How do I proceed if my luggage has been damaged?
August 12, 2023 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Ralf Schlittmaier
Dear Lawyer,
My name is Tina Zollmann and I recently took a trip during which my luggage was unfortunately damaged. I checked in my suitcases at the airport and upon arrival at my destination, I noticed scratches and tears on them. This is not only frustrating, but also very upsetting as the suitcases were not cheap and I intended to use them for future travels.
My concern now is how to proceed in this situation. I have already tried to contact the airline but have not received a satisfactory response so far. I feel helpless and frustrated as I do not know what my rights are in this case and how I can get my damaged luggage replaced.
Could you please explain to me what steps I should take to receive appropriate compensation for my damaged suitcases? Are there specific laws or regulations governing my situation? What documents or evidence should I gather to support my claims? I would greatly appreciate your professional advice and support in resolving this issue.
Thank you in advance for your assistance.
Sincerely,
Tina Zollmann
Dear Ms. Zollmann,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding your damaged luggage after a recent trip. I am sorry to hear that you were faced with this unpleasant situation. As a lawyer specializing in travel law, I can help you and provide you with some steps you can take to receive appropriate compensation for your damaged suitcases.
First and foremost, it is important that you report the damage to the airline immediately upon arrival at your destination. Typically, you have up to 7 days after receiving the luggage to file a claim for damages. It is advisable to do this in writing and to provide any witnesses or photos as evidence. The airline is usually responsible for the damages to the luggage and must offer you adequate compensation.
There are specific regulations in the aviation law that protect your rights as a passenger. According to these regulations, you are entitled to compensation for damaged luggage if the damage occurred during transport by the airline. The amount of compensation depends on the value of the luggage at the time of the damage. It is important that you gather all relevant documents such as the flight ticket, luggage tags, and the damage report to support your claims.
If the airline is not willing to offer you adequate compensation, you can seek assistance from a consumer advisory service or a travel lawyer to enforce your rights. You have the right to receive fair compensation for the damage suffered and should not hesitate to assert your claims.
I hope this information is helpful to you and supports you in your situation. If you have any further questions or need legal assistance, I am at your disposal.
Sincerely,
Ralf Schlittmaier
Lawyer
