Go Back  FlyerTalk Forums > Travel&Dining > Travel Products
Reload this Page >

Samsonite black label luggage broken on first time use. Can I claim warranty?

Community
Wiki Posts
Search

Samsonite black label luggage broken on first time use. Can I claim warranty?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 21, 2020, 5:25 am
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Aug 2019
Posts: 5
Samsonite black label luggage broken on first time use. Can I claim warranty?

Hi, I have a new Samsonite luggage that costs 670 USD, which cracked after a flight with Turkish Airlines. I wasn't able to notice the damage until I arrived at my apartment. I filed a claim with Turkish airlines but they said that I cannot claim compensation anymore because I reported it when I've already left the airport. I didn't have any travel insurance on my flight. Now, my last resort I believe is to claim my warranty with Samsonite. However, their website explicitly says they don't cover airline damage. Can anyone advise me on this? Should I make up a story on how the luggage was damaged other than because I took it to a flight?

The only reason I bought a luggage this expensive is its lifetime warranty. I don't expect it to be completely perfect during its lifetime but I think it's unbelievable how it was broken on its first use!!! Any advice please?
marie.krizel is offline  
Old Sep 21, 2020, 9:49 am
  #2  
 
Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 151
I would still contact Samsonite, regardless of the warranty language. Explain to them politely that this was the first use of their product and you would appreciate their assistance with a repair or replacement. Understand that you are asking them to go outside of their normal warranty policy and keep that in mind when you are talking to them.
JMorgana is offline  
Old Sep 21, 2020, 9:51 am
  #3  
Suspended
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Canada, USA, Europe
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 31,452
Originally Posted by JMorgana
I would still contact Samsonite, regardless of the warranty language. Explain to them politely that this was the first use of their product and you would appreciate their assistance with a repair or replacement. Understand that you are asking them to go outside of their normal warranty policy and keep that in mind when you are talking to them.
I agree with this. Also try TK again, maybe you'll get a different response, but this demonstrates why it is so important to check your luggage before you leave the airport.
LondonElite is offline  
Old Sep 21, 2020, 9:55 am
  #4  
 
Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 151
Remember...the absolute worst people can say is no. If you get a NO from both TK and Samsonite, you're no worse off than you are right now. If Samsonite says no, you know who to never again use for a luggage purchase.
JMorgana is offline  
Old Sep 21, 2020, 10:03 am
  #5  
Suspended
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Canada, USA, Europe
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 31,452
Originally Posted by JMorgana
Remember...the absolute worst people can say is no. If you get a NO from both TK and Samsonite, you're no worse off than you are right now. If Samsonite says no, you know who to never again use for a luggage purchase.
Well, if they explicitly exclude airline damage, you can't blame them for sticking to their own stated policy!
Often1 likes this.
LondonElite is offline  
Old Sep 21, 2020, 12:19 pm
  #6  
 
Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 151
Originally Posted by LondonElite
Well, if they explicitly exclude airline damage, you can't blame them for sticking to their own stated policy!
Agreed, but frequently a combination of (a) getting the right person on the other end and (b) being polite no matter what the response is and making them want to help you works. That's why I said be aware of the fact that you are asking for an exception and be nice.
JMorgana is offline  
Old Sep 21, 2020, 2:05 pm
  #7  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: ZOA, SFO, HKG
Programs: UA 1K 0.9MM, Marriott Gold, HHonors Gold, Hertz PC, SBux Gold, TSA Pre✓
Posts: 13,811
Originally Posted by marie.krizel
I filed a claim with Turkish airlines but they said that I cannot claim compensation anymore because I reported it when I've already left the airport.
Remind TK about Montreal and see. I express no comment on the portion related to Samsonite.
garykung is offline  
Old Sep 21, 2020, 3:19 pm
  #8  
Suspended
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,262
To answer your question, "should I make up a reason?" No, that is fraud. Why on earth, having created a paper trail with TK that the damage was caused by an air carrier, would you then make a contrary statement to another merchant.

I don't think that the Montreal Convention yields much here. The question is whether TK is responsible for the damage and it is not an unreasonable delineator to maintain that damage to the exterior of a suitcase can reasonably be noticed prior to departing the airport.

What is the repair estimate here? Are you arguing about $30 or $300?
Often1 is offline  
Old Sep 21, 2020, 7:08 pm
  #9  
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,642
Review the benefits of the credit card you purchased the luggage with, assuming you in fact used a credit card. A number of cards provide coverage for damage etc. within the first 12 months.
xooz is offline  
Old Sep 21, 2020, 11:38 pm
  #10  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Aug 2019
Posts: 5
My luggage had a luggage cover that's what I wasn't able to notice it before leaving the airport.

I don't think it can still be repaired. The shell is cracked.
marie.krizel is offline  
Old Sep 22, 2020, 5:27 am
  #11  
Suspended
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Canada, USA, Europe
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 31,452
Regular household insurance?
LondonElite is offline  
Old Sep 22, 2020, 5:55 am
  #12  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: HEL
Programs: lots of shiny metal cards
Posts: 14,105
I'm not sure that the airline can limit liability so that damage must be reported at the airport. They can try and say so, but that doesn't make it so.
WilcoRoger is offline  
Old Sep 22, 2020, 10:26 pm
  #13  
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: LAS ORD
Programs: AA Pro (mostly B6) OZ♦ (flying BR/UA), BA Silver Hyatt LT, Wynn Black, Cosmo Plat, Mlife Noir
Posts: 5,992
Originally Posted by marie.krizel
I filed a claim with Turkish airlines but they said that I cannot claim compensation anymore because I reported it when I've already left the airport.
Even TK's own CoC suggests only a 7-day limit on reporting damaged checked luggage. I would press TK on this.
gengar is offline  


Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

This site is owned, operated, and maintained by MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Designated trademarks are the property of their respective owners.