Originally Posted by
SamuelS
"Thank you for your email. I apologize for the problems you experienced. Per the Contract of Carriage, the damage to your luggage must be reported to the airport of arrival or our central baggage office within 4 hours of arrival for domestic US flights. As we cannot see the bag nor evaluate the damage the airport has final authority in these matters. Because a damaged baggage claim was not filed at the airport, I regret that they will not be able to reimburse you for the damage to your bag. Regards, XXX, Baggage Claim Specialist"
Ugh.
This is something I've had trouble understanding in the past - if you have delayed baggage, they generally deliver it to you. Therefore, you probably won't have damage reported at the airport, especially "within 4 hours of arrival." And anyway, whose arrival? Yours? The bag's?
It's made me wonder if I should opt out of having delayed bags delivered to my home or hotel, because it sounds like I've waived any damage claim rights if I accept delivery. If I drive to the airport and pick it up, at least I can file a claim right then and there. How does this work?