Lost baggage: Airline told to pay Rs 30K as damages

Dismissing the appeal made by Spicejet Limited —wherein it claimed that its liability in case of loss of luggage was only Rs 1,900 — and upholding directions passed by the district forum, the state consumer commission has asked the airline to pay Rs 30,000 as compensation, Rs 5,000 as litigation cost and Rs 3,000 for misplacing the baggage of Sector-8 resident Rohini Chadha.

According to information, Rohini had booked two Spicejet return tickets from Chandigarh to Mumbai. The payment was made by credit card and the return journey was scheduled for January 27, 2007.

The complaint mentioned that Rohini had four bags weighing 40 kg when she boarded the return flight for Delhi from Mumbai. The luggage was handed over to the airline officials at the airport.

But on reaching Delhi, only three bags were delivered to her. Rohini reported the matter to the officials who assured her that the misplaced luggage would be located and delivered to her in Chandigarh.

However, the complainant was in for a rude shock after airline officials informed her of the bag’s loss. A cheque of Rs 1,900 was also sent to her as compensation.

Supriya Bhardwaj/Times of India