What if your bag is damaged in flight?


What if your bag is damaged in flight? Airlines are responsible for repairing or reimbursing a passenger for damaged baggage and/or its contents when the damage occurs while the bag is under the airline's control during transportation (subject to maximum limits on liabilities).


How much can you claim if an airline loses your bag?

According to the Department of Transportation, airlines are liable for up to $3,800 for lost, damaged or delayed bags. International flights fall under different rules; the maximum baggage liability is about $1,780. (Airlines can pay you more than that, but they're not required to by law.)


How much compensation do you get for lost luggage?

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, you are entitled to compensation for reasonable incidental expenses you incur because of your delayed baggage, up to the maximum liability limits, set by statute. For U.S. domestic flights, this is $3,800 per passenger.


Do airlines have to compensate you if they lose your bag?

Under DOT regulations (for domestic travel) and international treaties (for international travel), airlines are required to compensate passengers if their bags are damaged, delayed, or lost.


Who is responsible for baggage claim?

Airlines are responsible for the entire baggage process, including finding and returning lost baggage to passengers. Airports help passengers locate the right airline contact to resolve problems.


Where do I report luggage damage?

Report the damage at the Baggage Service Office in the airport or you can submit a claim online. For domestic flights, report the damage within 24 hours of receiving your bags.


Is it worth repairing luggage?

This depends very much on the price of your bag. The more expensive your luggage is, the more likely it is to be worth repairing it. While less expensive bags may be cheaper to just replace. The cost does also depend on the repair, some things are more expensive to replace or fix than others.


What airline loses the most luggage?

When it came to airlines that lost the most baggage, that same study found that Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines came in ninth out of 17 major airlines. “Of all national airlines, American Airlines lost the most bags in 2022, losing 850 bags per 100,000.


Who do I complain to about damaged luggage?

Steps to Consider if Airline Damaged Your Luggage
You can also consider filing a complaint against the airline with the Department of Transportation. Send the airline a formal complaint letter. Consider filing a lawsuit against the airline in small claims court.


How do I claim compensation for luggage?

Delayed Baggage Compensation: What To Do?
  1. Hold onto your boarding pass and your checked luggage receipts. ...
  2. Report the damage before leaving the airport after receiving your bags. ...
  3. Fill out a damage claim form, or Property Irregularity Report. ...
  4. Present your bags for inspection so they can be repaired or replaced.


Who pays for stolen luggage?

Airlines are legally required to compensate you for lost items and any baggage fees you paid.


How carrier is responsible for damaged baggage?

Airlines are responsible for repairing or reimbursing a passenger for damaged baggage and/or its contents when the damage occurs while the bag is under the airline's control during transportation (subject to maximum limits on liabilities).