How to Fly with Surfboard & Cover Any Airlines Shipping Damage

How to Fly with Surfboard & Cover Any Airlines Shipping Damage

Flying with your surfboards can go from the best to the worst time real quick. See below for an example of a VEIA JJF 4 Board Travel Bag violently dragged by an airline cart below shows how airline travel employees clearly don't care that 4 of your $800 most prized possessions & essentially a large piece of your heart is carefully packaged inside.

Even with your boards packaged with our top rated Flexi Hex surfboard packaging/shipping sleeves, they might not have made it to your destination unscathed. 

So what can you do about it? 

As a customer of the airline you ARE entitled to claim insurance back on your damages, it just takes a bit of knowledge BEFORE your travel and immediately upon pickup at baggage claim...

Filing a damage claim for a surfboard and bag with an airline involves several steps. Here’s a guide on how to go about it:

1. Save Evidence BEFORE you fly. 

  • Before leaving your home to head to the airport, take clear pictures of everything in your bag, including the inside and outside of your bag (both open & closed) to have proof that the damage was not there before the flight and your photos will be time stamped to show it was the day you packed for your flight. 

2. Inspect the Damage

  • Before leaving the airport, thoroughly inspect your surfboard and bag for any visible damage. Take clear photos of the damage from multiple angles.
  • Make note of any other damage to the packaging, including the bag or any other items in the luggage.

3. Report the Damage Immediately

  • Go to the airline’s baggage claim office: Once you realize the damage, report it right away, before leaving the airport. If you fail to do this immediately, the airline would assume the damaged happened elsewhere, rather than in their care.
  • Inform the agent about the surfboard and bag being damaged, and show them the damage.

4. File a Property Irregularity Report (PIR)

  • Airlines usually require you to fill out a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) when you notice damage. This will be done at the baggage claim desk or the customer service counter.
  • If you can’t file in person, request the form online via the airline’s website or customer support.

5. Complete the Claim Form

  • The claim form will typically ask for:
    • Your flight details (flight number, date, and route)
    • Description of the damage to your surfboard and bag
    • Photos of the damage
    • Any proof of value, such as receipts or purchase documentation for the surfboard and bag. This is where the pictures you took before your trip come in handy!
  • Provide as much detail as possible so that the airline can assess the damage properly.

6. Submit the Claim to the Airline

  • Submit the claim to the airline through their online portal, email, or by mailing the physical claim form, depending on the airline’s process.
  • Ensure you have copies of all documents for your records (PIR report, photos, purchase receipts, etc.).

7. Follow Up

  • After submitting your claim, keep track of the status. Some airlines may take a few weeks to process the claim, but you can follow up by calling customer service or checking the status online.
  • If you don’t receive a response within a reasonable amount of time, send a follow-up email or call to inquire.

8. Assess the Compensation

  • The airline may offer compensation for the damage, either in the form of repair reimbursement, replacement value, or a partial refund.
  • If the surfboard or bag is deemed a total loss, they might provide the current market value.

9. Appeal if Necessary

  • IMPORTANT: If you disagree with the airline’s decision on no or low compensation, you can usually appeal their ruling. Be prepared to provide additional evidence, like expert repair quotes or independent assessments of the damage.

Tips:

  • Check the airline’s policy: Some airlines have specific policies regarding the transport of fragile items like surfboards, and they may have a specific process for filing claims.
  • Insurance: If you have travel or baggage insurance (like through a credit card), you may also be able to file a claim with them for the damaged equipment.

Each airline has a slightly different process, so always double-check the airline’s website or customer service for any unique requirements. If you need anything from us such an a copy of your receipt or tips on what else you can do to keep your surfboards from getting damaged or compensation on damage please contact us at info@veiasupplies.com. 

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