While paying under $100 for a flight might seem like a steal, you have to consider the drawbacks — which, in the case of Spirit Airlines, come in the form of mediocre customer service.
While the airline is governed by the same federal rules as all other airlines, they have hoops in place that you have to jump through to receive compensation for….well, anything.
If they damaged your checked bag, you are entitled to compensation, but it might be difficult to get. Luckily, I’ve read their fine print, so you don’t have to!
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What Is Spirit Responsible For?
According to rules set by the Department of Transportation (DOT), Spirit Airlines is liable for covering the cost of repairs or reimbursement for bags they mishandle and damage.
Keep in mind there’s a maximum liability limit, set at $4,700 per passenger.
If Spirit 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 contents inside the bag. For example, if you packed a pair of brand-new, expensive jeans and they’re now torn because of a rip in your duffel bag, you can receive compensation for the jeans.
And FYI, if your bag wasn't damaged but merely delayed, Spirit may still owe you compensation!
How To Make a Damaged Baggage Claim with Spirit Airlines
If you notice your bag has damage when you pick it up from the baggage carousel, immediately head for the Spirit Baggage Service Office. You only have 4 hours from the arrival of a domestic flight to report damage, and if you flew internationally, you have 7 days.
If they don’t have a physical location at your airport, Spirit should have links posted to their virtual Baggage Service Office, where you can file the same incident report online.
After submitting the initial damage report, you’ll receive a file ID number, which you’ll then use to submit a claim for compensation. Log in to the Spirit baggage portal using your last name and the file ID, then create the claim.
Here’s the kicker: Spirit Airlines requires you to submit a “verifiable estimate” of the cost of repair from a local luggage shop. And if the shop says that your bag is too far gone, you have to provide proof of purchase for the bag so they can reimburse you for the entire cost.
This is quite the run-around from Spirit, so be prepared to put in some work to get your money back.
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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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FAQs
Spirit has no Baggage Service Office at my airport. Where do I go?
There are multiple airports where Spirit Airlines has no physical Baggage Service Office. To report damages at one of these locations, look for a posted QR code to their virtual Baggage Service Office, or use this link to reach it.
Are there items Spirit Airlines won't cover?
Yes. The airline is not liable for damages to items that are fragile or packed inappropriately, including damage that occurs from overpacking. If you have luxury items or expensive gear, consider purchasing additional travel insurance.
I submitted a claim to Spirit but haven't heard back. What do I do?
Spirit Airlines says that claims can take up to 30 days to be resolved. If it's been longer than a month, reach out to their customer service for more information.
TL;DR: Spirit Airlines Damaged Bag Compensation
By all legal rules, Spirit is required to reimburse you for any damages they cause to your bag while it’s under their care. But in reality, the airline makes it as hard as possible for you to get your money back, requiring past receipts and new quotes for the cost of repairs.
This convoluted process may be the price you pay for flying on a low-budget airline like Spirit. If you know you’ll likely fly with them, keep your receipts for your luggage purchases.
You’ll need to put in some work to get your money, but remember: They owe you if they mishandle your bag!
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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.
