If you have ever been to an airport you will understand how busy they are. There are millions of passengers each year than pass through the airport gates and the overwhelming majority will bring some luggage along with them. After dropping your baggage off, it enters the care of the airline which will look after your possessions until you pick them up at your destination. But what happens if your baggage is lost and will the airport cover the cost?
If your bags are lost or damaged you must report it to the airport at once. This is the only part of the process that takes next to no time as the next step is to wait three weeks whilst they, in effect, look for your bags. If they cannot find your bags then you may claim for compensation up to a given limit. This is generally £800 per passenger and will certainly not reflect the true value of your possessions. You may also be asked to provide original receipts for your belongings. You may get something up to 80% of the value of these items back from the airline. If you had any items of particular value in your possession then it’s tough according to the airlines.
If your bags are damaged then this process is usually much easier to go through yet you really ought to get travel insurance instead. The whole experience would be much easier with a firm that deals with such cases all the time and you would probably get a better level of compensation. An insurance policy would also cover you for other eventualities too and should be considered first.
In answer to the question, airports will cover you for lost baggage and wear and tear but you really should get yourself a travel insurance policy. There will be a great deal of hassle from airports regarding this issue and thus a specialised insurance firm would be the best option every time. Don’t let your holiday provide you with hassle and make the right decision before you jet off.
