Home › Calculators › Air Cargo

Air cargo liability limit calculator (Montreal Convention)

Enter the gross weight of the affected cargo: 26 SDR per kilogram in international carriage (Montreal Convention, limit in force since December 2024) or 17 SDR per kilogram in Spanish domestic carriage (Air Navigation Act).

1Calculator

International (Montreal)Spanish domestic (LNA)

Gross weight of the affected cargo (kg)

Indicative result. The SDR→EUR conversion uses the IMF's daily valuation, dated in the result; the legally applicable conversion date depends on each regime and is stated for the selected mode.

2How it works

How is the air cargo limit calculated?

In international carriage, the Montreal Convention caps the carrier's liability for destruction, loss, damage or delay of cargo at 26 SDR per kilogram — note: the limit rose from 22 to 26 SDR/kg on 28 December 2024 and part of the industry still calculates with the old figure. In Spanish domestic carriage, the Air Navigation Act sets the limit at 17 SDR per kilogram (Art. 118). In both cases, a special declaration of value accepted by the carrier replaces the limit.

The clock runs faster than in any other mode: written complaint within 14 days of receipt (damage) or 21 days (delay), and court action within 2 years — a strict time bar. Without a complaint in time, the action against the carrier is inadmissible save in case of fraud. More on our air cargo practice.

Notice: this calculator provides general guidance on quantitative liability limits and does not constitute legal advice. The figure applicable to a specific case depends on its circumstances (documents, reservations, wilful misconduct or equivalent default, declarations of value, applicable regime) and, in SDR-based regimes, on the euro conversion at the date determined by the applicable rules, which differs between regimes. Consult a specialist lawyer about your case.

3FAQs

Why do people still mention 22 SDR/kg if this says 26?

Because the limit was revised for inflation with effect from 28 December 2024 (ICAO five-yearly review, published in the Spanish Official Gazette in 2025). For events before that date the 22 SDR/kg limit may still apply.

Does the limit also apply to delay?

Yes — damage, loss and delay of cargo share the per-kilogram limit, without prejudice to the specific rules governing each scenario.

Can I claim more than the limit?

With a prior special declaration of value, yes, up to the declared value. Without one, the routes to exceed the limit in air cargo are very narrow — ask us about your specific case.