Damaged Luggage: Your Rights and How to File a Claim
Report damaged luggage at the airport immediately and file a written claim within 7 days for international flights (Montreal Convention Art. 31). Airlines must repair or replace your bag. Maximum compensation is $4,700 for US domestic flights and 1,519 SDR (~$2,000) for international flights. Normal wear and tear is excluded, but transit damage is fully covered.
What Damage Is Covered?
Covered by Airlines
- ✓ Broken handles, wheels, or zippers
- ✓ Torn or punctured fabric/shell
- ✓ Crushed or dented hard-shell cases
- ✓ Damaged contents (if caused by mishandling)
- ✓ Missing external parts (straps, locks)
Not Covered
- ✗ Normal wear and tear
- ✗ Minor scratches or scuffs
- ✗ Overweight or oversized bag damage
- ✗ Pre-existing damage
- ✗ Prohibited items in checked bags
How to File a Damaged Luggage Claim
- 1
Report at the Airport Immediately
Do not leave the airport without reporting the damage. Go to the airline's baggage service office. Show the damage to an agent and file a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). If you leave first, the airline may claim the damage happened after you received the bag.
- 2
Document Everything with Photos
Take clear photos of all damage from multiple angles — the bag exterior, any broken components, and damaged contents. Include a photo of the baggage claim tag still attached. Timestamp your photos (enabled by default on most phones).
- 3
File Written Claim Within 7 Days
For international flights, you must submit a written complaint within 7 days of receiving the damaged bag (Montreal Convention Article 31). For domestic flights, check your airline's specific deadline — most require 24 hours to 7 days.
- 4
Get a Repair Estimate
Take your bag to a luggage repair shop and get a written repair estimate. If the bag is beyond repair, get a quote for a comparable replacement. Airlines typically prefer to pay for repairs when possible.
- 5
Submit and Follow Up
Submit your claim with photos, PIR, repair estimate, and proof of bag value (receipt or comparable product listing). If the airline offers less than the repair/replacement cost, negotiate. You can escalate via a DOT complaint if needed.
Critical Deadlines for Damaged Baggage
| Action | Domestic (US) | International |
|---|---|---|
| Report at airport | Before leaving | Before leaving |
| Written claim | 24h – 7 days (varies) | 7 days (MC Art. 31) |
| Lawsuit (if needed) | State statute of limitations | 2 years (MC Art. 35) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the airline repair or replace my bag?
Airlines typically prefer to repair damaged bags. If repair isn't possible or costs more than the bag's depreciated value, they'll offer the depreciated replacement value. You can negotiate for the full repair cost if it's less than the depreciated value.
What if I didn't notice the damage until I got home?
You can still file a claim, but it's harder to prove the damage occurred during airline handling. For international flights, you still have 7 days. Contact the airline immediately, report the damage, and provide photos. Many airlines will still process the claim, especially if the damage is clearly from handling (e.g., a crushed hard-shell case).
Are contents covered too, or just the bag itself?
Yes, if contents were damaged due to the airline's mishandling — for example, if a crushed bag broke items inside. However, airlines have exclusions for fragile, perishable, and high-value items. Check your airline's contract of carriage for specific exclusions.
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