Luggage warranties, also known as baggage warranties or suitcase warranties, are policies provided by luggage manufacturers or retailers to cover certain types of damage or defects in your luggage. These warranties vary in terms of coverage, duration, and specific conditions, but they generally serve to provide some peace of mind for consumers when purchasing luggage. Here are some key points to know about luggage warranties:
- Types of Luggage Warranties:
Limited Warranty: Most luggage warranties are limited in scope and typically cover manufacturing defects and workmanship issues. This means they will repair or replace your luggage if it experiences problems due to faulty materials or craftsmanship. These warranties are usually in effect for a specific period, often a few years. These warranties may be listed as Lifetime, 10-year, 5-year, or just “Limited” The important part to note is the word “LIMITED”. At Traveling Bags, we do see issues that are covered by this type of warranty but more times than not, the issues brought in for repair are not covered under a limited warranty.
Full Warranty: In some rare cases, luggage manufacturers may offer more comprehensive warranties that cover a wider range of issues, including wear and tear. These warranties often have longer durations, possibly extending the life of the product. Some manufacturers do however make it a little more difficult to get service. You may have to ship your bag back to them for service at your expense, while others have authorized repair centers like Traveling Bags that do repairs for manufactuers locally. - Coverage:
Manufacturing Defects: Luggage warranties commonly cover issues like broken zippers, damaged handles, stitching problems, design issues, and wheel malfunctions that occur due to manufacturing defects.
Material Quality: They can also cover issues related to the quality of materials used in the luggage, such as issues with the shell, frame, or other components.
Limited Wear and Tear: Some warranties may offer partial coverage for wear and tear, which is less common. This coverage may vary depending on the warranty terms. - Exclusions:
Luggage warranties often have limitations and may not cover damage caused by mishandling, abuse, accidents, or airline mishandling. They may also exclude damage caused by extreme conditions, like exposure to extreme temperatures or liquids.
It is easier to think of it like your automobile. Things that go wrong not caused by you using it properly are covered. Things like tires, not changing the oil, and driving your car through a Hailstorm are not warranty issues, just like damage caused by using your bag, or having the gorillas at the airport abuse the bags. We know it sucks, but there are bags that do have great coverage. - Duration:
The duration of luggage warranties varies widely. Some warranties are for one year, while others may extend for several years or even offer a lifetime warranty. The length of the warranty may reflect the manufacturer’s confidence in the quality of their product. - Warranty Registration:
Some luggage manufacturers require you to register your product after purchase to activate the warranty. Failure to register might result in the warranty not being valid. - Proof of Purchase:
To make a warranty claim, you usually need to provide proof of purchase, such as a receipt or invoice. A good idea is to make a copy of the receipt. Put it in a plastic baggie and leave it in the suitcase in a small pocket or even behind the service zipper in the bag. That way you will have it, and it will be easy to find. - Warranty Claims:
If you encounter an issue covered by the warranty, you typically need to contact the manufacturer or retailer to initiate a warranty claim. Generally, you will need to use their website and hunt a little bit to find the customer service/warranty area. Hopefully it will guide you through the process, which may involve sending the luggage for inspection or repair. - When Damage Occurs
The best advice we can give you is whenever you give someone else your luggage to handle, if possible, watch them and always check your bag. Be it at the airport, or buses, train, taxi, shuttle, etc. when you get the bag back check it over, top to bottom,
Wheels
Grab Handles on the top bottom, and sides
The Pull-Up-Handle / Trolly Handle
Zippers, broken and missing
Bumpers and FeetSeams
The case for crack & tears
Make sure to check your luggage if find any damage. Photograph The Damage and document It with that company immediately. Often companies have a 24 or 48-hour rule to report damage. But it is always best to do it immediately. Take the attitude that you don’t need to resolve the issue immediately only that you get them to document the damage they caused and provide you with proof of that. You can sort out the details later. - What luggage to choose
There are all types of luggage available for all different types of travelers. If you primarily take car trips and handle your own bags, you can probably get a lesser-quality bag because you will take care of it. On the other extreme if you travel even 2 -3- 4 times a month by air you really need to consider making the investment into quality luggage.
It’s important to carefully read and understand the terms and conditions of a luggage warranty before making a purchase, as they can vary significantly between different brands and models. If purchasing online, take the time to search out the information, don’t be fooled by the bold headings, read the fine print. If shopping in a store, ask the salesperson who is helping you if they don’t know anything about the products they are selling, consider that you may be in the wrong store. Would you buy anything else from a salesperson who couldn’t explain the product they are selling? - Things to look for when selecting luggage are not just looks, features, and price, but also these things:
- Where can I take it if I have an issue”
- What is the return/service Policy?
- What is the actual Warranty?
- If/when I have an issue how do I get service?
- If it is something simple will they just send a part?
- How long does the service process take?
The last big thing to remember when it comes to dealing with damaged luggage is to remember often Travel Insurance helps cover the cost of not only lost luggage but Damaged Luggage too.
If you’re concerned about potential luggage damage during air travel, consider talking with your travel agent (or contact Holly the owner of Latitudes Travel) about travel insurance, which can provide more comprehensive coverage for your belongings, including your luggage, while in transit.
Any Questions about Luggage stop into
Traveling Bags store located at 3830 S. Moorland Road in New Berlin, WI,
Find us online at TravelingBagsMKE.com or
Call us at (414) 817-0222
