Travel

United Airlines Damaged Baggage Policy With Things You Need

By questopedia 29 Sep, 2025 106

When passengers want to fly to many cities inside America and also to many countries abroad then they can choose United airlines because It has many flights every day. Baggage damage is a problem because people expect their luggage to arrive safe but sometimes bags come with broken handles or ripped fabric. In this article you will see the rules of United airlines for damaged baggage and what is necessary to claim compensation.

United Airlines Damaged Baggage Compensation Policy

Airlines Responsibility 

Note that United Airlines holds responsibility to repair or compensate you if your bag is damaged while it was under their care and not due to your packing. 

Repair or compensation

When the damage is repairable then United may choose to fix it but if it is beyond repair then they may pay compensation based on the value of the bag after depreciation.

Excluded items

United does not pay when your bag has breakable and electronics items or things that need special packing. They may not give money for those damages.

Time limits

You have to report damage within a certain time. For domestic flights do it within 24 hours after arrival and for international flights you have up to seven days to report. 

Required Things for a Damaged Baggage Claim

Proof of identity

Remember that you will need your government ID or passport because United airlines wants to know who you are. They check that the claimant is the passenger.

Proof of purchase 

You must show the receipt of the bag if you bought it or receipts of what was inside if possible. United uses these to verify how much value to reimburse. 

Photos of damage

It is best to take clear photos of the damage from inside and outside as soon as you see it because these photos help your claim show exactly what was broken.

Bag tag number

You have to keep the baggage tag that you got when you checked in. Because that bag tag number helps United track your bag and show your claim is real.

How Do I Connect to United Airlines?

  • To connect you can use United’s 24/7 reservations line so call 1-800-864-8331 

  • But for baggage concerns you should call 1-800-335-2247. 

  • Also you can use the United website's Contact Us page to send messages.

  • U.S. customers can also text HELP to 26266 in case of any emergency.

  • Try to use social media or email United Customer Care form on the United website to raise issues. 

Finishing 

In the end it is advised to passengers to check their baggage as soon as they collect it and report damage immediately because delayed claims often get rejected. Also keep receipts, baggage tags and photos safe because those help you prove your claim. With any issues you wonder How Do I Connect to United Airlines? Note that you can use the phone numbers, text or email because that is your starting point to resolve any issues with United Airlines.