Jetting off soon? What to know about claiming for luggage damaged during flights

ConsumerTalk with Wendy Knowler

12 December 2018 3:09 PM

Travelling with luggage can be a risky business.

Luggage can land up in the wrong city, get stolen, pilfered or damaged.

Consumer journalist Wendy Knowler says airlines do not offer sufficient compensation for damage to luggage.

She says travellers can at most expect to be compensated according to an international airline rate which is about $20 (+- R280) per kilogram.

Knowler advises that airlines usually won’t accept responsibility or pay compensation for damage caused to luggage zippers, handles or wheels.

Most airlines are very specific about what counts as damaged luggage.
— Wendy Knowler, consumer journalist

She advises that passengers always speak up when damage occurs.

She also suggests that people take photos anytime they hand over luggage to create some evidence.

Knowler elaborated on two recent airline-related case studies, and also discussed early December debit orders and late Zando deliveries.

Listen to the entire ConsumerTalk discussion during The Pippa Hudson Show:

Every Wednesday, on The Pippa Hudson Show, Wendy Knowler provides useful insights and tips on how to make the most of your buying power.

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Got a consumer case you need help resolving?

Email: consumer@knowler.co.za, put Cape Talk in the subject line, followed by the issue e.g. cellphone contract dispute.

Written by: Qama Qukula

NightTalk withAubrey Masango