their customer support responsive once a PIR is filed.
Most travelers are reunited with their bags quickly, and those who aren’t are compensated fairly under international rules.

So if Air Canada lost your bag, take a deep breath — follow the steps above, stay organized, and your suitcase will likely be back in your hands (or on your doorstep) soon.