Warsaw Convention

Definition

International civil aviation agreement that establishes the legal framework for carriage of passengers, luggage (baggage), and goods (cargo). It (1) covers conditions of carriage that (a) define liability of the carrier in case of loss, damage, injury or death due to accident on international flights, and (b) spell out procedures for claims and restitution, (2) lays down out the requirements for format and content of air transport documents (passenger tickets, luggage tickets, air consignment notes, etc. Signed in 1929 in Warsaw (Poland) by 31 states, it has evolved into one of the most important instruments of private international law adhered to by 105 signatory nations. Over the years, several amending protocols, supplementary instruments, rules, and regulations have been added which, together with the original conventions, are called the Warsaw System. Credited for being a major factor in the development of international air traffic, it is now overseen by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).