Handle damaged baggage

Be sure to report damaged bags immediately before leaving the airport.

Present the bag and the claim checks to the airline baggage office. Point out the damage to the agent, and make sure you have your claim checks available. Most airlines have a 24 to 48 hour time limit for declaring damages.

Now, here is where the problem may arise. The airlines are extremely selective about what type of damage is covered by its liability policy. A good deal or what everyday people consider 'damage' is considered 'normal wear and tear' by the airlines. If the damage on your bag falls into a gray area, meaning it could either be considered damage or normal wear and tear, your best weapon is really a good attitude.

Items that are considered normal wear and tear for many airlines includes wheels, straps, handles, zippers, pockets, name tags, and most things that protrude from your baggage. Minor tears, cuts, or soiling also fall into this category. If you look in the folder that is holding your boarding passes, you will see the baggage liability policy for your airline, and it does vary slightly for each.

If your damage claim is accepted, you may be offered one or more settlement possibilities, to include things such as bag replacement, repair, free travel or travel certificates, and in some cases, cash.

If it is determined that the damage to your bag is indeed normal wear and tear, then there is not a good deal of recourse. However, many airlines will offer a travel voucher or some other alternative since they are not able to accept your damage claim. The more genial you are, the higher the amount!

Minimize the chances of your bag being damaged in the first place. Remove any straps that can be removed, and place them inside your bag. Items such as backpacks that have several lengthy straps should be placed inside of a plastic bag.

The airlines typically do not cover items that are perishable, fragile, already damaged, overweight or over packed.

Sometimes at check-in, one of your bags may be tagged with a special tag, indicating that should damage occur, the airline will not be liable. You may even be asked to sign something stating that you were advised this.

Note:
This should go without saying, but you should really ship your valuables or fragiles with a proper shipping company. If there is no damage to the outside of your baggage, then airline is not responsible for any damage that occurs to your contents.