Headphones in, you’re waiting for your bag to show up on the carousel after your Alaska flight lands. But when you finally see it, it’s not relief you feel, but dismay — there’s a rip down the front of your duffel bag.
The good news is that when Alaska Airlines damages your bag, they’re on the hook for compensating you — but you have to report it for anything to happen. Luckily, I've read the fine print on what they owe you, so you don’t have to!
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What Is Alaska Airlines Responsible For?
According to rules set by the Department of Transportation (DOT), Alaska Airlines is liable for covering the cost of repairs or reimbursement for bags they mishandle and damage.
There is a maximum liability limit, and it’s set at $4,700 per passenger.
If Alaska Airlines mishandled your bag, damage will probably look like rips, tears, cracking on hardshell luggage, or broken wheels or straps. And while the airline might be resistant, they cannot exclude liability for wheels and straps, according to the DOT.
However, the airline is not responsible for normal wear and tear on luggage, so you have to be able to claim specific damages in order to receive any compensation.
The airline also has to reimburse you for any damages to the contents inside the bag. For example, if you had a pair of brand-new leather boots in your bag and they got scratched up when your duffel bag was ripped, you can receive compensation for the boots.
And PS, if your bag wasn't damaged but merely delayed, Alaska Airlines may still owe you compensation!
How To Make a Damaged Baggage Claim with Alaska Airlines
If your bag is damaged, you need to report it immediately to an Alaska Airlines agent at their Baggage Service Office in the airport. If you don’t notice the damage until you’ve reached your hotel or home, report it within 24 hours of the flight landing.
You’ll receive a file ID number, which you should hold onto. The Alaska website isn’t clear about submitting for reimbursement, so you’ll need to ask the agent for clarification on your next steps.
Alaska Airlines promises to resolve damaged bag issues in one of four ways:
- They’ll cut you a check or offer a discount code.
- They’ll replace your damaged bag.
- They’ll reimburse you for the cost of repairing the bag.
- They’ll do the repairs themselves for you.
Non-bag items will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis, according to their website.
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How To Prevent Damage to Checked Bags
While airlines are legally obligated to compensate you for any damages to your bags, it’s better for it not to happen at all. Plus, no dollar amount can replace your favorite college hoodie if it gets torn up.
Here are some tips to prevent your bag from getting damaged in the first place:
- Don’t overpack. Stress on zippers and seams makes them more likely to break in transit.
- Don’t check an open bag. Maybe this is a no-brainer, but if your bag doesn’t close all the way, it’s not secure. Items inside will have a much higher likelihood of getting pulled, ripped, or otherwise damaged if your bag is partially open.
- Secure any loose straps. If your bag has straps or catches on the outside, take them off, tuck them in, or otherwise secure them before dropping it off. Straps can catch in the conveyor belt.
- Pack heavy items near the bottom. When you pack heavier things closer to the bottom of the bag, you’ll keep the center of gravity manageable for those who handle your bag, decreasing the likelihood of damage.
- Keep valuables in your carry-on. You’ll have more control over the safety of your laptop, briefcase, or other valuable items if you carry them with you on the plane.
- Don’t travel with worn-out bags. If your bag is already tearing at the seams, you won’t have much of a leg to stand on if the bag falls apart on your next trip.
- Consider a PVC luggage protector. There are TSA-approved luggage sleeves that are tough and durable for air travel. If you really want to keep your luggage pristine, you might want to invest in one.
My rule of thumb is to always snap a picture of my bag before I drop it off. If I get it back and there’s a new crack, I have evidence to prove the damage to the airline.
The DOT has since increased this amount to $4,700!
Insurance Coverage for Damaged Bags
If you have travel insurance, your policy may cover damage to your bags beyond what the airline will cover.
For example, Allianz Travel Insurance covers up to $2,000 per insured traveler for lost/damaged baggage, and World Nomads, which specializes in adventure travel (and equipment), covers up to $3,000.
Your credit card might also protect you. For example, both the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and the more premium Chase Sapphire Reserve® will reimburse you up to $3,000 for repairing or replacing baggage that was lost or damaged by the airline.
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FAQs
What types of baggage damage does Alaska NOT cover?
Alaska Airlines is not responsible for normal wear and tear on luggage, so you need to prove specific damage occurred during their handling. Also, Alaska Airlines assumes no liability for electronic equipment, cash, jewelry, and fragile items.
However, they cannot exclude liability for common damage, such as broken wheels, straps, zippers, or tears in the bag fabric.
How long do I have to report damaged baggage to Alaska Airlines?
You should report damaged baggage immediately to an Alaska Airlines agent at their Baggage Service Office in the airport.
If you don't notice the damage until after leaving the airport, you must report it within 24 hours of your flight landing. Missing this window could jeopardize your ability to receive compensation.
Should I purchase additional baggage protection?
You might consider additional protection if you travel with expensive luggage or equipment.
Travel insurance policies like World Nomads cover up to $3,000 for baggage and equipment damage, and premium credit cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® also provide up to $3,000 in baggage protection coverage that can supplement the airline's $4,700 liability.
TL;DR: Claiming Alaska Airlines Damaged Bag Compensation
Alaska Airlines is required to compensate you if they damage your bag. To prove it, take a picture before you drop your bag off.
If it does get damaged, report it immediately to an Alaska agent at the airport to get the ball rolling on receiving the money you’re owed!
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Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
