# Airline Damaged Your Luggage? Step-by-Step Claim Guide

- Link: https://warsawtravelers.pl/en/guides/damaged-luggage-how-to-get-a-repair-or-refund/
- Published: 2024-10-24T01:02:21+02:00
- Author: Filip Chochół

Ten wpis jest również dostępny w języku:  [⌊Switch to Polski⌉Polski](https://warsawtravelers.pl/poradniki/uszkodzony-bagaz-jak-uzyskac-naprawe-lub-zwrot/)

 Table of contents

## Hello! 👋

Imagine standing by the baggage carousel after a long journey, waiting for your 
suitcase. You’re ready to start your vacation or head home. The belt keeps moving,
with bag after bag passing by, until finally, you spot your luggage. But then, you
notice something’s wrong. It’s scratched, with broken wheels, or perhaps even a 
torn zipper – it doesn’t look the same as when you checked it in.

Damaged luggage is a common issue for many travelers. What should you do if it happens
to you? Fortunately, you’re entitled to compensation. You can request a repair or,
if the damage is severe, get a reimbursement for your luggage. In this guide, part
of our series on travel compensation, we’ll explain what to do if your luggage is
damaged. You’ll learn how to file a report, take the right steps to increase your
chances of compensation, and handle the necessary formalities to ensure a smooth
process.

 [ ⌊Damaged luggage at Thailand airport baggage screening, with a scanned suitcase at the kiosk⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/damaged-luggage-001-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Damaged luggage in airport arrivals area, with several wheeled suitcases stacked near an elevator⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/damaged-luggage-002.jpeg)

## Already have your luggage – what should I do next?

When you pick up your luggage and notice it has been damaged, here’s what to do 
step by step:

### 🔍 **Check the status of your luggage on site**

At the airport, inspect your luggage thoroughly before leaving. Look for scratches,
broken wheels, damaged zippers, or any tears in the material. It’s also crucial 
to check the **weight of your luggage**, especially if you suspect tampering or 
missing items. If the weight is significantly lighter than when you checked it in,
it could indicate items have been removed. In such cases, report it immediately 
to airport staff so they can file the appropriate report.

### 📋 **Report damage at the airport**

After picking up your luggage, if you notice any damage, go to the baggage claim
service desk located in the baggage claim area. There, you can report the issue.
It’s important to note that this desk may not always belong to the airline you flew
with. In most cases, it will be operated by handling agents who manage services 
for different airlines at the airport. Each airline collaborates with specific handling
agents responsible for passenger services, including baggage claims. Make sure to
ask which agent represents your airline, and they will guide you through the reporting
process.

How can you check who handles your airline? Usually, you can find this information
in materials available at the airport or on informational boards in the baggage 
claim area. You can also ask airport staff to direct you to the correct service 
desk. After reporting the damage, you will receive a written confirmation—most commonly
in the form of a PIR (Property Irregularity Report). This document is essential 
for any further claims or compensation requests regarding your damaged luggage.

### 📸 **Take pictures of the damage**

Before leaving the airport, take photos of the damaged luggage – you will need them
as proof for your claim.

### 🎫 **Keep the luggage tag**

Don’t throw away the luggage tag attached to your boarding pass. You will need it
as evidence in the claims process. Also, take a picture of it just in case…. suddenly
your cat decides to eat a piece of paper.

### ✍️ **Written report to the flight carrier**

If your baggage has been damaged, you will first receive a Property Irregularity
Report/Damage Report from the handling agent at the airport. This report is a key
document that will allow you to follow up on your damaged baggage. The PIR is a 
unique number associated with your case that will allow you to track the status 
of your report.

The handling agent will also often provide you with additional information on how
to proceed, including the airline’s contact and details of baggage repair companies.
In some cases, airlines work with third-party companies that specialize in repairs,
such as **Dolfi1920**. These companies specialize in repairing luggage on behalf
of the airline.

After obtaining the PIR and other necessary documents, such as photos of the damaged
baggage, you must submit your claim directly to the airline. It’s important to review
the airline’s website for specific procedures, as each airline may have different
requirements and deadlines for reporting damage. The deadline to file a claim typically
ranges from 7 to 21 days. 

### 🔧 **Repair or refund?**

Once the damage is reported, the airline may offer to** repair the luggage** or **
refund the cost**. They often work with travel suitcase repair companies, which 
will assess whether a repair is feasible. If repair is not possible, the carrier
may reimburse the value of the luggage, based on receipts for its purchase.

 [ ⌊Damaged luggage damage report form listing baggage details and “Damage Report” header⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/damaged-luggage-003.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Damaged luggage damage reports from handling agent, with a document showing apology text on top of suitcases⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/damaged-luggage-004.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Damaged luggage baggage report document with “BAGGAGE REPORT” text on a black folder⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/damaged-luggage-005.jpeg)

## Travel insurance

If you have travel insurance, it’s a good idea to check whether it includes baggage
protection. Some policies provide compensation for damage to or loss of luggage,
which can be helpful if the carrier does not cover all costs or refuses to pay compensation.
It is important to read the terms and conditions of your insurance carefully before
you leave, and if you have a problem with your luggage, report the loss to your 
insurer as soon as possible, attaching documentation such as a **PIR**, photos of
the damage and confirmation of the value of your luggage.

## **Exceptions to the completion of the repair or reimbursement**

There are certain situations in which airlines may refuse to repair luggage or refund
costs. Here are the most common exceptions:

 * **Damage resulting from normal wear and tear **– nicks, scratches, abrasions 
   or damaged locks are often considered the effects of normal use and are not compensable.
 * **Damage due to over-packing** – if your luggage has been overloaded and the 
   lock or structure of the suitcase has been damaged, the airline may consider 
   it your responsibility and refuse to pay compensation.
 * **Failure to report on time **– if you do not report baggage damage in a timely
   manner (usually 7 days after collection), the airline may refuse to process your
   claim.
 * **Damage due to latent defects in baggage** – if the damage is due to a manufacturing
   defect or poor quality materials, the airline is not liable.

For more information on how to implement passenger problems, visit the European 
Union’s website under the [tab dedicated to passenger rights](https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/passenger-rights/air/index_pl.htm#).

 [ ⌊Damaged luggage with a broken handle and exposed metal on a blue suitcase on a wooden surface⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/damaged-luggage-007.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Damaged luggage interior panel with cracked plastic and scuffed surface.⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/damaged-luggage-006-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

## From a traveler’s life

📌 Be sure to read our article on [**delayed flight compensation **](https://warsawtravelers.pl/en/guides/delayed-flight-find-out-how-to-claim-compensation/)
✈️ – there you will find practical advice on how to successfully claim your rights.

📌 What about in the [**case of lost baggage**](https://warsawtravelers.pl/en/guides/lost-your-luggage-find-out-how-to-claim-compensation/)?
Learn how to claim reimbursement for essential purchases and understand your rights
when your luggage is lost or delayed.

📌 If your flight was **delayed** or **canceled**, or you were affected by an **
airline strike**, check if you’re entitled to compensation. Use **[AirHelp](https://www.airhelp.com/pl/strike/odszkodowanie-za-lot-zaklocony-wskutek-strajku-linii-lotniczej/?utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=pap&utm_campaign=aff-6718dfe290033&utm_content=&a_aid=6718dfe290033&a_bid=595a9db6)**
or **[AirCashBack](https://aircashback.com/ocen-szanse#GShsaVDctR)** to quickly 
verify your eligibility. Both platforms guide you through the process, so you don’t
have to deal with formalities. Getting your money back might be easier than you 
think!