The applicable rules differ depending on the voyage — use the comparison table below to assess your situation.
Carrier liability for lost belongings — comparison table
| Instrument | Scope | Type of Goods | Liability | Compensation Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turkish Commercial Code (Art. 1138 ff.) | Domestic carriage or Turkish-flagged vessels | Cabin luggage (personal suitcases etc.) | Strict liability | Actual loss (market value) | Carrier can escape liability only by proof |
| Athens Convention (1974) | International passenger carriage by sea (Türkiye is a party) | Cabin luggage | Carrier liable with or without fault | 2,250 SDR (~87,000 TL per passenger) | Passenger may claim a higher insured value |
| Hague-Visby Rules (1968) | International carriage of cargo | Commercial cargo (not passenger luggage) | Partial liability — carrier not liable if without fault | 666.67 SDR per package or 2 SDR/kg (whichever is higher) | Passenger luggage excluded; may matter in mixed cases |
| Montreal Convention (1999) | International carriage by air — may matter in multimodal transport | Cabin luggage | Air carrier liable even without fault | 1,131 SDR (~43,000 TL) | Applies directly only where air carriage is involved |
| Consumer Protection Law (6502) | Any carriage contract where the passenger is a "consumer" | Any personal belongings | Compensation where the service is defective | A contractual cap may be an unfair term | Interpreted in the consumer's favour |