Air Serbia damaged baggage compensation.
Do you have a right to compensation? What are the terms?
Sometimes, baggage can return with damage. We’re not talking about minor wear and tear such as scratches and small dents on your suitcase. Air Serbia is not responsible for this kind of minor damage. However, Air Serbia may be held accountable for severe damage like broken handles and wheels, or other significant issues such as holes or even cracks.
What to do if your baggage is damaged?
What to Do If Your Luggage Is Damaged?
The initial step is to report the damage.
Avoid leaving the baggage collection area (baggage hall) and attempt to locate the Baggage Service Office. It is usually found in the baggage hall near the baggage carousels. Here you can file a report for damage to your bag.
Please have your passport and boarding pass ready. Bring your damaged bag and complete the report. You will be informed of the next steps. In most cases, the airline will repair your bag free of charge. If your suitcase or bag is beyond repair, Air Serbia will issue a refund for the damaged bag, allowing you to purchase a replacement.
If you discover damage after departing from the airport, whether at your home or hotel, you must return to the airport to file a report for the damage to your bag.
After filing a report for the damage at the airport, you may need to make a claim online.
Check your compensation online.
Air Serbia Damaged Baggage Compensation
What rights do you have if your baggage is damaged?
Can you claim Air Serbia damaged baggage compensation?
Damaged Baggage Compensation
If your checked baggage is damaged, you may receive compensation.
Air Serbia is accountable, and you could receive compensation of up to €1300.
The compensation amount will be based on the value of your damaged bag. It will cover the cost of buying a new bag of similar value.
Make sure to lodge your Air Serbia compensation claim.
The airline should transfer the compensation directly to your bank account. You don’t have to accept Air Serbia vouchers, miles, or coupons. Keep in mind that carrying electronics, art, jewellery, etc., in your checked baggage is not recommended, as Air Serbia cannot compensate for the full value of such items, only to the extent outlined by the Montreal Convention and its Conditions of Carriage.
If the damage originates from a defect in the bag itself, you cannot claim compensation. Additionally, Air Serbia is not liable for minor damages such as scratches, small dents, and regular wear and tear on your suitcase. Unfortunately, these are common occurrences during air travel.
Reimbursement of Expenses
If your bag is damaged, you can’t claim for reimbursement for your expenses.
When your baggage is lost or delayed, and essential items need to be replaced, you’re eligible for reimbursement for your purchases, sometimes known as delayed baggage compensation. After purchasing the necessary items, present all of your receipts to make a claim, and Air Serbia will reimburse you.
To file a claim for reimbursement, you have 21 days from the day you receive your lost baggage. However, remember that this is only applicable when your baggage is delayed or lost.
Is Travel Insurance Necessary?
Do you need insurance to make Air Serbia damaged baggage compensation claim?
No. You don’t need insurance to claim compensation. Under the Montreal Convention, Air Serbia is responsible for the safety and delivery of your checked baggage. This agreement applies to most international flights operated by Air Serbia and other airlines worldwide.
Still, having an insurance plan is always beneficial.
To speed up your compensation process, contact your travel insurance provider when reporting any bag damage. They will guide you on the next steps and may reimburse you for the cash value or price of your bag. Remember to have the necessary documents from the Baggage Service Office to start your claim.
Keep in mind that not all insurance policies cover damage to your baggage. It’s wise to understand the terms of your policy beforehand to avert unnecessary stress and unpleasant surprises later.
Travel Prepared
Being ready for backups is always wise.
The potential for baggage damage is always present.
It’s a good idea to pack an extra set of clothes and underwear in your carry-on bag. This can be useful if your suitcase gets damaged. Additionally, keep valuable items, cash, medications, documents, and credit cards in your hand luggage. If your bag is severely damaged, there’s a chance that the contents might be affected or some items could be lost.
It’s a good idea to have a packable or foldable duffle bag with you. If your main luggage gets damaged, you can use this duffel bag to protect your belongings. And even if you don’t need it for that purpose, the packable duffle bag can be really useful when you need extra space for your stuff at the end of your trip.
What is your experience with baggage damage and Air Serbia? Have you ever received damaged baggage compensation from Air Serbia or other airlines?
Note that in this case, with Air Serbia compensation for damaged baggage, just like in many other situations we are talking about on this website, it doesn’t apply only to Air Serbia. 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 Serbia and other airlines around the world.