Lufthansa damaged baggage compensation.
Are you entitled to a compensation? What are the rules?
From time to time, baggage may suffer damage while in transit. Please note that we are not referring to insignificant scratches, dents, or normal wear and tear on your baggage. Lufthansa (or any other airline) cannot be held responsible for such minor damages. However, Lufthansa may be liable for more substantial damages, including broken wheels and handles, as well as significant issues like holes or cracks.
What to do if your luggage is damaged?
What to Do If Your Luggage Is Damaged?
Report the damage to the airline as soon as possible.
This should be done at the airport before leaving the baggage claim area. To report the damage, you can find the Baggage Service Office, which is usually situated close to the baggage carousels in the baggage hall. Once there, you can file a report detailing the damage to your baggage.
Ensure that you have your passport and boarding pass available, and bring your damaged bag. Fill in the report at the Baggage Service Office, and the staff will advise you on what to do next. It’s highly likely that Lufthansa will cover the cost of repairing your luggage. However, if it’s beyond repair, Lufthansa will replace it.
If you find damage to your baggage after leaving the airport, you can report it online from your home or hotel. Visit Lufthansa’s website and follow the instructions to file a damage report for your bag. You can report the damage up to 7 days after your flight. However, it’s best to report it immediately to ensure a prompt resolution.
Lufthansa Damaged Baggage Compensation
What are your rights if your baggage is damaged?
Could you be entitled to Lufthansa baggage compensation of some sort?
Damaged Baggage Compensation
Lufthansa is responsible for damage to your checked baggage.
You can claim compensation up to €1300, which is based on the value of the damaged bag and will cover the cost of buying a new one of equal value. To receive compensation from Lufthansa, it is crucial to file a claim. The airline will provide payment through a bank transfer and there is no obligation to accept Lufthansa vouchers or coupons.
According to the Montreal Convention and Lufthansa’s Conditions of Carriage, Lufthansa is not liable to fully compensate for the value of valuable items such as electronics, art, or jewellery if they are packed in checked baggage. Thus, it is advisable not to pack such items in your checked baggage.
Lufthansa will not provide compensation for damage that resulted from a defect in the bag, and they will not take responsibility for any prior damage such as minor tears, scratches or broken zippers that were caused by overpacking or normal handling.
Reimbursement of Expenses
If your bag is damaged during travel, you won’t be reimbursed for any expenses incurred.
However, if your baggage is lost or delayed, you can claim compensation for essential items that you need to replace. This is sometimes known as delayed baggage compensation. Make sure to keep all receipts and submit them along with your claim to Lufthansa within 21 days of receiving your lost baggage.
It’s important to note that this policy only applies to situations where baggage is lost or delayed, not in the case of damage.
Is Travel Insurance Necessary?
The answer is both yes and no.
On one hand, Lufthansa is responsible for your luggage and its safe delivery under the Montreal Convention, which applies to most international flights. As such, it’s possible to travel without travel insurance.
On the other hand, having a good travel insurance policy can be very helpful. If you need to file a damage report for your bag, it can expedite the compensation process. After reporting the damage, you should contact your travel insurance company to learn about the next steps. Your insurance may cover the cash value or price of your luggage, but for that you’ll need paperwork from the Baggage Service Office.
It’s important to note that not all insurance policies cover baggage damage, so it’s advisable to research beforehand to avoid stress and unexpected surprises.
Travel Prepared
Being prepared for unforeseen circumstances is always a wise decision when traveling.
Although luggage doesn’t get severely damaged frequently, it is possible. Therefore, it’s recommended to pack a spare set of clothes and undergarments in your carry-on in case your checked baggage gets lost or damaged. Moreover, it’s important to avoid storing valuables, cash, medications, documents, and credit cards in your checked luggage, as these items may be lost or damaged if your bag sustains significant damage.
It may be worth considering packing a packable or foldable duffle bag in your luggage. This type of bag can be useful if your primary luggage is severely damaged and you need to transfer your belongings. Alternatively, if you require extra space in your main luggage during your trip, the duffle bag can be utilized to accommodate any additional items.
Note that in this case, with Lufthansa compensation for damaged baggage, just like in many other situations we are talking about on this website, it doesn’t apply only to Lufthansa. 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 Lufthansa and other airlines around the world.
Featured photo by Markus Winkler from Pexels