Luggage Damaged By Airline? Here’s How To Claim

Have you grabbed your luggage off the carousel only to notice that it’s been damaged? Obviously, you can expect normal wear + tear on your luggage, particularly if you are a frequent flyer but what happens when it’s a bit more than ‘normal wear & tear’? In this post, we want to look at how you can claim if your luggage has been damaged by your airline…

Before you go…

This isn’t essential but as a matter of routine, we like to take a picture of our luggage and its contents before heading to the Airport. This way if the worst happens to our luggage or its contents we have additional proof that the damage was not pre-existing.

Ensure you check your luggage as soon as you get it…

As soon as you collect your luggage check it for damage(s.) Whilst you probably want to get to your destination ASAP the couple minutes required to check will make your life easier if you do need to claim. If you do notice anything out of the ordinary it’s important that you report it straight away. Whilst the vast majority of Airlines give you 7 days to file a claim obviously the later you leave it to claim the more difficult it is to claim. Why? Well, it’s harder to prove the damage was actually caused by the Airline rather than by someone else.

If for whatever reason you can’t do this make sure you take pictures and file a complaint as soon as pratically possible.

Luggage Damaged By Airline? Here’s how to claim

To claim find the local baggage service office of your carrier immediately after arrival. You should be able to find it near the baggage claim area. If you can’t ask a member of staff to point you in the right direction. (If you find it but it’s closed take pictures, as this may help your claim later on.)

Here a member of staff will inspect your luggage and will most likely ask you to fill in a Property Irregularity Report (PIR).

Make sure you keep a copy of this as this will enable you to keep tabs/follow up on your complaint.

If you aren’t able to start your claim at the Airport follow your Airlines complaint process to register your luggage claim. British Airways, for example, require you to fill in their complaints & claims form here – https://www.britishairways.com/en-gb/information/help-and-contacts/complaints-and-claims

What damage is covered?

It’s extremely unlikely any Airline will pay out for any superficial damage to your luggage e.g. scratches, marks or anything that could be considered general wear and tear. Easyjet say on their website say they won’t be held responsible for any damage that is…

• superficial or external
• due to over-packing
• from water, rain or snow
• been inflicted on fragile or perishable items inside.

And you can generally expect that to be the same across all Airlines.

How much can I claim?

The million-dollar question! Is it worthwhile claiming? Generally yes (unless your suitcase and its contents are ridiculously expensive!) The most an Airline will pay you is around £1,200 unless you make a ‘special declaration of interest in the delivery of your luggage.’ When replacing or compensating for damaged goods e.g. your suitcase they will also factor in its age, general wear and tear, etc so you may wish to consider travel insurance that has a good damaged luggage policy to ensure all your costs are covered.

Luggage Damaged By Airline Conclusion

Whilst having your luggage damaged by an Airline can be extremely inconvenient for the most part it is a relatively simple process to claim. Just remember to take photos before you fly and report any damage as soon as you find it!