What Do I Do If My Baggage Was Damaged with Air Canada?

What Do I Do If My Baggage Was Damaged with Air Canada?

As an Air Canada passenger it's your right to get to your destination with your baggage in good condition. Sometimes you go to collect your baggage only to find that it's damaged. What can you do? You are not powerless as there is an Air Canada policy that caters for such incidents.

Passengers do receive compensations that can go up to $2,100 for the damage caused on their baggage. You can open your suitcase and find that your clothes or belongings are covered in grease, toothpaste or shredded or even missing. Of course, this is a disconcerting news.

As much as you may never know what exactly happened to the baggage after check-in, if it's damaged when you collect it, go ahead and file a claim report with Air Canada. The airline can give you a replacement bag or offer to repair or reimburse you in part to get a new one. Contact Air Canada customer support and explain the problem. Also, you can go to the baggage section and file your claim.

What Should I Do to Ensure Am Compensated for My Damaged Baggage?

Always take photos of the baggage before your flight and after the flight for your protection. This acts as evidence that the baggage was in perfect condition when you checked-in for your flight, but wasn't in the same condition when you collected it later after the flight.

Also, record a video demonstrating that the condition of the bags is good and the handles are working perfectly. The photos and videos helps a lot as you will be asked for proof that the bags were in good condition during check-in and was damaged on the airline.

In case your baggage is lost, it helps Air Canada find your baggage quickly as they have a photo of what they are looking for. For instance, a common color like black is easy to get overlooked when there are several black bags. Just show the baggage claim agent a photo of your baggage as it's a lot easier to verify everything than to describe it to them.

Damages to baggage do happen, it's good to speed up the process of compensation which you are entitled to if there is any damage. Besides, a photo of the baggage before and after the flight helps prove your damage claim.

Can I Get Compensation for Any Kind of Damage to My Baggage?

No. It depends on the condition of the bag. You are not entitled to receive compensation if your bags have normal tear and wear issues like if they are stained, or scuffed. In this case, you can't file a claim for reimbursement.

Also, if your bags are over-packed, or poor quality, you are not entitled to receive compensation. Nevertheless, large holes, damage or cracks to the wheels or handles are covered under the compensation policy.

If you see damage to the handles, or wheels, go to the Air Canada baggage claim counter and file for a compensation claim. The baggage claim agent will examine your bag before giving you a claim number. Also, you may be required to fill a questionnaire to complete the claim. Give the agent photos you took before the flight and after the flight and a copy of the baggage check-in receipt. You are only reimbursed if your claim is successful.