EDINBURGH— A passenger’s missing suitcase on a European flight has turned into a prolonged legal dispute that continues more than two years after the original journey. The case involves Irish low-cost carrier Ryanair (FR) and a Scottish traveler who has yet to receive compensation despite a court ruling in her favor.
The incident began when the passenger traveled from Edinburgh Airport (EDI) to Copenhagen Airport (CPH) for a sporting event. What started as a routine trip quickly escalated into a complicated dispute involving lost baggage claims, legal filings, and an appeal process that remains ongoing.
Ryanair Lost Baggage Case
The situation began on September 15, 2023, when Rosie McGrane traveled from Edinburgh to Copenhagen to participate in the city’s half-marathon.
She packed clothing, running gear, electronic devices, and personal belongings for her five-day trip.
However, when she arrived in Copenhagen, her checked suitcase never appeared on the baggage carousel. McGrane and her travel companion reported the missing bag to airport staff and were told the luggage had likely remained in Edinburgh.
According to the information they received, the suitcase would be delivered to their accommodation within a few days. The delivery never occurred, and the bag was never recovered.
The missing luggage contained several valuable items, including a tablet, headphones, sports equipment, and clothing. Among the most meaningful items was a personalized Scottish flag used during marathon races to honor her late brother.
After returning to Scotland, McGrane filed a baggage claim with Ryanair using a reference number provided at the airport.
The airline asked her to list every item in the suitcase and include purchases made during the trip to replace essential belongings.
Compensation Dispute
The claims process proved lengthy and difficult. McGrane spent several days compiling a detailed inventory of the items inside the lost suitcase.
Her husband, Chris, began regularly contacting the airline after months passed without any updates. According to the BBC, the couple received limited responses to repeated emails seeking clarification.
The situation escalated when the airline allegedly advised them to submit a claim form they had already completed. Later communications suggested the incorrect form had been used, even though it had been supplied by the airline.
By June 2024, the airline closed the baggage claim case. At that point, the passenger’s husband decided to pursue legal action through Scotland’s simplified court procedure.
In March 2025, the claim was filed at Edinburgh Sheriff Court. The airline did not initially engage with the legal process, and the court later ruled in favor of the passenger.
The court ordered Ryanair to pay £4,425.37 in compensation. The amount reflected the estimated value of the items in the suitcase as well as purchases made during the trip.
Legal Appeal Process
Although the court issued a decree ordering payment, the dispute did not end there. Delivering the legal order proved complicated because the airline does not maintain a direct office within the Scottish jurisdiction.
Authorities eventually sent the decree to the airline’s headquarters in Dublin. On the final day allowed under legal rules, the airline filed a recall request to challenge the ruling.
Ryanair argues that the passenger did not report the missing bag immediately upon arrival, which it suggests indicates the baggage may have been delivered. The passenger and her travel companion dispute that claim, stating they informed airport staff as soon as the suitcase failed to appear.
The airline also argues that certain items inside the suitcase, including electronics such as a tablet and headphones, should not have been placed in checked baggage.
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