Your baggage arrived broken or with damaged contents
The Montreal Convention gives you just 7 days to file a damaged baggage claim from the date you receive it. Miss this window and your claim is almost certainly refused. Act immediately at the airport — photograph everything.
Compensation
Up to 1,288 SDR per passenger
Regulation
Montreal Convention Art.17 + Art.31
Time Limit
7 days from receipt of damaged baggage
Damaged baggage claims cover physical damage to the bag itself (wheels, handle, shell, locks) and damage to the contents caused by mishandling during transit.
Montreal Convention Art.31: Passenger must notify the carrier in writing within 7 days of receiving damaged baggage. Failure to notify within this period extinguishes the claim.
The 7-day window is absolute — document and report immediately. Then claim the cost of repair or replacement.
| Scenario / Distance | Example | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bag shell damage | Cracked shell, broken wheel | Repair cost or fair replacement value | Depreciation may be applied |
| Contents damage | Laptop, camera, clothing damaged | Replacement cost (less depreciation) | Receipts and photos essential |
| Total loss of bag + contents | Bag crushed beyond use | Up to 1,288 SDR per passenger | Convention maximum applies |
Check these against your situation — the more you can tick, the stronger your claim.
You received your bag but it was visibly damaged
RequiredYou filed a PIR or reported the damage in writing within 7 days of receiving it
RequiredThe damage was caused during transit (not pre-existing)
RequiredYou have photographs of the damage
ConditionalYou have documentation of the bag's condition before travel (photos, purchase receipt)
ConditionalNot sure if you qualify? Submit your details via our free claim checker — we assess eligibility at no cost and no obligation.
"The damage looks pre-existing."
Airlines sometimes claim damage is pre-existing without evidence. If you photographed your bag before travel, you have counter-evidence. Check whether the damage is consistent with handling (wheel cracks, handle stress) vs user wear.
"You didn't report it within 7 days.'"
If you reported within 7 days, you have a valid claim. If you missed the window, it is very difficult — but some exceptional circumstances (bag damage discovered after delayed unpacking, or delayed delivery itself) may extend the window.
"Wheels and handles are excluded — they're fragile items.'"
Some airlines have policies excluding 'external protrusions' — but courts have found these exclusions void under the Montreal Convention where the damage was caused by mishandling. We challenge these exclusions routinely.
We handle everything from the first letter to final payment. You do nothing.
Take photos of the damaged bag from all angles at the airport before you leave. Report to the baggage desk and file a PIR immediately. Do not wait until you reach the hotel.
Send a written claim to the airline within 7 days of receiving the bag. Include photos, the PIR reference, repair estimates, and replacement costs for any damaged contents.
If the airline refuses or offers less than the fair repair/replacement value, SkyVolo handles the escalation. We challenge pre-existing damage claims and exclusion clauses.
Specific answers to the questions that matter for your case.
No win, no fee — 25% only on success
We handle the airline. You get paid. Up to 1,288 SDR (~€1,530).
Last updated: 2025-01-15 · Covers EC261, UK261 and Montreal Convention