Damaged Baggage Compensation: What Airlines Owe You

Few things are more difficult than staggering off a long-haul flight and pulling yourself together enough to get to baggage claim. 

But one thing that’s harder? Keeping your cool when you see a brand-new crack in your hardshell suitcase as it comes down the carousel.

If this happens to you (and it’s more common than you might think!), don’t panic. Not only are you protected domestically by federal regulations under the Department of Transportation (DOT), but your international baggage woes are covered by the Montreal Convention. 

Either way, you’ll be entitled to compensation wherever you might be. And lucky for you, I’ve read the fine print so you don’t have to!

Understanding Your Basic Rights When Your Bag is Damaged 

Passengers (and their bags) are entitled to certain consumer protections when they fly. 

The fine print differs depending on where in the world your bag got dinged up, but as a general rule, airlines are on the hook for covering either the cost of repairs or, if damages are bad enough, reimbursing you for the cost of the bag.

Domestic baggage rights

Domestic airlines are required to follow the rules set by the DOT. According to these regulations, airlines are responsible for covering damages to bags under their care.

The airline also has to reimburse you for any damages to the contents inside your bag. For example, if you packed a new Patagonia raincoat and it got ripped when your duffel bag was torn open, you can receive compensation for the jacket, along with the standard compensation for the bag.

If the bag is too far gone, the airline will negotiate compensation with you based on the cost (and depreciation) of the bag.

Airlines also owe you if your bag is delayed — even if there’s no damage once you finally receive them.

RELATED: Your Rights in the Sky: The DOT’s Role in Protecting Passengers

International baggage rights

Very similar passenger rights exist on international flights under a treaty (yes, it’s actually a treaty) called the Montreal Convention. 

Under these agreements, the airline is responsible for your bags as soon as you check them in. If your bags are returned to you damaged, the airline is liable for compensating you up to a certain amount — but it’s less than what the DOT requires.

Damaged Bag Compensation Limits: What You Can Expect

So, your bag was damaged. How much will the airline pay you back? 

Under DOT rules, they’re required to compensate passengers up to $4,700 in damages. If you’re flying internationally, the Montreal Convention liability limits are lower, at around $1,700. 

But in all likelihood, you won’t be getting that much. 

It’s more likely that the airline representative will look at the damage, sigh, and cut you a check for the cost of the bag. Or, they might even give you a replacement bag then and there. 

What’s covered and what’s not

In 99% of cases, damage to a bag looks like rips, tears, cracking on hardshell luggage, or broken wheels or straps. And while the airline might be resistant, they cannot exclude liability for those pesky wheels and straps! That’s a federal rule. 

However, they aren’t responsible for normal wear and tear. You have to be able to claim specific damages in order to receive any compensation. 

Airlines often list exclusions in their contracts of carriage (the fine print you agree to by purchasing your ticket and hopping on the plane). For example, you aren’t guaranteed reimbursement for damages to fragile or “precious” items, nor things that were packed improperly. 

My advice? Don’t pack priceless, fragile items in your checked bag!

How To File a Damage Report

When you pick up your baggage from the carousel, always give it a thorough check for any mishandling. Most airlines have time limits for reporting damage, so if you give it a once-over while you’re still at the airport, you can file your claim right away.

If you do find damage, head straight for the airline’s baggage service office, or scan the QR codes they may have near the carousels. Most airlines require some documentation with your report, so be prepared with your baggage claim ticket and your boarding pass.

The exact process to file a damaged bag claim differs between each airline. Check out each airline’s procedure here:

• Alaska Airlines damaged baggage
• Allegiant damaged baggage
• American Airlines damaged baggage
• Delta damaged baggage
• Frontier damaged baggage
• Hawaiian Airlines damaged baggage
• JetBlue damaged baggage
• Southwest damaged baggage
• Spirit Airlines damaged baggage
• United damaged baggage

Tips to Prevent Luggage Damage

Yes, airlines have to pay you for damaging your stuff. But it’s always better if your bags arrive intact! Besides, no compensation can truly replace your trusty old flannel if it gets shredded.

Here are some ways to keep your luggage from getting damaged at all:

1. Don’t overpack. When you stuff your bag to the max, you’re asking for broken zippers and torn seams.
2. Make sure zippers are fully closed. It sounds like common sense, but if your bag is open even a little, your stuff is more likely to get caught, damaged, or lost in transit.
3. Tuck in loose straps. Fold in or secure any dangling straps or handles. They’re like bait for airport conveyor belts.
4. Heavy items at the bottom. When you pack your shoes and books near the wheels, your bag becomes more stable, making drops by baggage handlers less likely.
5. Keep valuable in your carry-on. Your laptop, camera, or jewelry belongs in your carry-on, where you can keep an eye on it.
6. Don’t travel with a worn-out bag. If your suitcase is already hanging by a thread, don’t be surprised when it falls apart completely. And good luck convincing the airline it was their fault!
7. Consider a luggage cover. There are TSA-approved luggage sleeves out there that add an extra layer between your bag and rough handling. They work!

My rule of thumb: I always snap a quick pic of my bag before dropping it off. If I get it back with a new crack, I have proof it wasn’t like that before.

The DOT has since increased the reimbursement amount to $4,700!

If the Airline Refuses Your Claim

In rare cases, an airline may deny your damaged bag claim. If this happens to you, escalate to the airline’s corporate level. 

If that gets you nowhere, your next step is to lodge a complaint with the DOT.

Beyond escalating your denied claim to the DOT, there are third parties like FlightRight.com that offer assistance, but be warned – they’ll cost you. This is why travel insurance is a good idea.

Additional protection options 

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.

FAQs

TL;DR: Claiming Damaged Bag Compensation

As an airline passenger, you have certain rights. If an airline mishandles your bag while it’s under their care, they owe you for it! They’re on the hook for the cost of repairs or a replacement bag, plus any damaged items inside.

Report the damage immediately (ideally in person) and follow the instructions from the agent. Don’t leave money on the table if they’re responsible for the damage!

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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.