Air Malta damaged baggage compensation.
Do you qualify for compensation? What rules govern this?
Baggage can sometimes sustain damage during transit. This does not refer to minor wear and tear such as scratches or minor dents. Air Malta cannot be held liable for such minor damage. However, for serious damages such as broken wheels, and handles, or substantial issues like holes or cracks, Air Malta can be held responsible.
What to do if your baggage is damaged?
What to Do If Your Baggage Is Damaged?
The first step is to report the damage immediately.
Before leaving the baggage claim area (baggage hall), find the Baggage Service Office. It is usually situated within the baggage hall near the baggage carousels. Here, you can file a report for damage to your baggage.
Make sure to have your passport, boarding pass, and damaged baggage ready. After filling in the report, you will be guided on the next steps. In most cases, the airline will repair your baggage at no cost. If your suitcase or bag is beyond repair, Air Malta will provide a refund equal to its value.
After receiving the report at the airport, make a claim online or via e-mail.
More information here.
Check your compensation online.
Air Malta Damaged Baggage Compensation
What to do if your baggage gets damaged on your flight?
Are you eligible for Air Malta damaged baggage compensation?
Damaged Baggage Compensation
When baggage gets damaged while in the cargo hold, the airline may be held accountable.
Air Malta, in such cases, may owe you compensation up to a sum of €1300.
This compensation value varies depending on the price of your damaged bag and is estimated to cover the cost of a replacement bag of the same value. Ensure to lodge your compensation claim with Air Malta promptly.
It’s important to note that this compensation should be deposited directly into your bank account, and there’s no obligation for you to accept compensation in the form of Air Malta vouchers, miles, or coupons. However, transporting items like electronics, artwork, jewellery, etc., in your checked baggage is not encouraged, as the airline can only compensate for these items up to a limit as per the Montreal Convention and their Conditions of Carriage.
If the damage to your checked baggage was a result of a defect in the luggage itself, you may not be eligible for compensation. Air Malta is also not liable for minor damages such as scratches, small dents, and other normal signs of wear and tear on your baggage, as these are common occurrences in air transport.
Reimbursement of Expenses
Reimbursement claims are not applicable in cases of damaged baggage.
However, if your baggage is lost and you had to purchase essential items, you can claim a reimbursement for your expenses, also known as delayed baggage compensation. After purchasing the necessary items, file a claim with all the relevant receipts, and Air Malta should compensate you.
Do remember that you have 21 days from the day you receive your misplaced bag to file a claim for reimbursement. This is only applicable in cases where your baggage is lost or delayed.
Is Travel Insurance Necessary?
Is it advisable to have travel insurance? There isn’t a straightforward answer.
It’s certainly possible to travel without it.
After all, as per the Montreal Convention, airlines are already held accountable for the secure transport of your baggage on most of their international flights.
However, an insurance policy can always come in handy. It can potentially speed up the compensation process. Upon noticing damage to your bag, contact your insurance provider to discuss the next course of action. Your insurance might compensate you for the market value or cost of your luggage. To file an insurance claim, you will need the documents you received from the Baggage Service Office.
Please bear in mind that not all insurance policies cover damage to your bags. Therefore, it’s important to clarify this before your trip to prevent unnecessary stress and unpleasant surprises later.
Travel Prepared
Having a backup plan is a wise choice.
Therefore, it’s smart to carry an extra set of clothes including undergarments, in your hand baggage. This is a precaution against potential damage to your suitcase and its contents. Additionally, refrain from keeping items of value, cash, prescription medications, important documents, and credit cards in your checked baggage. In the event of severe damage to your bag (like large punctures or cracks), the contents might also get harmed, or some items could be lost.
Bringing along a collapsible duffel bag could prove to be beneficial. In case your checked baggage suffers serious damage, transfer your belongings to this duffel bag. Even if it doesn’t serve this purpose, the compressible duffel bag could be a lifeline if you find yourself running out of luggage space towards the end of your journey.
What is your experience with baggage damage and Air Malta? Have you ever received Air Malta damaged baggage compensation?
Note that in this case, with Air Malta compensation for damaged baggage, just like in many other situations we are talking about on this website, it doesn’t apply only to Air Malta. 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 Air Malta and other airlines around the world.