SAS damaged baggage compensation.
Are you even entitled to a compensation? What are the rules?
Occasionally, baggage may become damaged during travel. We’re not referring to minor scratches, dents, or signs of wear and tear on your suitcase. SAS is not liable for this type of minor damage. However, SAS may be responsible for major damage, such as broken wheels and handles, as well as significant issues such as holes or cracks.
What to do if your luggage is damaged?
What to Do If Your Luggage Is Damaged?
If your baggage is damaged, the first step is to report it immediately.
This is the only way to get damaged baggage compensation.
Don’t leave the baggage claim area and locate the Baggage Service Office, which is usually situated near the baggage carousels in the baggage hall. Here, you can file a report regarding the damage to your baggage.
Have your passport and boarding pass ready. Bring your damaged suitcase or bag. Fill in the report and you will be told what to do next. Most probably, SAS will repair your bag free of charge. If your suitcase or bag is irreparable, SAS will replace it.
In case you have discovered the damage to your baggage only after arriving at your home, you may need to visit the airport within 7 days to file a damage report. You can contact SAS Customer Service for assistance in this matter. You may be able to report a damage online as well.
SAS Damaged Baggage Compensation
What are your rights if your baggage is damaged?
Could you be entitled to SAS baggage compensation of some sort?
Damaged Baggage Compensation
If your hold baggage is damaged, you may get compensation.
SAS is liable for that, and you may get compensation of up to €1300.
What is the amount of compensation you can receive for a damaged bag? The compensation amount is based on the value of your bag that was damaged, and it should cover the cost of purchasing a new bag of equal value.
It is important to make a SAS compensation claim, and the airline will pay you via bank transfer. You don’t have to accept any SAS vouchers or coupons.
It is not recommended to pack valuable items like electronics, art or jewellery in your checked baggage because SAS is not liable to fully compensate for the value of such items, according to the Montreal Convention and its Conditions of Carriage.
If the damage is caused by some defect in the bag itself, you can’t get compensation. Also SAS will not take responsibility for any damage that existed before the baggage was checked in. This includes minor tears, scratches or broken zippers caused by overpacking or normal handling.
Reimbursement of Expenses
When a bag is damaged, you can’t get reimbursed for expenses.
However, if your baggage is lost or delayed, you can claim reimbursement for any essential items you need to replace. This is sometimes referred to as delayed baggage compensation. Simply keep your receipts and submit them with your claim to SAS within 21 days of receiving your lost baggage.
Note that this only applies to lost and delayed baggage situations.
Is Travel Insurance Necessary?
The answer is both yes and no.
You can certainly travel without it since SAS is liable for your luggage and its safe delivery anyway, due to the Montreal Convention, which applies to most international flights.
However, having a good travel insurance policy is always beneficial. It can help you to receive compensation faster if you file a damage report for your bag. Contact your travel insurance company after doing so to learn what steps to take next. Your insurance may cover the cash value or price of your luggage, but you’ll need the paperwork from the Baggage Service Office to make a claim.
Note that not all insurance policies cover baggage damage, so it’s best to find it out in advance to avoid stress and unexpected surprises.
Travel Prepared
Having a backup plan is always a wise decision.
While baggage doesn’t get damaged badly too often, it can happen.
It’s a good idea to pack a spare change of clothes and underwear in your carry-on, in case your checked luggage gets damaged or lost. Additionally, it’s important to avoid packing valuables, cash, medications, documents, and credit cards in your checked luggage. If your bag sustains serious damage, its contents may also be damaged or lost.
Consider packing a packable or foldable duffle bag in your luggage. This bag can be used to transfer your belongings if your primary luggage is seriously damaged. Alternatively, if you run out of space in your main luggage during your trip, the duffle bag can come in handy.
Please note that the rules for compensation for delayed or lost baggage with SAS 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 TUI and other airlines globally.
What is your experience with baggage damage and SAS? Have you ever received damaged baggage compensation from SAS or other airline?
Featured photo by Markus Winkler from Pexels