Warsaw Convention

Poland [1929]

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 17, 2026

Quick Summary

The Warsaw Convention of 1929, later amended by the Hague Protocol of 1955, is a significant international agreement that unifies rules for the carriage of goods by air. It applies to international air transport of passengers, luggage, and cargo, whether for reward or gratuitously, and covers the period the goods are in the carrier's charge. The convention establishes the air carrier's liability for delay, loss, or damage, with provisions for relief if the carrier proves all necessary measures were taken to avoid the damage. It also sets jurisdictional rules and a two-year limitation period for actions. Most nations, including the United States and Great Britain, are parties to this convention.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

2 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

carriage of goods
Air carriage
The Warsaw Convention of 1929, as amended by the Hague Protocol of 1955, exemplifies still another legislative approach to problems raised by the carriage of goods. It constitutes a major step toward international unification of the rules governing carriage of goods by air. The convention applies…
Read More
The Warsaw Convention of 1929, as amended by the Hague Protocol of 1955, exemplifies still another legislative approach to problems raised by the carriage of goods. It constitutes a major step toward international unification of the rules governing carriage of goods by air. The convention applies…
Read More