AirBaltic damaged baggage compensation.
Are you entitled to compensation? What are the rules?
It’s not uncommon for baggage to suffer damage. However, airBaltic can’t be held accountable for minor wear and tear such as scratches or small dents on your suitcase. Things like these happen a lot and with most airlines, this is the reality of air travel. At the same time, for serious damage like broken wheels, handles, holes or cracks, airBaltic can be held liable.
How should you proceed if your baggage gets damaged?
What to Do If Your Luggage Is Damaged?
The first step is reporting the damage.
Before you leave the baggage reclaim area, locate the Baggage Service Office, which is often situated near the baggage carousels in the baggage hall. This is where you will report the damage to your luggage.
Have your passport and boarding pass ready. Bring your damaged bag along. They will guide you through the report, and what your next steps should be. It’s likely that the airline will repair your bag without charge. If your suitcase or bag is beyond repair, airBaltic will replace it.
If you notice the damage after leaving the airport, at home or at a hotel, you must contact the airBaltic Customer Service Centre as soon as possible and fill out an online form. Usually you have up to 4 days from the moment of your arrival to do that. It’s crucial that you don’t miss this deadline.
Alternatively, you can revisit the airport to report any damage to your baggage, and this can be done within 7 days of your arrival.
It’s always best to report the damage as soon as possible.
AirBaltic Damaged Baggage Compensation
What rights do you have if your baggage is damaged?
Could you be entitled to airBaltic baggage compensation?
Damaged Baggage Compensation
If your checked luggage is damaged, you may be entitled to compensation.
AirBaltic is responsible and may provide compensation of up to €1300.
The damaged baggage compensation amount is determined by the value of your damaged bag. It’s meant to cover the cost of a new bag of comparable value.
Remember to file your airBaltic compensation claim.
This compensation will be directly deposited into your bank account. You are not obliged to accept airBaltic compensation vouchers, miles or coupons. It’s important to note that airBaltic isn’t responsible for the full value of items such as electronics, art, jewellery, etc., in your checked baggage, and will only compensate to the extent specified by the Montreal Convention and its Conditions of Carriage.
If the damage is caused by a defect in the bag itself, you won’t be entitled to compensation. Also airBaltic is not responsible for minor damage such as scratches, small dents and other regular wear and tear. Regrettably, this is the reality of air travel.
Reimbursement of Expenses
In most cases, you won’t receive anything.
This is because your bag is damaged, not lost.
However, if your baggage is lost, and you have to replace any necessary items, you are entitled to reimbursement for your expenses (sometimes referred to as delayed baggage compensation). You purchase the necessary items, submit all the receipts, and airBaltic reimburses you.
You have 21 days from the day you receive your lost baggage to file a claim for reimbursement. This only applies to situations when your baggage is lost or delayed.
Is Travel Insurance Necessary?
Is baggage insurance required? It depends.
It certainly isn’t mandatory.
As airBaltic will be accountable for your luggage and ensuring it is delivered safely. This is due to the Montreal Convention, a treaty related to the transportation of baggage. It applies to most of airBaltic’s international flights, as well as other airlines worldwide.
However, having good insurance is always beneficial.
It could expedite the compensation process. After filing a report for damaged luggage, get in touch with your travel insurance company for further guidance. Depending on your policy, your insurance may cover the full value of your luggage right away. To file a claim, you will need the paperwork from the Baggage Service Office.
Bear in mind, not all insurance policies cover damage to luggage. Make sure you know your policy details in advance to avoid unnecessary stress and surprises.
Travel Prepared
Having a backup plan is always smart.
Serious baggage damage is not a frequent occurrence, but it does happen.
Therefore, it’s wise to pack a change of clothes and underwear in your carry-on. This is a safeguard in the event your suitcase gets damaged and your clothes are affected. Avoid packing valuable items, money, medications, documents and credit cards in your checked luggage. If your luggage suffers major damage (large holes or cracks), the contents could be affected or even lost.
Consider packing a foldable duffle bag, a tote or backpack. If your luggage is seriously damaged, you can move your belongings to this extra bag. The bag can also be useful if you need additional luggage space at the end of your trip.
What is your experience with baggage damage and airBaltic? Have you ever received damaged baggage compensation from airBaltic or other airline?
Note that in this case, with airBaltic compensation for damaged baggage, just like in many other situations we are talking about on this website, it doesn’t apply only to airBaltic. 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 airBaltic and other airlines around the world.
Featured photo by Markus Winkler from Pexels