How do I file a damage claim with an airline?

Report the damage at the Baggage Service Office in the airport or you can submit a claim online. For domestic flights, report the damage within 24 hours of receiving your bags.



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Under DOT regulations (for domestic travel) and international treaties (for international travel), airlines are required to compensate passengers if their bags are damaged, delayed, or lost.

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For domestic flights, if an airline damages your bags, the maximum an airline will be responsible for is $3,800.00. Airlines may pay more than the limit but are not required to do so. International flights are governed, for the most part, by a treaty called the Montreal Convention.

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There are no federal laws requiring airlines to provide passengers with money or other compensation when their flights are delayed. Each airline has its own policies about what it will do for delayed passengers. If your flight is experiencing a long delay, ask airline staff if they will pay for meals or a hotel room.

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You need to include each passenger's name, your flight details, the scheduled departure and arrival times, the length of the delay, and your bank account info for reimbursement. You should also be very clear about the amount you expect to receive and give the airline a specific timeframe in which to respond.

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Airlines are responsible for repairing or reimbursing a passenger for damaged baggage and/or its contents when the damage occurs while the bag is under the airline's control, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation's Aviation Consumer Protection division.

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Complaints about an airline or TSA
If the airline does not fix the problem, file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Airline safety - Contact the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) hotline. Airline security - Contact the TSA through their security issue web form.

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In some cases, international carriers may deny claims based on situations out of their control, such as the aforementioned weather, as well as other issues like labor disputes. In these situations, your only recourse may be hiring legal representation, either through an attorney or a flight delay compensation company.

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Common Complaints and Lawsuits Against Airlines
  • An airline has damaged your luggage.
  • An airline has breached a term under its contract of carriage.
  • An airline has canceled your flight.
  • You were bumped from a flight because the airline overbooked it.
  • An airline has lost or delayed delivery of your luggage.


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Complaints about an airline or TSA
Airline service or discrimination - First, attempt to resolve your complaint with the airline. If the airline does not fix the problem, file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Airline safety - Contact the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) hotline.

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Claiming Compensation for Flight Delays and Cancellations Delayed flights: you may be able to claim compensation if your flight arrived 3 hours or more late. Cancelled flights: you may be eligible for compensation if your flight was cancelled less than 14 days before it was due to depart.

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Airlines are responsible for repairing or reimbursing a passenger for damaged baggage and/or its contents when the damage occurs while the bag is under the airline's control, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation's Aviation Consumer Protection division.

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