Vueling damaged baggage compensation.
Are you entitled to compensation from Vueling? What are the rules?
On rare occasions, baggage may experience significant damage during transit. It is important to understand that minor scratches, dents, or regular wear and tear are not classified as significant damage. Vueling (or any other airline) cannot assume responsibility for such minor damages. Nevertheless, the airline will be accountable for substantial damage, such as broken handles and wheels, or severe issues like cracks or holes.
What to do if your luggage is damaged?
What to Do If Your Luggage Is Damaged?
If you find that your bag has been damaged, it’s essential to report it immediately to the airline.
Head to the Baggage Service Office located near the baggage carousels in the baggage hall before leaving the airport, and fill out a report detailing the damage to your bag. Remember to bring your passport and boarding pass with you. The staff will provide you with further guidance.
If you skip this step, you won’t get “damaged baggage compensation”.
Vueling will cover the repair cost if your bag is fixable. However, if it’s beyond repair, they will replace it. If you wish to request a replacement for your damaged bag, kindly complete the form provided within 7 calendar days from the date you received your damaged bag.
To request replacement for your damaged bag, you need to provide the following documents:
- Property Irregularity Report (PIR)
- The check-in label (Bag Tag) from the damaged bag
- Boarding pass and itinerary
- Photocopy of your Travel Document or passport
Vueling Damaged Baggage Compensation
What are your rights if your baggage is damaged?
Could you be entitled to Vueling baggage compensation of some sort?
Damaged Baggage Compensation
In the event that your checked bag sustains significant damage during your flight, Vueling assumes responsibility and provides compensation. You have the opportunity to claim up to €1300, an amount determined by the value of the damaged bag, which covers the expense of purchasing a new bag of equal value.
To receive Vueling damaged baggage compensation, it is crucial to file a claim directly with the airline. The payment will be issued through a bank transfer, and you are not obliged to accept Vueling vouchers or coupons as compensation. According to European law, all compensations and refunds from the airline must be deposited into the customer’s bank account.
It is important to understand that, as per the Montreal Convention and Vueling’s Conditions of Carriage, the airline is not obligated to fully compensate for the value of valuable items like electronics, art, or jewelry that are packed within checked baggage. It is therefore advisable to refrain from including such items in your checked bags.
Please note that Vueling cannot be held liable for compensating damages resulting from a defect in the bag itself. Additionally, the airline will not assume responsibility for any pre-existing damage caused by overpacking or standard handling, including minor tears, scratches, or broken zippers.
Reimbursement of Expenses
If your baggage is damaged, the airline cannot reimburse you for any expenses.
However, in case your baggage is lost or delayed, you can claim compensation for the necessary items that you had to replace. This type of compensation is often called delayed baggage compensation. Please keep the receipts for the essential items and submit them to the airline within 21 days from the date you received your delayed baggage.
Please note that this policy is only applicable in cases of lost or delayed baggage, but not in cases of damaged baggage.
Is Travel Insurance Necessary?
Should I get travel insurance?
While Vueling assumes responsibility for your bag and its safe delivery as per the Montreal Convention (applicable to most international flights), travel insurance can offer additional advantages.
Having travel insurance can be useful when filing a report for damaged baggage, as it can expedite the compensation process. After reporting the damage, contact your insurance company to learn about the next steps. It’s important to note that not all policies cover baggage damage, so conducting research before your trip is advisable to avoid any surprises.
To receive Vueling damaged baggage compensation for the cash value or price of your bag, you will need the necessary paperwork from the Baggage Service Office.
Travel Prepared
Being prepared for unforeseen circumstances while traveling is highly recommended.
Although baggage damage is not common, there is still a possibility. To ensure your safety, it’s best to include an extra set of clothes and underwear in your carry-on bag in case your checked baggage is misplaced or damaged.
Furthermore, it is crucial to avoid storing valuable items, money, medication, important documents, and credit cards in your checked baggage, as these items could be lost or damaged in the event of significant damage to your bag.
Consider packing a packable or foldable duffle bag in your bag. This can be useful if your main bag is damaged and you need to transfer your belongings. Additionally, if you require additional space for your belongings during your trip, the duffle bag can be utilized to carry extra items.
What is your experience with baggage damage and Vueling? Have you ever received damaged baggage compensation from Vueling or other airline?
Please note that the rules for compensation for delayed or lost baggage with Vueling 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 Vueling and other airlines globally.
Featured photo by Markus Winkler from Pexels