Norwegian damaged baggage compensation.
Are you entitled to compensation from Norwegian? What are the rules?
Please be aware that baggage may get damaged during transit occasionally. It is important to note that we do not consider minor scratches, dents, or usual wear and tear as significant damage to your baggage. Norwegian (or any airline) cannot take responsibility for such minor damages. However, Norwegian will be responsible for substantial damage like broken handles and wheels, or severe problems such as cracks or holes.
What to do if your luggage is damaged?
What to Do If Your Luggage Is Damaged?
If your luggage has been damaged, it’s important to report the damage to the airline as soon as possible.
You can’t get damaged baggage compensation if you don’t do this.
Report the damage at the airport before leaving the baggage claim area. Look for the Baggage Service Office, which is usually located near the baggage carousels in the baggage hall. Once you’ve found the office, fill out a report detailing the damage to your baggage, and make sure you have your passport and boarding pass with you. The staff will then advise you on the next steps.
If your luggage is repairable, Norwegian will likely cover the cost of the repairs. If it’s beyond repair, Norwegian will replace it.
In case you discover damage to your baggage after leaving the airport, you will be required to return to the airport within 7 days with your baggage, bag tags, and travel documents to report the damage. It’s crucial to note that failure to report the damage at the airport upon arrival may cause evidential difficulties in proving that the damage occurred during your Norwegian flight.
Norwegian Damaged Baggage Compensation
What are your rights if your baggage is damaged?
Could you be entitled to Norwegian baggage compensation of some sort?
Damaged Baggage Compensation
Norwegian is responsible for substantial damage to your checked bag during your flight.
You can claim compensation of up to €1300, which is based on the value of the damaged bag and covers the cost of buying a new one of equal value. In order to get compensation from Norwegian, it’s essential to file a claim with the airline, and the payment will be made via bank transfer. There’s no obligation to accept Norwegian vouchers or coupons as payment. All compensations and refunds from the airline must be made to a customer’s bank account. This is the law in Europe.
It’s essential to note that, according to the Montreal Convention and Norwegian’s Conditions of Carriage, the airline is not liable to fully compensate for the value of valuable items such as electronics, art, or jewelry packed in checked baggage. Therefore, it’s advisable not to pack such items in your checked baggage.
Norwegian will not be liable for compensating any damage that occurs due to a bag defect. Additionally, they will not take responsibility for any prior damage caused by overpacking or regular 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 Norwegian 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?
The answer is not straightforward. While Norwegian is responsible for your luggage and its safe delivery under the Montreal Convention (applicable to most international flights), travel insurance can still be beneficial in other ways.
Having travel insurance can be beneficial if you need to file a report for damaged luggage. It can expedite the compensation process. Contact your insurance company after reporting the damage to learn about next steps. Keep in mind that not all policies will cover baggage damage, so research before traveling to avoid surprises. You’ll need paperwork from the Baggage Service Office to receive compensation for the cash value or price of your luggage.
Travel Prepared
It is a good idea to be prepared for unexpected situations while traveling.
Even though baggage doesn’t often get seriously damaged, there is still a chance. To be safe, it is best to pack an extra set of clothes and underwear in your carry-on bag in case your checked baggage is misplaced or damaged.
Additionally, it is important to refrain from keeping valuable items, money, medicine, important documents, and credit cards in your checked luggage, since these items might be lost or damaged if your bag suffers significant damage.
You might want to pack a packable or foldable duffle bag in your luggage. It would come in handy if your main luggage gets damaged and you need to shift your belongings. Additionally, if you need extra space for your stuff during your trip, you can make use of the duffle bag to carry additional items.
What is your experience with baggage damage and Norwegian? Have you ever received damaged baggage compensation from Norwegian or other airline?
Please note that the rules for compensation for delayed or lost baggage with Norwegian 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 Norwegian and other airlines globally.
Featured photo by Markus Winkler from Pexels