According to Travel + Leisure, major U.S. airlines were responsible for the loss, damage or theft of 1.8 million pieces of domestic luggage in 2012. The Department of Transportation requires airlines to make restitution to passengers who have had their luggage damaged by airline mishandling. When your luggage comes off the baggage carousel damaged, make a claim immediately.
Pack carefully before you depart. Damage is more likely to occur when your luggage is already ripped, unable to zip all the way shut or in need of luggage straps to stay closed.
Make sure the damage you are claiming is not simply wear and tear. Airlines will not consider themselves responsible for scratches to the sides of suitcases or damage to the wheels. Missing locks and zippers are also considered wear and tear by airlines such as United.
Keep all luggage tags on your bags. The airline will need to confirm you were a passenger and the flight you were on.
Take a few pictures of the damage with your smartphone or any camera you took with you on your trip. This will help document the damage, especially if you cannot file a claim right away.
Open your bag and check for a notification from the Transportation Security Administration that your bag was inspected. Airlines will not pay for damage that may have been caused by the TSA, and you'll have to file a claim with them. If the TSA did not open your luggage, then airline personnel are the only people who handled your luggage once you left it.
Go to the airline's baggage service office. Most airlines have offices near the baggage claim area of all airports.
Report the damage to your airline. Provide your bag for inspection.
Fill out any necessary claim forms. Some airlines, such as American Airlines, will settle your claim on site after evaluating it. Other airlines will require you to wait while your claim is reviewed, and you will hear from them in a few days.
File a claim within the specified number of days if you are unable to report the damage while you are at the airport. For example, United Airlines and American Airlines require you report damage from domestic flights within 24 hours of leaving the airport. You have up to seven days for international flights.
