Smartwings damaged baggage compensation.
Is there a provision for compensation? What are the guidelines?
Sometimes, baggage can get damaged. This doesn’t include minor scuffs, tiny dents, or other small marks from normal use on your suitcase. Smartwings is not responsible for such minor damages. However, Smartwings may be held accountable for significant damages like broken wheels and handles, as well as serious tears and punctures.
What to do if your baggage is damaged?
What to Do If Your Baggage Is Damaged?
Your first step would be reporting the damage.
Please remain in the baggage claim area and look for the Baggage Service Office. It is usually located in the baggage hall next to the baggage carousels. Here you can file a report for damage to your bag.
Please ensure that you have your passport and boarding pass ready. Remember to bring your damaged bag with you. Once you have completed the report, you will be informed of the next steps. In most cases, the airline will repair your bag at no cost. However, if your suitcase or bag cannot be repaired, Smartwings will offer a refund equivalent to the value of your bag.
After reporting the damage at the airport, you may need to make a damage claim online. The staff at the baggage office will give you all the necessary information about this process.
Smartwings Damaged Baggage Compensation
What rights do you possess if your baggage is damaged?
Can you receive Smartwings damaged baggage compensation?
Damaged Baggage Compensation
In case your checked baggage suffers damage, you might be entitled to compensation.
Smartwings is accountable for that, and you may avail of compensation of up to €1300.
The compensation amount depends on the value of your damaged bag. It is intended to reimburse your expenses for purchasing a new bag of equal value.
Don’t forget to record your Smartwings compensation claim.
The airline should transfer the compensation directly to your bank account. You are not required to accept compensation vouchers, miles, or coupons from Smartwings. Keep in mind that carrying electronics, art, jewelry, etc., in your checked baggage is not advisable, because Smartwings isn’t obligated to compensate for the full value of such items, only to the extent stipulated by the Montreal Convention and its Conditions of Carriage.
If the damage is initiated by some flaw in the bag itself, you don’t qualify for compensation. Also, Smartwings is not liable for trivial damages like scuffs, tiny dents and other (usual) usage marks on your suitcase. Regrettably, but such are the facts of air travel.
Reimbursement of Expenses
If your bag is damaged, you can’t claim for reimbursement for your expenses.
However, if your baggage gets lost or delayed, and you are compelled to purchase essentials, you have the right to be reimbursed for your costs (often referred to as delayed baggage compensation). You purchase the required items, submit a claim with all the invoices, and Smartwings will reimburse you.
You have 21 days from the day your lost baggage arrives to lodge your reimbursement claim. However, this only applies to scenarios where your baggage is lost or delayed.
Is Travel Insurance Necessary?
Is travel insurance required to claim Smartwings damaged baggage compensation?
You don’t need to have insurance to claim compensation. According to the Montreal Convention, Smartwings is responsible for any issues or damages related to your baggage and its safe delivery. This treaty applies to most international flights operated by Smartwings and other airlines worldwide, specifically for the transportation of baggage.
Nonetheless, having insurance coverage is consistently beneficial. It can prove valuable in situations involving medical emergencies or travel disruptions.
Streamline your compensation process by contacting your travel insurance provider after reporting damage to your bag. They can guide you on the next steps and inform you if your insurance covers the cash value or cost of your baggage. The documents provided by the Baggage Service Office are essential for making a claim.
Keep in mind, that not all insurance policies include coverage for baggage damage. It’s important to check this beforehand to avoid unnecessary stress and unpleasant surprises later on.
Travel Prepared
It’s prudent to always have a contingency plan.
Therefore, it is wise to pack an extra set of clothes and underwear in your carry-on bag. This will help you in case your suitcase and its contents are damaged. Also, avoid packing valuable items, money, medical supplies, documents, and credit cards in your checked baggage. If your bag is severely damaged, such as having large holes or cracks, its contents may be damaged or lost.
Another helpful tip is to have a packable or foldable duffle bag with you. In case your luggage gets damaged, you can transfer your belongings to this duffle bag. And if you don’t need it for that, the packable duffle bag can come in handy for extra luggage space at the end of your trip.
What is your experience with baggage damage and Smartwings? Have you ever received damaged baggage compensation from Smartwings or other airline?
Note that in this case, Smartwings compensation for damaged baggage, just like in many other situations we are talking about on this website, doesn’t apply only to Smartwings. 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 Smartwings and other airlines around the world.