What Do I Do If My Baggage Was Damaged with Delta Airlines?

In a nutshell: If your luggage is damaged while traveling with Delta Airlines, report it immediately within designated timeframes. Visit Delta Baggage Service to present your bag and obtain a file reference number. You may receive repair or compensation offers, but limits apply. To file a

Introduction

If your checked baggage is damaged during transit, report the issue to Delta Airlines immediately. A bag may be considered damaged if wheels or handles are broken, the fabric is torn, or there is other visible structural damage. Please note that compensation is not provided for normal wear and tear. Note that if you find a notice from the Transportation Security Administration inside your luggage and believe the damage occurred during a security inspection, contact the TSA directly. Is your bag damaged? Continue reading for step-by-step instructions on how to file a report and request compensation.

Visit the Delta Baggage Service at the Airport

If your bag is damaged, report this immediately — within 6 hours for domestic flights and 7 days for international flights. Visit the Delta Baggage Service to report the damaged bag. You need to present the damaged luggage and get a file reference number to be used for your claim. Depending on the damage, Delta may offer to either repair the bag or provide monetary compensation. However, note that there are limits to the compensation. For designer bags, you may also be asked to provide proof of purchase.

After visiting the baggage service, the next step is to file a claim online.

Submit a Claim

To start your claim, enter your first name, last name, and File Reference Number (8-10 digit number provided by the baggage service) Then, click Next and follow the on-screen instructions.

You will be asked to describe your bag or the damaged item. Note that Delta may not provide compensation if the damage resulted from an overpacked bag. You may also be required to upload supporting documents, such as purchase receipts or photos showing the damage. Once you’ve completed the form and attached the necessary documentation, submit it for review.

Note: Be sure to visit the baggage service within the allowed timeframe for your flight type, or your claim may not be accepted.

Need additional help with your bags or do you want to speak to Delta directly? Proceed to the next step.

What Do I Do If My Baggage Was Damaged with Delta Airlines? (Step 2)

Call the Hotline

You may also call Delta Air Lines directly if you have additional questions about your damaged baggage. Use the contact number provided for assistance. If you prefer support in another language, visit the Help Center for available options and more information.

What Do I Do If My Baggage Was Damaged with Delta Airlines? (Step 3)

Message Delta

Delta Air Lines also offers a live chat feature on its website. You can use this option to ask questions about your damaged baggage or the status of your claim. If you’re unsure whether your luggage qualifies for compensation, contact Delta directly for clarification.

What Do I Do If My Baggage Was Damaged with Delta Airlines? (Step 4)

Conclusion

Claims are typically processed within four to six weeks, depending on the circumstances. In some cases, Delta Air Lines may contact you to request additional information or proof of purchase. Depending on the extent of the damage, Delta may offer to repair your luggage or provide compensation if the bag cannot be repaired. If you haven’t received an update after about a month, consider contacting Delta for a status update on your claim. Still have questions about filing a claim for damaged baggage? Reach out to Delta Customer Support for further assistance.

Why does GetHuman Write How-to Guides for Delta Airlines Problems?

GetHuman has been working for over 10 years on sourcing information about big organizations like Delta Airlines in order to help customers resolve customer service issues faster. We started with contact information and fastest ways to reach a human at big companies. Particularly ones with slow or complicated IVR or phone menu systems. Or companies that have self-serve help forums instead of a customer service department. From there, we realized that consumers still needed more detailed help solving the most common problems, so we expanded to this set of guides, which grows every day. And if you spot any issues with our What Do I Do If My Baggage Was Damaged with Delta Airlines? guide, please let us know by sending us feedback. We want to be as helpful as possible. If you appreciated this guide, please share it with your favorite people. Our free information and tools is powered by you, the customer. The more people that use it, the better it gets.