Originally Posted by Swissaire

You are quite correct.

" Normal handling " should not have resulted in dents, scratches, or frame torsioning.

However I have seen a number of instances where the handling is rough, to the point of a baggage handler (LAX) literally throwing bags off a carousel against the wall behind him, 2m / 6 feet close. Seeing our 4 checked Rimowa cases coming along, I very gently put one hand on his shoulder and said " Here, let me help you with our luggage. "

If I had not, our cases too would have also been dashed against the wall, probably suffering thes ame fate as your case. And I am sure the airline would have stated ( with a sincereful look ) that they were unaware that anything other than " normal handling " occurred, had we found damaged Rimowa and reported it.

Does " normal handling " include jerking a large case by hand up into a cargo hold, kicking it into place, dropping it off a conveyor onto a taarmac well below, throwing it up onto a tug cart only to miss and have it fall onto the other side of the tarmac ? I've witnessed all of these scenes and more over the years. None of this is ever reported, in fact it usually denied. It is just " normal handling "of baggage.

One does not always notice or see the problems immediately upon recovering checked baggage. In any crowded airport the passengers are rushed and hurried along intentionally. No doubt you found this later when you were home, and it was not in that condition before you boarded your flight.

Even though it is best to report danage immediately, you appear to be within the timeframe to file and pursue a claim. Take digital photos, obtain the airline's claim form, and stay with it. It is you money, afterall.