LOT damaged baggage compensation.
Are you entitled to compensation from LOT? What are the rules?
If your baggage gets damaged during transit by LOT, you might be entitled to compensation. However, it is crucial to understand the rules that apply. Please note that minor scratches, dents, or usual wear and tear do not qualify as significant damage. Thus, LOT (or any other airline) cannot be held responsible for such minor damages. However, if your baggage has substantial damage like broken handles, wheels, cracks, or holes, LOT will be liable for the damage.
What to do if your luggage is damaged?
What to Do If Your Luggage Is Damaged?
If your bag ends up being damaged, it is important to report the issue to the airline.
It should be done immediately. You can report the damage at the airport before leaving the baggage claim area. Simply look for the Baggage Service Office, which is typically situated near the baggage carousels in the baggage hall. Once you find the office, ensure that you have your passport and boarding pass with you and fill out a report detailing the damage to your bag. The staff will then provide guidance on what to do next.
If the damage is reparable, LOT will typically cover the cost of repairs. If not, they will replace the bag. In case you discover any damage after leaving the airport, you still have the option to inform the airline in writing within seven days after claiming your baggage. However, you will need to provide evidence that the damage occurred while LOT was responsible for the care of your bag.
LOT Damaged Baggage Compensation
What are your rights if your baggage is damaged?
Could you be entitled to LOT baggage compensation of some sort?
Damaged Baggage Compensation
If you experience damage to your checked baggage during your LOT flight, you may be eligible for LOT damaged baggage compensation of up to €1300 based on the value of your damaged bag. This compensation covers the cost of purchasing a new bag of equal value. To file a claim for compensation, it is necessary to contact LOT.
The payment will be made via bank transfer, and customers are not obligated to accept LOT vouchers or coupons as payment. All compensations and refunds must be made to a customer’s bank account as required by European law.
It’s important to keep in mind that valuable items such as electronics, art, or jewelry packed in checked baggage are not fully covered by compensation under the Montreal Convention and the airline’s Conditions of Carriage. It is therefore recommended not to pack such items in checked baggage.
Also remember that LOT is not responsible for any damage caused by a bag defect or overpacking, including minor tears, scratches, or broken zippers.
Reimbursement of Expenses
In the event that your baggage is damaged, the airline is unable to reimburse you for any expenses incurred.
On the other hand, if your baggage is lost or delayed, you can request compensation for necessary replacement items. This form of compensation is commonly known as delayed baggage compensation. To pursue this claim, it is important to keep receipts for essential items and submit them to LOT within 21 days of receiving your delayed baggage.
Please be aware that this policy applies solely to situations involving lost or delayed baggage and not to cases where baggage has been damaged.
Is Travel Insurance Necessary?
Is travel insurance necessary for damaged baggage claims?
Should you consider getting it? The answer is not straightforward.
While the airline is responsible for safe delivery of your bag under the Montreal Convention (applicable to most international flights), having travel insurance can still be beneficial in other ways.
One benefit of having travel insurance is that it can expedite the compensation process if you need to file a report for damaged bag. However, it’s important to contact your insurance company after reporting the damage to the airline to learn about next steps since not all policies cover baggage damage. It’s recommended to research policies before traveling to avoid any surprises.
Keep in mind, you’ll need paperwork from the Baggage Service Office to receive LOT damaged baggage compensation for the cash value or price of your bag.
Travel Prepared
While baggage damage is rare, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Pack an extra set of clothes and underwear in your carry-on bag in case your checked baggage is misplaced or damaged.
It’s also important to avoid storing valuable items, money, medicine, important documents, and credit cards in your checked luggage. These items could be lost or damaged if your bag suffers significant damage.
Consider bringing a packable or foldable duffle bag in your luggage in case your main luggage gets damaged and you need to shift your belongings. This item can also come in handy if you need additional space for your belongings during your trip.
Please note that the rules for compensation for delayed or lost baggage with LOT are the same as those for other airlines. This is due to the Montreal Convention, which applies to the carriage of baggage on most international flights operated by LOT and other airlines globally.
Featured photo by Markus Winkler from Pexels