You get off your Delta flight and are waiting at the baggage claim. Finally, you see the colorful tag on your luggage coming around the carousel.
But when you pick it up, there’s a brand-new rip right down the front of the bag.
Before you walk out of the airport with your freshly harmed baggage, check in with the baggage services office. You are entitled to compensation from Delta for the damage!
Was there an issue with your flight?
We read the fine print so you don't have to! Take our Flight Rights Quiz to learn more about the compensation the airline may owe you if your flight was delayed or canceled!
What Is Delta Responsible For?
Delta is liable for damages caused by the mishandling of your baggage. This isn't just Delta's policy — it's a rule enforced by the Department of Transportation (DOT).
Airlines are liable for covering up to $4,700 in damages on domestic flights (the exception to this rule is personal assistive devices, like wheelchairs).
This could be rips and tears on fabric bags, cracking or breaking on hardshell luggage, and broken wheels or straps.
They’re also liable for any damages to your belongings inside the bag. For example, if your luggage is worth $250, but you had a nice North Face raincoat that got ripped as well, Delta owes you $250 plus the cost of the jacket.
As long as you can prove that the damage was from mishandling, the airline is required to compensate you!
So, if that ripped North Face jacket was actually a ripped Louis Vuitton bag, you could receive up to $4,700 in damages!
And PS, if your bag wasn't damaged but merely delayed, Delta may still owe you compensation!
The DOT has since increased this amount to $4,700!
How To Make a Damaged Baggage Claim with Delta
Receiving the maximum compensation isn’t automatic. You have to be able to prove the value of the loss.
The easiest way to do this is to take a few pictures of your bag before checking it in. Snap photos that clearly show the condition of the bag before being handled by the airline.
Then, if something is out of place when you get it back, you have proof to show the baggage services office.
Always inspect your bag immediately after picking it up from the carousel because all damages have to be inspected in person at the Delta baggage services office.
Once the damage has been evaluated by a Delta representative, you’ll fill out a damaged bag claim form.
What’s the Catch?
On domestic flights, damage must be reported within 24 hours of travel. For international travel, it must be reported within 7 days.
If you miss this window, you won’t be eligible to collect any compensation for the damages.
Keep in mind that Delta is not responsible for covering the cost of normal wear and tear. The best way to differentiate various types of damage is to have those photos of your bag before checking it in.
They also won’t cover the cost of damages due to overpacking, like broken zippers and scratches.
Erika Recommends
- World Nomads
Robust travel insurance coverage for baggage and more. - Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Great travel rewards card with coverage for damaged bags. - Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Top travel credit card with premium perks and insurance.
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.
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.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Rewards Rate
- 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
- 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries
- 2x on all other travel purchases
- 1x on all other purchases
Welcome Offer
Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Annual Fee
$95
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Rewards Rate
- 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠
- 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct
- 3x points on dining worldwide
- 1x points on all other purchases
Welcome Offer
Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Annual Fee
$795
FAQs
Does Delta cover damaged skis and other special items?
When you check bulky or fragile items, they are considered checked baggage. So yes, the airline must compensate you for damage to skis and other sporting equipment.
As long as the fragile items are identified to the airline before check-in, they will be held responsible for any damages.
Will Delta reimburse you if you didn’t take a picture of the bag beforehand?
A “before” photo is useful to have, but not absolutely necessary. You can still file a claim with Delta using their form.
Remember, a Delta representative will thoroughly examine the damage, so be able to describe to them the condition of your luggage before it was mishandled.
Does Delta cover damaged bags if it's an international flight?
While the Department of Transportation governs the rules for domestic travel, airlines are still held accountable for damages that take place on international flights.
International treaties require compensation, typically as a reimbursement per pound of luggage.
Does Delta cover damage to wheels and straps?
According to the Department of Transportation, airlines cannot exclude liability for damages to wheels, straps, handles, and other parts of baggage that are more commonly broken.
But the airline will not cover fair wear and tear, so remember to snap a pre-check-in photo, just in case.
TL;DR: Delta’s Damaged Baggage Policy
If your luggage is damaged because of mishandling by Delta, you’re entitled to compensation. On domestic flights, you could get up to $4,700 to cover the baggage and any damaged contents inside it.
Check your bag immediately after you pick it up from the carousel, and report any damage to the baggage services office before leaving the airport.
And for extra peace of mind, always take photos of your luggage before you check it in, so you have proof if you need it.
Learn With Erika
- Free Travel Secrets Workshop
- Learn how to use the fine print to book your next vacation practically for free with Erika's step-by-step system
- Free 5 Day Investing Challenge
- Learn how to get started as a beginner investor and make your first $10,000
- Free 5 Day Savings Challenge
- Discover how you can save $1,000 without penny pinching or making major life sacrifices
- Join Erika Kullberg Insiders
- Ask investing questions, share successes and participate in monthly challenges and expert workshops
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.
