Airline Damaged Luggage File Damage Reporting Complaint Claim

If your luggage or the "contents" (the things that were kept inside) are damaged by an airline, it is important to "notify" (officially let someone know) the airline right away. In general, you need to file a complaint within 24 hours for a "domestic" (within the country) flight, and within seven days for an international flight.

When you file a complaint, you'll need to "present" (show) your "boarding pass" (the document one shows when stepping onto an airplane), "baggage claim ticket" (a small piece of paper with the same number shown on the piece of paper attached to your bag), and identification. The airline may give you a form to fill out.

You'll also need to describe the damage. If you notice the damage at the airport, you can show your suitcase to the airline employee. If you don't notice the damage until you have already left, take a picture of the damage, preferably with a "date stamp" (text placed on a photograph by a digital camera showing the date).

If you had "travel insurance" (a policy that gives you money if something bad happens while you are traveling), don't forget to report the damage to the insurance company, too. They might file the claim "on your behalf" (for you) and they might pay you even if the airline doesn't.

Finally, if the airline doesn't reply quickly, "follow up" (continue to contact someone until you receive an answer). "Otherwise" (if you don't), the airline might lose your complaint and never "get back to you" (contact you with an answer).