Damaged Luggage Compensation: Step by Step

Damaged luggage compensation is owed whenever the airline's handling damages your bag or its contents. The airline is strictly liable for damage, subject to liability caps and some specific exclusions (fragile items, prohibited items, pre-existing damage).

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  US domestic: $3,800 per passenger cap (DOT).

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  International: 1,288 SDR (~$1,700 USD) per passenger (Montreal Convention).

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  Declared value option: up to $5,000 at some airlines with declaration fee.

Notice of damage in writing within 7 days of receipt is required under the Montreal Convention. US domestic has no firm federal deadline but airlines enforce their own rules (4-45 days typically).

1. 1

   Photograph damage from multiple angles before leaving the baggage claim area.

2. 2

   Photograph the bag tag and receipt.

3. 3

   File Property Irregularity Report (PIR) at the baggage service counter.

4. 4

   Get the PIR number in writing.

5. 5

   Do not leave the airport without filing.

1. 1

   Go to the airline's baggage claim portal (delta.com/baggage, aa.com/baggage, etc.).

2. 2

   Enter PIR number and flight details.

3. 3

   Upload photos, receipts, and purchase documentation.

4. 4

   Request replacement cost, not depreciated value.

5. 5

   Submit within 7 days of receipt (Montreal Convention) or airline deadline.

Airlines often propose repair before replacement. Sometimes this is reasonable (a split seam can be sewn), sometimes not (a cracked shell cannot be realistically repaired).

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  Reasonable repair: airline pays a repair shop, not you out of pocket.

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  Unreasonable repair: "we can glue the shell back together" usually fails. Demand replacement.

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  Partial damage: if repair is possible but the bag is still unusable for the trip, demand rental or replacement during the trip.

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  Total loss: bag cannot be repaired or is structurally compromised. Replacement cost owed.

Airlines often quote depreciated value (40-70% of original purchase price). You can push back on safety-critical or irreplaceable items. Show receipts and argue replacement cost.

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  Baby strollers: see our airline damaged stroller baby gear claim guide.

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  Wedding dresses: airline lost wedding dress priority claim path.

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  Musical instruments: often declared value is worth it.

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  Sporting equipment: skis, surfboards, golf bags often have special tags and handling.

See Alaska Airlines lost bag claim, lost and damaged baggage summer 2026 edition, and airline lost your wedding dress priority claim path.

TravelStacks handles damaged luggage claims end to end for $19. Check your case. Full pillar at airline lost baggage compensation guide. External: DOT baggage rules.