Checked in luggage items stolen

Hi,

(quite embarrassed by this whole thing)

Has anybody here had this issue? unluckily (or luckily depends how you look at it) I had this issue recently and a Camera went missing from my checked in bag.

I understand about not putting that type of stuff in baggage but obviously wasn't thinking right a 3am and put some presents I shouldn't have in my checked in luggage.

I've contacted the airline and after weeks of battering them for a response they agreed to cover one of the items and give me air mileage but I refused.

I have read online that I'm entitled to have my items replaced or reimbursed under the Montreal Convention however I would need to have proof that the camera was in the baggage. I have two witnesses who saw me putting it in and 4 who saw me retrieving the bag/opening it.

Has anybody had a similar case and brought it to the small claims court? I'm waiting for one last response from the airline then I'll be taking it to court.

keithclancy

It's almost impossible. Even if you do somehow prove the item was in the bag in the first place, they just point to their terms and conditions which specifically state that valuables such as electronics should not be placed in your check in luggage.

dudara

I don't fancy your chances to be honest. You have to prove that you put the camera in the bag, plus you are warned that valuables should not go into baggage. Did you lock/padlock the bag at all?

It's a tough one, and must feel rotten to have the camera go missing. In all my years of flying, I've never had anything like this happen.

endofrainbow

you would have to prove that it was actually airlines employees, not handling staff or security staff - how can you be sure WHERE it actually happened.

Most airlines recommend not putting valuables in your checked luggage.

Did you have travel insurance?

P. Breathnach

endofrainbow wrote: »

you would have to prove that it was actually airlines employees, not handling staff or security staff - how can you be sure WHERE it actually happened....

The airlines want to protect themselves in that way. Whether they should be allowed to is a consumer issue, but to be considered at a level of generality that would probably not help OP.

If you pay a carrier to transport your baggage, they should be made responsible for transporting them safely.

keithclancy

endofrainbow wrote: »

you would have to prove that it was actually airlines employees, not handling staff or security staff - how can you be sure WHERE it actually happened.

Most airlines recommend not putting valuables in your checked luggage.

Did you have travel insurance?

Fraid not, your contract is with the company you paid money to, i.e. the Airline.

You have no contract with the baggage handler, they are acting on behalf of the airline.

Similarly if you order something from Amazon and its not delivered by DHL or whoever its up to Amazon to sort it out as they contracted DHL to deliver it.

Thanks for all the responses.

Having emailed the Airline last night with the details of the Montreal Convention they have agreed to reimburse me for up to the limit of €1,000 which is more than the Camera cost.

Utterly delighted with the outcome, shame it took a month to get here... Wish I found this legislation sooner! I'll also never put anything of value in my luggage again, far too much hassle.