The airline that is most likely to damage your luggage – and how to prevent it
A NEW study has revealed the airline where your suitcase is most likely to be damaged - and it isn't good news for Ryanair passengers.
The low-cost airline has come out as the worst for luggage damage.
The research was commissioned by luggage company , who specialise in protective suitcases.
Data taken from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) showed that out of 823 claims for damaged luggage submitted to airlines between 2015 and 2020, over one in ten were made to Ryanair.
Emirates came in second place, after receiving six per cent of all claims for damaged luggage in the same time period, followed by Alitalia in third with 40 claims for damaged baggage – 5 per cent of total claims.
The study also revealed that if you're unfortunate enough to have to make a claim for damaged luggage, your chances of a successful result are less than half.
Read more travel news
For those who did eventually get a successful result from a damaged luggage claim, it would take an average of 154 days to reach a settlement.
It turns out that Ryanair was the airline that took the longest time to reach a settlement, with one instance taking a whopping 868 days.
Sun Online Travel has contacted Ryanair for comment.
Chris Cox, Managing Director at Trifibre, said: "The results provide passengers with the inside knowledge they need to make informed decisions about the carrier they choose to travel with and the airports they use.
"Where possible, we recommend taking items on as hand luggage to be stored in overhead compartments or under seats, as this reduces the chances of your baggage being mishandled."
Most read in News Travel
They added: "That's easier for items like cameras and laptops, but for large or bulky items that are not suitable for hand luggage, such as instruments and sports equipment, it really is worth doing your prep work.
"Know your rights in case something goes wrong, ensure your travel insurance covers any damage to your luggage and invest in a protective case that will really do the job you need it to."
A baggage handler has revealed which suitcases are more likely to get damaged after you check them in - and the heavier it is, the most likely.
They wrote on Reddit: "If your bag is over 55lbs, it's gonna have a bad time. How annoyed do you get lifting your own bag into the back of the car?
"Imagine have to do that 200 times - it gets frustrating and tiresome and sometimes we just throw with very little care because they are too heavy to do carefully."
Another baggage handler explained why you should avoid two-wheeler suitcases - "If checking luggage, buy four-wheeled if you can - less likely baggage handler will 'toss' the bag and will roll whenever possible."
Read More on The Sun
One traveller has warned passengers to give inside their bag a quick look before leaving the terminal, or you could struggle to claim back for any damaged luggage complaints.
Here is what you should do if an airline has broken your suitcase.
