Once the darling of air travel for their free checked bag policies, Southwest has sadly gotten rid of that perk for most customers. However, the airline is still bound to other rules and regulations, including what they owe you when they mishandle your bag.
If Southwest damages your bag, you’re entitled to 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 Southwest Airlines Responsible For?
When they mishandle your bags, Southwest is held to rules set by the Department of Transportation (DOT). They’re liable for covering the cost of repairs or replacement.
Be warned that there is a maximum liability limit, set at $4,700 per passenger.
If Southwest 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 pair of new leather boots, and they got scratched up when the airline ripped your duffel bag, you can receive compensation for the boots.
And FYI, if your bag wasn't damaged but merely delayed, Southwest may still owe you compensation!
How To Make a Damaged Baggage Claim with Southwest
When Southwest mishandles your bag, you can report the damage in one of several ways.
The first and best option is to head immediately to their Baggage Service Office, located near the baggage claim. That way, you can show the damage to an agent in person.
You can also scan QR codes posted on the baggage carousels. Or, if you’ve already left the airport before discovering the damage, you can report it online.
Whichever method you use to report the damaged bag, you have to do it within 4 hours of your arrival if it was a domestic flight. If your flight was international, you have 7 days.
Reporting the damage isn’t the only step — you still have to file a claim for compensation. This is done through Southwest’s baggage portal, and you’ll need the file ID number you received from reporting the damage initially.
Once you file the claim, Southwest should get in touch with you. If you reported in person, you may be able to receive financial compensation then and there. If you filed online, you can follow up on your claim by logging into the Southwest baggage portal again.
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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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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®
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TL;DR: Claiming Southwest Damaged Bag Compensation
To claim compensation from Southwest for damaged bags, either report the damage online or head directly to the Baggage Service Office in the airport to show an airline representative.
After reporting, you’ll need to file a claim for compensation.
Remember, if the airline is responsible for the damages you see, they owe you!
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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.
