My Suitcase Was Damaged by the Airline – What Happens Next?

The Dark Side of Luggage Transportation: Why Suitcases Often Arrive Damaged

Traveling should be a pleasure, but for many travelers, the hassle often begins at the baggage carousel. Damaged suitcases frequently roll out of the cargo hold after a flight. Why is this the case?

The Pressure of Timeliness

In today’s fast-paced aviation industry, airlines are under immense pressure to operate flights on time. The transportation of luggage often has to happen under tight schedules. This rush leads to luggage not always being handled with the necessary care. Sometimes bags are kicked or thrown, resulting in visible damage.

Cost-Effectiveness Over Care

For airlines, it’s often cheaper to cover the repair costs for damaged luggage than to handle bags more carefully. A few new wheels or a repaired suitcase are significantly less expensive than optimizing logistics and personnel. This has led to a troubling normalization of damaged baggage.

My Suitcase Was Damaged. What Now?

You find your suitcase on the overflowing carousel and, after a long journey, just want to head home. But as you roll it away, you notice it wobbles—one wheel is completely broken. What a hassle!

Reporting the Damage

It’s important to know that each airline is insured for damages they cause. Report the damage immediately at the lost-and-found desk or within seven days after your flight on the airline’s website. They will document the damage with all necessary details. Since airlines are not luggage specialists, they may not always determine whether the damage can be repaired. Therefore, an expert assessment is often required.

Getting Help with Repairs

You can bring the damaged suitcase and the damage report to our specialist shop in Kloten, where we can provide an assessment or initiate repairs within minutes. If you’re not nearby, you can conveniently purchase an online assessment. We charge a fee of CHF 10, which the airline will reimburse.

Can Damage Be Prevented?

To save yourself the hassle and time of this process, here are some tips:

Look for a Long Warranty

The longer the warranty period, the longer replacement parts like handles and wheels will be available. Some manufacturers, like Epic or Fey, offer extended warranty options that cover not only material and manufacturing defects but also transportation damages caused by the airline. However, normal wear and tear, like scratches, are usually excluded.

Don’t Rush into Purchases

Many travelers need an additional suitcase at the last minute, either due to space issues or because their current suitcase is already damaged. In such cases, they often grab the cheapest and quickest option. Many sellers take advantage of this need by offering overpriced, low-quality bags at airports.

Insure Your Luggage

A private travel insurance can cover financial losses if contents are lost or stolen. It’s wise to research various insurance options in advance to ensure you’re well-protected in case of emergencies.

Investing early in a new, durable suitcase is worthwhile. Focus on quality, and consult a specialist for advice. Our team is happy to assist you!