Austrian damaged baggage compensation.
What are your rights and what are the regulations?
On occasion, checked baggage may get damaged. We are specifically referring to instances that go beyond minor scuffs, small dents and other normal wear and tear. For these small damages, Austrian is not liable. However, Austrian Airlines may be held liable for significant damages, such as problems with the handles and wheels or severe issues such as holes or even cracks.
What to do if your luggage is damaged?
What to Do If Your Luggage Is Damaged?
Firstly, report the damage immediately.
Stay within the baggage reclaim area (baggage hall), and locate the Baggage Service Office. Usually, it’s situated in the baggage hall, often adjacent to the baggage carousels. At this location, you can file a report for damage to your bag.
Have your passport and boarding pass ready. Bring your damaged bag. Complete the report and await further instructions. More often than not, the airline will repair your bag at no cost to you. If your suitcase or bag is beyond repair, Austrian Airlines will provide a reimbursement for your damaged item (it’ called “Austrian damaged baggage compensation”).
If you discover any damage to your checked baggage only after reaching your home or hotel, it is essential to file a written report within a seven-day period after receiving your bag. You should also provide evidence demonstrating that the damage occurred while Austrian Airlines was responsible for your baggage. Upon receiving your damage report, Austrian will issue a written confirmation along with a reference number.
More information here (click on the tab “Damaged Baggage”).
Austrian Damaged Baggage Compensation
What happens when your baggage is damaged?
Could you be eligible for Austrian damaged baggage compensation?
Damaged Baggage Compensation
When your checked baggage is damaged, you may be entitled to compensation.
Austrian holds responsibility for such mishaps, potentially leading to compensation of up to €1300.
The compensation sum is calculated based on the value of your damaged bag. The goal is to cover the cost of having a new bag of equivalent value.
Remember to file your Austrian compensation claim promptly.
The airline is obligated to transfer this compensation to your bank account. You are under no obligation to accept Austrian vouchers, miles, or coupons. Be aware that it’s inadvisable to transport high-value items like electronics, artwork, jewellery, etc., in your checked baggage, as Austrian’s liability for compensation is only to the extent outlined by the Montreal Convention and Conditions of Carriage.
In the event that the damage is a result of a flaw in the bag itself, compensation is not applicable. Additionally, Austrian is not liable for insignificant damage like scratches, small dents, and other standard signs of suitcase use. These are the realities of air travel.
Reimbursement of Expenses
If your bag is damaged, you can’t claim for reimbursement for your expenses.
However, if your baggage is lost or delayed, and you’re forced to replace necessary items, you’re entitled to claim reimbursement for your expenses (also known as delayed baggage compensation). You purchase all necessary items, compile all the receipts, and lodge a claim with Austrian Airlines.
You have 21 days from the day your lost baggage is returned to you to file a claim for reimbursement. This clause applies only in instances where your baggage is either lost or delayed.
Is Travel Insurance Necessary?
Is travel insurance a necessity? It depends.
It’s possible to travel without it.
While Austrian Airlines will be held responsible for your baggage and its secure transport due to the Montreal Convention. This treaty is essentially about the transport of baggage. It’s relevant to nearly all international flights of Austrian and several other airlines globally.
Still, having insurance is always beneficial.
It could expedite any compensation you might be due. If you’ve reported any baggage damage, your subsequent step should be to reach out to your travel insurance provider. They can guide you on the next course of action. Depending on the situation, your travel insurance might cover the cash equivalent or cost of your baggage. To file a claim, you will require the documentation provided at the Baggage Service Office.
Bear in mind, that not every insurance policy covers baggage damage. It’s important to clarify this beforehand, to sidestep any unnecessary stress or unpleasant surprises later on.
Travel Prepared
Always having a backup plan is sensible.
Severe baggage damage isn’t a too frequent occurrence, but it isn’t rare either.
Hence, it’s advisable to have a spare set of clothes and undergarments in your carry-on. This is a safeguard in case your suitcase and its contents are damaged. Additionally, refrain from packing valuable items, money, medical supplies, documents, and credit cards in your checked baggage. If your baggage sustains severe damage (think large holes or cracks), the contents might be affected as well. Or, some items might even go missing.
Consider carrying a packable or foldable duffle bag. If your bag is significantly damaged, you can shift your belongings to this duffel bag. If you don’t need it for this purpose, the packable duffle bag could prove to be useful if you find yourself short of luggage space towards the end of your journey.
What is your experience with baggage damage and Austrian? Have you ever received damaged baggage compensation from Austrian or other airline?
Note that in this case, Austrian compensation for damaged baggage, just like in many other situations we are talking about on this website, doesn’t apply only to Austrian Airlines. Rules are the same for other airlines as well. In this case, that’s because of the Montreal Convention, a regulation that applies to the carriage of baggage. It applies to most international flights of Austrian and other airlines around the world.