American Airlines damaged baggage compensation.
Are you eligible for compensation? What are the standards?
Sometimes, luggage may get damaged. We aren’t talking about minor issues like scratches, small dents, or signs of usage on your suitcase. American Airlines is not responsible for these minor damages. However, American Airlines can be held accountable for significant damage such as broken wheels and handles, or serious issues like holes or cracks.
What should you do if your baggage is damaged?
What to Do If Your Baggage Is Damaged?
First of all, report the damage.
Don’t exit the baggage claim area (baggage hall) and try to locate the Baggage Service Office. It’s usually situated in the baggage hall, not far from the baggage carousels. Here, you can file a report for damage to your suitcase.
Please bring your passport and boarding pass. Also, remember to bring your damaged luggage. Complete the report and you will receive information about the next steps. In most cases, the airline will repair your luggage at no charge. If your suitcase or bag cannot be fixed, American Airlines will provide a replacement.
After leaving the airport, if you find damage to your luggage, you must file a written claim and provide the required paperwork. To finish the procedure, go to the American Airlines Baggage Disruption Notification and Tracking website no later than seven days after arrival.
Click here for more information.
American Airlines Damaged Baggage Compensation
What rights do you have if your baggage is damaged?
Could you be entitled to American Airlines damaged baggage compensation of some kind?
Damaged Baggage Compensation
If your checked luggage is damaged, you may be entitled to compensation.
American Airlines is responsible for this, and you may receive compensation of up to €1300.
Compensation will be determined based on the value of your damaged luggage. It is meant to cover the expenses of purchasing a new bag of equal value.
Don’t forget to file your American Airlines compensation claim.
The airline should deposit this compensation into your bank account. You are not obligated to accept American Airlines compensation vouchers, miles or coupons. Please be aware that carrying electronics, art, jewellery, etc., in your checked luggage is not advised, as American Airlines is not obligated to compensate for the full value of such items, only to the extent outlined by the Montreal Convention and the airline’s Conditions of Carriage.
If the damage is due to a defect in the luggage itself, you won’t be entitled to compensation. Moreover, American Airlines is not liable for minor damages like scratches, small dents, and other typical signs of use on your suitcase. Unfortunately, this is the reality of air travel.
Reimbursement of Expenses
You are not eligible to receive reimbursement for your expenses if your bag is damaged.
If your baggage is lost, and you must replace any necessary items, you are entitled to reimbursement for your expenses (sometimes referred to as delayed baggage compensation). You purchase all these essential items, then file a claim by submitting all the receipts, and American Airlines repays you.
You have 21 days from the day you receive your lost baggage to file a claim for reimbursement. But this is applicable only when your baggage is lost or delayed.
Is Travel Insurance Necessary?
Is insurance required to file a claim for American Airlines damaged baggage compensation?
No. It is possible to travel without it. The Montreal Convention requires American carriers and other worldwide carriers to deliver your luggage securely. This agreement covers the majority of American Airlines’ overseas flights.
Having a high-quality insurance policy, however, is always advantageous.
It might speed up the process of getting paid. After you report the damage to your bag, call your travel insurance company to find out what to do next. Your travel insurance may pay you back for the cost of your bags or their real cash value. To make a claim, you will need the information you got at the Baggage Service Office.
Keep in mind that not all insurance covers damage to your bags. It’s important to be clear about this ahead of time to avoid worry and bad shocks later on.
Travel Prepared
Always have a Plan B in place.
It is a good idea to pack spare clothes, including underwear, in your carry-on bag as a precaution in case your suitcase gets damaged. Also, avoid putting valuable items, money, medicine, important documents, and credit cards in your checked luggage. If your luggage gets severely damaged, the items inside could be affected or you may even lose some items.
Consider carrying a packable or collapsible duffel bag. If your luggage gets damaged, you can transfer your belongings to this bag. It can also come in handy if you need extra luggage space at the end of your journey.
What is your experience with baggage damage and American Airlines? Have you ever received damaged baggage compensation from American Airlines or other airlines?
Note that in this case, with American Airlines compensation for damaged baggage, just like in many other situations we are talking about on this website, it doesn’t apply only to American Airlines. Rules are the same for other airlines as well. In this case, that’s because of the Montreal Convention, a treaty that applies to the carriage of baggage. It applies to most international flights of American Airlines and other airlines around the world.