Our stroller arrived home from Cancún with a snapped wheel. My first instinct was to chalk it up as bad luck and move on. My second instinct — after looking up what I was actually owed — was to file a claim and receive $180 in compensation within two weeks. Airlines damage far more family equipment than travelers realize, and most people never claim what they are owed.
What is covered: Under the Montreal Convention (which applies to almost all international flights) and DOT rules (domestic US), airlines are liable for damaged, delayed, and lost baggage up to specific limits. For international flights: approximately $1,700 USD per passenger. For domestic: $3,800. This covers checked bags, gate-checked strollers, car seats, and sports equipment — but only if you report the damage before leaving the airport or within 7 days for damage, 21 days for delayed bags.
The claim process: Before you leave the baggage claim area: photograph the damage with a timestamp, get a written Property Irregularity Report (PIR) from the airline's baggage services desk, and get the agent's name. Do not leave the airport without the PIR — it is your primary evidence. Then file the formal claim online within 7 days. Include photos, your PIR number, and proof of purchase for the damaged item. Airlines have online claim portals for every major carrier. If you want expert help navigating a complex claim, AirHelp works on a no-win-no-fee basis and has recovered compensation for over 600,000 travelers.
For delayed bags: If your bag does not arrive with your flight, you are entitled to compensation for essential items you need to purchase (toiletries, clothes for kids, medications). Keep all receipts. Most airlines will reimburse $50–100/day for reasonable essential purchases. File for this separately from the delayed bag claim itself.
The car seat situation: Car seats are frequently damaged in cargo holds and airlines try hard not to pay for them. The rule: any car seat that goes through checked baggage should be considered compromised for safety even without visible damage. Always request in writing that the airline confirm the car seat was handled correctly. If denied a claim on a damaged car seat, escalate to the DOT Aviation Consumer Protection Division — airlines comply quickly once a federal agency is involved.
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