Airlines in Europe could soon be forced to fork out €1,400 for every piece of lost luggage

THE European court is set to decide whether airlines should pay out thousands to travellers in lost luggage compensation.  

Under proposals, flight operators could have to automatically pay €1,400 when they lose a passenger’s luggage, while currently payouts vary depending on individual national court rulings.

It comes after a preliminary case in Barcelona was brought against Spanish airline Vueling over its baggage handling procedures.

Airports lose more than 20 million bags a year while the average amount claimed by air passengers for missing luggage last year was €808.  

A decision is due in the coming months.