You get off your American Airlines flight, already dreading the wait at the baggage carousel. But this time, you spot your colorful bag tag within the first few minutes. Lucky you!
However, as you pick it up, you notice the shell has a crack in it that wasn’t there when you dropped it off. Not so lucky, after all.
If your bag was mishandled and damaged by American Airlines, you’re eligible for compensation. And I’ve read the fine print on what they owe you, so you don’t have to!
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What Is American Airlines Responsible For?
American Airlines is liable for repairing or reimbursing passengers for damages that occur from mishandling. This isn’t just American’s policy — it’s a federal rule under the Department of Transportation (DOT).
There are limits, however, and the airline is only liable for covering damages up to $4,700 per passenger.
If the airline mishandled your bag, you’re likely to see damage in the form of rips, tears, cracking on hardshell luggage, and broken wheels or straps. While the airlines might be resistant, they cannot exclude liability for wheels and straps, according to the Department of Transportation.
However, American Airlines 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 is also on the hook for reimbursing you for damages to your contents inside the bag. For example, if you had packed a brand-new Nike jacket and it got ripped along with your duffel bag, you can document the damage and receive compensation for the jacket.
And PS, if your bag wasn't damaged but merely delayed, American Airlines may still owe you compensation!
How To Make a Damaged Baggage Claim with American Airlines
The first step to receiving damaged bag compensation from American Airlines is to file a report with the Baggage Service Office at the airport. You may not even need to wait in line — American has QR codes posted at their baggage carousels, and you can file a report from your phone.
If you’re flying domestically and your bag is damaged, you must file the report within 24 hours of receiving your bags. If the flight was international, you’ve got 7 days to report the damages. But I recommend you do it at the airport, just so you don’t forget.
After filing a report, you’ll receive a 13-character file ID, which you need to have to file a claim with American Airlines for reimbursement.
Following your claim, the airline should be in touch with you about the next steps in the reimbursement process.
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How To Prevent Damage to Checked Bags
While airlines are legally obligated to reimburse any damages to your bags, it’s an inconvenience. 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.
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
How long do I have to report a damaged bag to American Airlines?
If you flew on a domestic flight, you have 24 hours from landing to report any damage. If your flight was international, you have longer — up to 7 days. However, it's best to report it before you leave the airport so you can talk with an agent face-to-face.
What happens if TSA caused the damage, not American Airlines?
If TSA is the culprit of the damages, they're supposed to place a written notification inside or put a notice on the outside of the bag. If you think a TSA inspection caused damage, contact them at 866-289-9673.
Does American Airlines sell baggage insurance?
If you're flying with items that collectively value up to $5,000, you can buy additional coverage from the airline when you're dropping off your bag. It's $5 per $100 worth of checked bags.
You might consider other forms of baggage insurance, like travel insurance or credit card coverage.
TL;DR: Claiming American Airlines Damaged Bag Compensation
If your bag has been damaged and it’s American Airlines’ fault, they owe you up to $4,700 for the cost of repairs or reimbursement.
File a report right away (while you’re still at the airport!) for the damage, then submit a claim online for compensation.
To reduce the risk of your bag getting damaged, don’t overpack, and always carry valuables with you instead of checking them.
Lastly, before you drop off your bag, take a few pictures so you can prove any damages if they do occur!
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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.
