Quan;

It depends on the case or the bag obviously, and what and where it was hit.

It also depends on the fact that the luggage may have been damaged in your hands, or the care, custody, and control of the airline you fly on. Many warranties today specify that damages and repairs in those situations are the sole resposibility of the airline.

To digress just a bit, follow my logic for a moment. I know when and where I checked luggage with the airline. I have a claim stub stating that, and from that point on (in my opinion) it is under the control of the airline, and part of my paid ticket and contract with them. Why ?

There have been a few mentions here of a recent trend to spread responsibility to TSA or the baggage security agencies for damages found, away from the airline. TSA no longer leaves notes inside your luggage apparently, and frankly I do not think they ever needed to. One assumes they view each and every piece of luggage, and open to survey specific items as needed, or as required. I have no problem with that. Why again ?

The airlines (always the rule under IATA, and especially now, post 9.11) are responsible for clearing the luggage as safe, to be stored and transported on all aircraft. So damage found upon arrival cannot be denied by any airline with the excuse that " TSA did it, and therefore we aren't responsible."

A nice excuse, but your ticketed luggage stub states otherwise: There is no such disclaimer.

Any damage therefore found post-arrival or post trip needs to be fully documented, in writing, as qucikly as possible. Receipts, tags, tape, photographs, statements, any and all. In my experience (LH-Frankfurt and they refunded my entire luggage case cost), I would start with the airline first, and as quickly as I could, with copies of everything. Not in 7 days, on the phone, but in person, or by email, or fax. Even for something as simple as the wheels or handle breaking. Let the airliine start the documentation process, in writing, even if they deny the claim, as that is usually while boarding, packing cargo, flying, or off-loading, the damages are found to have occurred.

Not with the luggage manufacturer, at least not initially.