Maybe you touched down at a sunny vacation location, but your bags looked like they fell straight onto the baggage carousel from 30,000 feet.
If Allegiant damaged your bags, they can’t just turn a blind eye — they’re responsible for the damages. There are some catches, but I’ve read the fine print on what they owe you, so you don’t have to!
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What Is Allegiant Responsible For?
When they mishandle and damage your bags, Allegiant is liable for covering the cost of repairs or replacement. This isn’t just an airline policy — it’s required by the Department of Transportation (DOT).
However, there is a maximum liability limit, set at $4,700 per passenger.
If Allegiant 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 your bag. For example, if you packed a new Nike jacket in your bag and it got ripped from the crack in your suitcase, you can document the damage and receive compensation for the jacket.
And PS, if your bag wasn't damaged but merely delayed, Allegiant may still owe you compensation!
How To Make a Damaged Baggage Claim with Allegiant
The Allegiant website doesn’t walk you through the exact steps to take if your bag is returned to you with damage. However, they do refer to a damaged bag claim that you have to sign and submit to an Allegiant representative.
The airline also says your claim should ideally be completed before you leave the airport, or within 12 hours of receiving the bags for domestic flights and within 7 days for international flights.
Because the process is unclear, I recommend you head straight to Allegiant’s Baggage Service Office (near baggage claim). There, you can talk with an Allegiant rep about the steps to get compensated.
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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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- 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
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Annual Fee
$95
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Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Rewards Rate
- 10x points on hotel stays and car rentals through Chase Travel℠
- 10x points on dining purchases through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- 5x points on flights booked through Chase Travel℠ (after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually)
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TL;DR: Claiming Allegiant Damaged Bag Compensation
While the exact steps to get compensated with Allegiant aren’t clear, it’s generally an airline’s practice to have you submit a report to document the damage, then file a claim for the reimbursement money.
In the case of Allegiant, head straight to their Baggage Service Office near the baggage claim to talk with an agent from the airline.
Don’t leave the money on the table if your bag gets damaged!
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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.
