How do I prevent damage to my luggage?
I have to buy new luggage very frequently when I'm using airlines. About every two flights, I'm receiving my luggage cracked, with ripped off wheels and handles. Even if this is just bad luck, this is happening to everyone eventually, I assume. What am I supposed to do to prevent this from happening? I don't think that more expensive, more solid suitcases would help.
Best Answer
What kind of damage occurs?
Anecdotally thorough travelling over the years, I've stopped using hard shelled suitcases and now use fabric spinners from... known brands. Some of my lower range suitcases did have some damage to it (like a zipper breaking off), but generally, they hold up very well. Some damage I expect, like bruises, but I've never had issues with wheels ripping off or the main handles.
It might be a case of both, some bad luck and some unfortunate choices of luggage - not that I mean that the most expensive is the answer, but more mid range perhaps would do it.
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Do airlines cover damage to luggage?
Under DOT regulations (for domestic travel) and international treaties (for international travel), airlines are required to compensate passengers if their bags are damaged, delayed, or lost.What is considered damaged luggage?
Damage to luggage components including wheels, handles, straps and other glaring problems, such as holes or a cracked hardside bag, are covered. The latter is a big problem in cold weather, Ouimette said. (So are removable straps, which regularly get stuck in the bag loading systems, so take them off, she said.)How do you ensure luggage?
5 Tips to Ensure That Your Checked Luggage Doesn't Get LostWhat technology is used to safeguard their baggage from damage?
Smart suitcasesBluetooth trackers will also help you track your suitcase within a 50 ft range and can come into their own if you hit a GPS black-spot. You can even use Bluetooth to force your case to follow you wherever you go, allowing you to travel hands-free.How To Claim For Damaged Baggage and Get New Baggage from Airline | Damage Property Report
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Answer 2
I once bought a 300$ Samsonite, and it cracked on the first flight, and I lost half the content. Since then I use duffelbags, and nothing ever happened to them (I’m by now a million miler).
The point - I recommend to go with flexible, soft luggage pieces, which don’t care if they are thrown around. If there is nothing to break off or crack, nothing will.
You cannot control how they are handled, and they are handled rough, always. You can only prepare by having luggage that can take it.
Answer 3
Ask while checking in your luggage to mark it as "Fragile" with a sticker. At least they would be less likely to throw it around.
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