When you fly a budget airline like Frontier, the last thing you want in addition to cramped leg room and no snacks is a damaged bag.
But Frontier has to follow the same rules that other airlines abide by, and if they damage your bag, they owe you!
I’ve read the fine print so you don’t have to, and if Frontier damaged your bag, you’re eligible for compensation.
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What Is Frontier Airlines Responsible For?
According to rules set by the Department of Transportation (DOT), Frontier Airlines is liable for covering the cost of repairs or reimbursement for bags they mishandle and damage.
There is a maximum liability limit, set at $4,700 per passenger.
If Frontier 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 are not allowed to 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 had a pair of new sneakers in your bag and they got scratched up because of a rip in your duffel bag, you can receive compensation for the sneakers.
And PS, if your bag wasn't damaged but merely delayed, Frontier may still owe you compensation!
How To Make a Damaged Baggage Claim with Frontier
If you pick up your bag and notice damage, immediately head to Frontier’s baggage office or find a Frontier representative. You’re supposed to report the damage within 4 hours of your flight landing, and if you delay, you run the risk of an invalid claim.
It might be challenging to track someone down from Frontier if they don’t have a baggage office at your airport, so if you can’t find anyone, there’s an online damaged baggage form. It may take longer to get reimbursed if you only fill out the online form, so if you can, find a Frontier representative first.
Once you submit the form or locate a Frontier rep, the airline will take your case from there. It’s unclear from their website if you’ll need to submit a claim for reimbursement in addition to the damage report, but the airline should take you through their process once the initial form has been submitted.
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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. Frontier makes it clear that they are not responsible for damages to clearly overstuffed luggage.
- 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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TL;DR: Claiming Frontier Damaged Bag Compensation
When you pick up your bag, immediately check it over for damage. If you notice anything unusual, immediately locate a Frontier representative.
It helps to show them a picture of the bag before it was dropped off with the airline, just to prove the damages were from mishandling.
Remember: If Frontier damages your bags, they are required to pay up!
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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.
