Volotea damaged baggage compensation.
What are your rights in regard to compensation? What is the procedure?
There are instances when baggage suffers damage. We aren’t referring to minor issues like scratches, small dents and other ordinary signs of wear and tear on your suitcase. This type of minor damage doesn’t fall under Volotea’s responsibility. However, Volotea can be held accountable for severe damage such as shattered wheels, and handles and other severe problems like holes or cracks.
What to do if your luggage is damaged?
What to Do If Your Luggage Is Damaged?
The first step is to report the damage.
Do not leave the baggage collection area (baggage hall), and try to locate the Baggage Service Office. This office is often situated in the baggage hall adjacent to the baggage carousels. Here you can file a report for damage to your bag.
Have your passport and boarding pass ready. Bring your damaged bag. Complete the PIR (Property Irregularity Report) and you will be instructed on the subsequent steps. Do not lose this document, as you will need it to make a Volotea damaged baggage compensation claim online.
It’s important to make a damage claim as soon as you arrive at your destination. Don’t wait longer than 7 days to make a claim.
In some cases, the airline may repair your baggage free of charge, if feasible.
Volotea Damaged Baggage Compensation
What are your rights if your baggage is damaged?
Might you be entitled to Volotea damaged baggage compensation?
Damaged Baggage Compensation
In a scenario where your checked baggage is damaged, you may be eligible for compensation.
Volotea is accountable for such damage, and you may receive compensation of up to €1300.
The Volotea damaged baggage compensation amount will be based on the value of your damaged bag. It’s intended to cover your costs of buying a new bag of identical value.
Don’t forget to register your Volotea compensation claim.
The airline is obligated to deposit this compensation into your bank account. You are not obliged to accept Volotea vouchers, miles or coupons. It’s worth noting that carrying valuable items such as electronics, art, jewellery, and so on, in your checked baggage is not recommended, as Volotea isn’t liable to compensate for the full value of such items, only to the extent defined by the Montreal Convention and its Conditions of Carriage.
If the damage results from a defect in the bag itself, you won’t be entitled to compensation. Also, Volotea is not liable for minor damage such as scratches, small dents and other (normal) signs of use on your suitcase. Regrettably, that’s the reality of air travel.
Reimbursement of Expenses
If your baggage is damaged, you can’t get reimbursement for expenses.
Reimbursement of expenses is only applicable to cases where your baggage is lost or delayed. It is often known as delayed baggage compensation. After purchasing the necessary items, you can lodge a claim and present your receipts, and Volotea will compensate you.
You have a window of 21 days from the day your lost baggage reaches you to submit a claim for reimbursement. Remember – this is only applicable to cases where your baggage is lost or delayed.
Is Travel Insurance Necessary?
Is it crucial to have baggage insurance?
You don’t have to provide any insurance documents when making a claim.
Given the Montreal Convention, an agreement that controls the transportation of baggage, Volotea is liable for your baggage and its timely delivery. This regulation is applicable to most international flights of Volotea and other airlines globally.
However, securing a quality insurance policy is always recommended.
It could potentially speed up your compensation process. Upon making a report for baggage damage, get in touch with your insurance provider for their advice on the next steps. Your travel insurance might offer you reimbursement for the market price or cash value of your baggage. The documents you’ve obtained from the Baggage Service Office will be needed to file a claim.
Be aware that not all insurance packages include coverage for damage to your baggage. It’s important to verify this in advance to prevent unnecessary stress or unpleasant surprises later.
Travel Prepared
Having a backup plan is always advisable.
Therefore, it’s wise to carry extra clothing and undergarments in your carry-on, in case your suitcase and the items inside incur damage. Also, avoid packing valuable items, cash, medication, essential documents, and credit cards in your checked baggage. If your bag sustains severe damage (such as large holes or cracks), the items inside could also be affected. You might even lose some of them.
Consider carrying a collapsible or packable duffle bag as well. If your bag is significantly damaged, you can transfer your belongings to this duffle bag. Even if it’s not used for this purpose, the packable duffle bag can be useful if you find yourself short of luggage space at the conclusion of your trip.
Note that in this case, with Volotea compensation for damaged baggage, just like in many other situations we are talking about on this website, it doesn’t apply only to Volotea. Rules are the same for other airlines as well. In this case that’s because of the Montreal Convention, a treaty that applies to the carriage of baggage. It applies to most international flights of Volotea and other airlines around the world.
What is your experience with baggage damage and Volotea? Have you ever received damaged baggage compensation from Volotea or other airline?