Report damage before you leave the terminal — once you walk out, the airline can claim it happened after pickup. Deadlines are as short as 6 hours, and your claim is significantly stronger when filed in person.
Reporting deadlines by airline
These deadlines are strict. Missing them can bar your claim.
| Airline | Domestic Deadline | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Delta | 6 hours from arrival | Contract of Carriage (Oct 2025) [4] |
| American Airlines | 24 hours from arrival | Contract of Carriage [5] |
| United | 24 hours from arrival | Contract of Carriage [6] |
For international flights, the Montreal Convention requires a written complaint within 7 days of receiving your bag. [3] Verbal reports at the airport aren’t sufficient under Article 31(3).
Step-by-step: at the airport
Inspect your bag at the carousel
Check your bag before you leave the baggage claim area. Open it if you suspect contents were damaged or pilfered. The strongest damage claims are filed before you exit the terminal.
Look for broken wheels, handles, zippers, or latches; torn fabric; cracked hard shells; punctures; and missing contents.
Photograph everything
Before approaching the desk, document the damage with your phone:
- Wide shot of the full bag with the baggage tag visible
- Close-ups of each damaged area
- Interior shots if contents are damaged or missing
- The carousel area to establish the condition at arrival
Report at the Baggage Service Desk
Go to the airline’s Baggage Service Desk (usually near the carousels) and show the agent the damage. Present the bag for visual inspection. The agent will create a damage report and may photograph the bag.
You’ll receive a file reference number. This is your key for every future interaction about the claim.
Bring:
- The damaged bag
- Your boarding pass
- Your baggage claim tag
- Your phone with photos
Ask about next steps
Before you leave the desk, ask:
- What’s the airline’s process for repair, replacement, or cash settlement?
- What documentation do they need from you?
- What’s the deadline for submitting a formal written claim?
- Will they inspect the bag, or do they accept your photos?
Get the agent’s name and ask for a written copy of the report.
What the airline owes you
Airlines compensate based on the depreciated value of your damaged bag and contents — not what you originally paid.
- Domestic flights: Up to $4,700 per passenger under 14 CFR Part 254 [2]
- International flights: Up to approximately $2,025 (1,519 SDR) under the Montreal Convention [3]
The airline may offer to repair the bag, replace it with a comparable model, or provide a cash settlement. Get a written repair estimate before authorizing any repairs.
Don’t make these mistakes
- Don’t repair the bag yourself. Unauthorized repairs may void your claim.
- Don’t throw away the damaged bag. Keep it intact until the airline resolves your claim.
- Don’t leave without a reference number. Without it, your report may not be on file.
- Don’t rely on a verbal report for international flights. The Montreal Convention requires written notice within 7 days. [3]
Frequently Asked Questions
- How quickly do I need to report damaged luggage?
- Delta requires reporting within 6 hours of arrival. American Airlines and United allow 24 hours on domestic flights. For international flights, the Montreal Convention requires written notice within 7 days.
- What should I bring to the Baggage Service Desk?
- Bring the damaged bag itself, your boarding pass, your baggage claim tag, and your phone with photos of the damage already taken.
- Can I report damage after leaving the airport?
- Yes, but your claim is stronger if you report at the airport. Airlines may argue damage occurred after pickup. File online or call the airline's baggage line within the applicable deadline.
Sources
SITA Baggage IT Insights 2025 (covering 2024 data) -- mishandling breakdown by type
sita.aero/resources/surveys-reports/sita-baggage-it-insights-202514 CFR Part 254 -- Domestic Baggage Liability (effective January 22, 2025)
law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/14/part-254Montreal Convention (MC99) -- Baggage Liability Provisions, Articles 17, 22, 31
legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2002/263/schedule/1/madeDelta Air Lines -- Contract of Carriage, Baggage Damage Reporting
delta.com/us/en/legal/contract-of-carriage-dgrAmerican Airlines -- Contract of Carriage, Baggage Policy
aa.com/i18n/customer-service/support/conditions-of-carriage.jspUnited Airlines -- Contract of Carriage, Baggage Policy
united.com/ual/en/us/fly/contract-of-carriage.html