What to do in the event of damage by air?

When you arrived at your destination or when you returned, did you find your damaged baggage by air? Find out how to be compensated!

You have planned a nice trip, or you just come back from an unforgettable adventure, but when you arrive, you have the wrong surprise to see your damaged baggage by plane! Just seeing how our suitcases are loaded in the unit, we can already fear for their integrity. Baggage damaged or even lost during transport is not rare. This tree can happen to everyone!

If it is your case, then know that the carrier is responsible for your suitcase from the time you deposit it at the check-in and until you get it after your flight. You can therefore claim your rights and be compensated for damages on your baggage! In this article, we explain all the steps to be taken in the event of a damaged baggage by air.

Step one: Report the damage as soon as possible

The first step is to report your damaged baggage by air as soon as possible. Don’t miss checking the integrity of your suitcase or bag as soon as you receive it at the airport. This is crucial to be easily and quickly compensated.

You see the damage at the arrival airport

If you discover directly at the airport that your baggage has been damaged, you can contact with an agent or then with the baggage service of your airline. These will explain the steps to be taken to obtain compensation. Generally, you will have to complete statement . You will also receive a file number and a confirmation to keep. The airline will certainly ask you some simple information such as your baggage tags or your flight number. Watch out. retaining these documents with you on every flight.

You did not notice the damage at the arrival airport

If you ever see that your baggage has been damaged after leaving the airport, you should know that you have up to 7 days after receiving your baggage to make a claim. In this case, you will need contact as soon as possible the customer service of your airline. The claim for compensation will then be online, or you will have to send a mail to the company. For this second case, make sure to send the mail in recommended with notification of receipt!

In any case, and as soon as the damage is found, we recommend that you call the customer service to know the right approach to follow. Thus, you will not be able to be accused of breaches or errors. If you repair your damaged baggage by air, you will also need to keep the invoice. The company will most likely ask you as a justification. We advise you at last take pictures your damaged baggage by air to prove the damage suffered.

What compensation is expected for a damaged air bagage?

With the first step, you properly declared your suitcase or damaged bag during your flight. Thanks to this statement, you will most likely go compensation from your airline. This compensation is, however, capped by law. And this, even if your injury is greater than the amount in the amount in the amount. Compensation also depends on the agreement that applies to the flight: Warsaw Convention or Montreal Convention . This information is normally indicated on your flight ticket. If it is not, you will need to contact the airline to know it.

You traveled with a European company

As a general rule, the ceiling depends on the origin of the airline . For a European company, the maximum compensation for a damaged air bagage is approximately 1 391€ . This amount is set out in the Montreal Convention.

You traveled with a foreign company

For a foreign company, depending on the Warsaw Convention, compensation is capped to 19 SDRs per kilogram of baggage, or approximately 23,40€ per kilogram. SDRs, for Special Shooting Rights, are a currency based on several international currencies. Compensation is calculated with this DTS currency.

Your damaged air bagage contains valuables

These amounts are the maximum compensation you can collect for your damaged baggage by air. However, you can increase this ceiling if you carry valuable items.

Unfortunately, we must first make a special declaration of interest upon check-in of your baggage and pay a surtax to the company. With this declaration of value attributed to your baggage, you will increase the liability limit of the airline. You will protect yourself in the event of a problem, if you carry valuables. Because in this case the airline will have to compensation for the amount reported . Without this declaration, it will be difficult or impossible to obtain compensation greater than the amounts in the law.

Your travel insurance can also compensate you

Also think about checking your Travel insurance That you would have subscribed before your flight. Depending on the conditions, this insurance may cover a portion of the damage incurred. Of course, you can always claim your rights to the airline and get your compensation from it!

What to do in case of non-response or refusal?

Contact a mediator

You followed the steps to declare your baggage damaged, but you have no return from the airline or even a refusal? Know that if your airline refuses to compensate you or does not respond within 2 months, you can seize the mediator Tourism and Travel . However, the company must have signed the Mediation Charter. You will find all the information to enter this organization the official website of the French administration.

Launch a legal action

If your steps still fail, then you can bring the case to court . Your case is valid for two years from the date of injury. You can speak directly to the court, but the procedure can be long and arduous.

Note also that on the occasion of your legal remedy, you can also claim damages for damage: loss or damage of baggage, replacement of lost items, etc.

Using a specialized company

To get a cause gain, you can also contact you directly a specialized recovery or litigation service in airline business. These companies analyze your case, bring it to court and help you get compensation. They avoid you to be bothered with all the administrative and judicial processes!

These organizations can even take care of revitalizations before they initiate legal action. Upstream, they can also help you make your move and tell you whether or not you can benefit from compensation. Once the case is entrusted to the company, they will usually weigh their weight to get a return. If the return does not arrive, then they will sue the company in your place. You increase your chances to obtain compensation, without having to manage the legal action. The company generally pays with a percentage of compensation, and damages obtained.

How to avoid having a damaged baggage on a plane?

To finish, know that you can protect yourself from any damaged baggage by air by protecting your business in support.

• First, think about it put all really fragile items in your hand luggage. You'll avoid the risk of harm. If ever, you have to leave valuable or fragile items in your bagage in the hold, then think about the statement. Of course you have to pay a surtax, but you are certain to be compensated for these valuables in case of damage.
• Second, you can film your suitcases and luggage at the airport for more protection. In addition, if you plan to carry something fragile like a glass bottle, take good care to protect it and place it in the centre of the suitcase.
• Thirdly, favour solid and robust baggage for your trips. A solid suitcase will last you for several years or even a lifetime! Inside, your objects will be well protected against shocks. You then significantly reduce the risk of receiving damaged baggage upon arrival. No one wants to start his vacation or his trip with a tree like this.

You're here to react on the day you get your damaged baggage on a plane. Nevertheless, we hope that nothing will happen!