Traveling often means bringing along belongings that carry significant economic or sentimental value. From electronics and jewelry to professional equipment or irreplaceable souvenirs, protecting these items during a flight is essential to avoid loss or damage that could impact your trip. Aware of this need, Iberia offers a specific service known as declared value baggage—a tool that provides greater protection and compensation for items that exceed the airline’s standard liability limits. In this article, we explain exactly what it is, how it works, and when it might be the right choice for your trip.
Declared value baggage is an optional service that allows passengers to assign a specific value to their checked luggage, increasing the level of financial coverage in case of loss, theft, or damage during air transport. Airlines typically set a maximum liability limit for checked baggage, which may not be sufficient to cover high-value items. With this service, Iberia enables passengers to protect their belongings according to their actual worth. This means that if the baggage is damaged or lost for any reason, the compensation received will be aligned with the previously declared value, within the permitted limits.
To use this service, the passenger must go to the check-in counter on the day of the flight with enough time to complete the process. During check-in, the traveler declares the value they wish to insure per kilogram of checked baggage, within the limits established by the airline. Iberia sets a maximum value per kilogram, and the cost of the insurance is calculated at 0.5% (5 per thousand) of the declared value. After the process is completed, an excess baggage ticket is issued, indicating the declared value and the corresponding fee. This document is essential in the event of any future claim.
It’s important to note that this service is only available for flights operated by Iberia. If the flight is operated by a codeshare airline, such as Vueling, the declaration of value will only be valid if the other carrier expressly agrees.
Declared value baggage is especially recommended for passengers traveling with items that exceed Iberia’s standard liability threshold. Common examples include high-end electronic devices such as professional cameras, laptops, tablets, drones, and other expensive tech equipment; musical instruments like guitars, violins, or other valuable pieces that must be checked and cannot be brought into the cabin; works of art and antiques including paintings, sculptures, and collectible items that require extra protection; jewelry or other high-value personal items that cannot be carried as hand luggage; and specialized professional or sports equipment that must be transported in the hold due to size or format.
If your belongings fall into these categories, declaring their value when checking your luggage can offer peace of mind and ensure appropriate compensation in the event of an incident.
Declaring the value of your baggage offers several key advantages that can significantly improve your travel experience. It provides greater financial protection, ensuring that in case of loss or damage, compensation will reflect the declared value rather than a standard, limited amount. It also offers peace of mind—knowing your items are protected reduces travel-related stress. Additionally, the process generates official documentation that can facilitate any future claims.
Before using this service, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind. Declare the value of your belongings as accurately as possible, ideally with supporting documents such as receipts or certificates. Do not attempt to declare prohibited or restricted items, as some objects cannot be insured or transported in the aircraft hold. If you have questions about eligibility or the process, it’s best to contact Iberia in advance or check the airline’s website. Finally, for extremely valuable items, you may want to consider additional travel insurance that covers losses beyond the airline’s control.
The process is simple and quick but requires arriving at the airport with extra time. At the check-in counter, Iberia staff will guide you through the steps to declare the value and calculate the additional cost, which depends on the declared value and the weight of the baggage. Be sure to keep the issued excess baggage ticket, as it is your official proof in case of a claim. Without this document, the airline may not honor the declared value.
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