International Overbooking and Lost Luggage: Which Documents Require Certified or Sworn translation?

Missing a flight due to overbooking or losing your luggage in another country is not only frustrating — it often leads to legal and bureaucratic headaches. Many travelers need to file claims with insurance companies or take legal action, either in Brazil or abroad — and that’s where certified or sworn translation becomes essential.

In this article, you’ll learn:

• ✅ Which documents require certified or sworn translation;
  
  

• ✅ When translation is legally or contractually required;
  
  

• ✅ And why Idiomatic Brasil is the right choice for handling this process quickly and accurately.
  
  

 What Is International Overbooking?

Overbooking occurs when an airline sells more tickets than available seats on a flight. On international flights, this can result in:

• Involuntary denied boarding;
  
  

• Forced rescheduling on another flight;
  
  

• Unexpected expenses like hotels or meals;
  
  

• Missed connections or critical appointments.
  
  

When this happens, you may be entitled to compensation or reimbursement, either from the airline or through legal channels.

 Lost Luggage: A Common International Issue

Luggage is considered lost when it:

• Is sent to another country,
  
  

• Takes days or weeks to be returned,
  
  

• Is damaged or never found.
  
  

If you have travel insurance or plan to file a legal claim against the airline, you’ll need supporting documents. If these are in a foreign language, they often must be officially translated.

 Documents That Require Certified or Sworn Translation

Depending on the country and the intended use (legal or insurance-related), you may need to translate the following:

1. Boarding pass / flight receipt
   Proof of flight route and dates.
   
   

2. Property Irregularity Report (PIR)
   Issued by the airline when your luggage goes missing.
   
   

3. Receipts for expenses (hotels, meals, transportation)
   Required for reimbursement or insurance claims.
   
   

4. Correspondence with the airline or insurance company
   Emails, letters, and customer service protocols in a foreign language.
   
   

5. Travel insurance policy
   When written in English, Spanish, French, or other languages.
   
   

6. Court decisions or legal agreements issued abroad
   If submitted in Brazil, these must be sworn translated to be legally valid.
   
   

 Sworn vs. Certified Translation: What’s the Difference?

• Sworn Translation (Tradução Juramentada):
  Performed by an officially appointed public translator in Brazil, with legal validity for courts, contracts, and official procedures in Brazil.
  
  

• Certified Translation:
  Required by foreign authorities, especially in the U.S., Canada, or the U.K. It includes a signed statement of accuracy by the translator or agency.
  
  

 Why Choose Idiomatic Brasil?

Idiomatic Brasil offers certified and sworn translations with speed, legal validity, and international recognition.

Here’s why we stand out:

✅ Sworn translators registered in every Brazilian state
✅ Certified translations accepted by courts, insurance companies, and international authorities
✅ 100% online service available globally
✅ Experience with documents related to travel, insurance, and legal disputes
✅ Support in Portuguese, English, and Spanish

Final Tip: Official Translation Is Key to Enforcing Your Rights

If you’ve experienced international overbooking or lost luggage, don’t delay — improperly translated documents can slow down your claim or lead to rejection.

Contact Idiomatic Brasil today and request a fast, no-obligation quote. We’re ready to help you turn a travel headache into a solved case.