What Do I Do If My Baggage Was Damaged with Hawaiian Airlines?

It is unlikely that your baggage will be damaged or lost, no matter how often you fly, but it has been known to happen. If you are flying on Hawaiian Airlines, it is a wise idea to familiarize yourself with what your options are and what you need to do if the airline damages or loses your baggage.

You should check your baggage over thoroughly when you pick it up from the baggage claim. If you notice any damage that was not there before the flight, you should take the following steps:

1. Go immediately to a Hawaiian Airlines desk and tell the staff there that you need to submit the preliminary notice of your claim for damages. You must submit this notice within 4 hours of the arrival of the flight the baggage was transported on.
2. Write an itemized claim for the damage done to your baggage and any items in it, or the value of the baggage and any items in it if it was lost.
3. Within 30 days of the date of the flight, you must mail that claim to: Hawaiian Corporate Offices, P.O. Box 30008, Honolulu, HI96820.
4. If you need to initiate any sort of legal action over the lost or damaged baggage, you must do so within one year of the date of the flight.

Hawaiian Airlines' liability for damage to your baggage is limited to $3,500. Also, the airline will not recompense you for:

• damage that happened because of baggage that has been shoddily manufactured, poorly secured, or previously damaged
• perishable items
• antiques, collectibles, and one of a kind items
• antlers
• business equipment
• portable multimedia players
• fragile items
• computers and other electronic equipment
• items in cardboard boxes
• optical devices
• plants
• items made of paper
• jewelry
• keys
• liquids
• some medical equipment and medications
• money and gift cards
• musical instruments
• photographic and video equipment
• precious metals and stones
• science equipment
• tools
• unprotected items
• recreational and sporting equipment
• knives and swords
• infant carrying seats and strollers
• watches and clocks
• works of art

If you have any difficulties with any stage of this process, you can contact Hawaiian Airlines' customer service. They provide both online and phone support options.