Luggage Worth ₹45,000 Goes Missing, Airline Offers Just ₹2,450 as Compensation

In a distressing incident that underscores the challenges travelers face, Monik Sharma, a resident of Assam, recently lost his luggage while traveling on IndiGo’s domestic flight from Kolkata to Guwahati. The lost luggage reportedly contained items valued at ₹45,000, along with important documents such as a driving license, PAN card, and Aadhaar. To make matters worse, the airline offered a meager compensation of only ₹2,450, sparking widespread frustration.

Inadequate compensation sparks a mixed reaction among netizens

The incident came to light when one of Sharma’s friends took to social media to highlight the ordeal. According to the post, Sharma's checked-in luggage went missing amid a major Crowdstrike outage, which disrupted multiple airlines' operations. The social media post, which quickly garnered attention, included details about the valuable items in the missing bag and the airline’s inadequate response.

“It was checked in at Kolkata airport. It never reached Guwahati. How can it vanish mid-air? Was the plane leaking bags? Around a month later, Indigo has come back offering a ‘compensation’ of ₹2,450. It is ridiculous. Just the bag would cost more than that. Apparently, there is a rule that the airline is liable for a maximum of ₹350 per kg in case they lose the bag. That is just adding insult to injury,” wrote the friend, expressing his disbelief and frustration.

Also read: 10 cabin bags that can be your flying best friend!

The post also shared an image of Sharma’s boarding pass and urged IndiGo to take more substantial action. In response, IndiGo’s social media team reached out, assuring that they would investigate the matter further. However, the issue remains unresolved, leaving Sharma without his belongings and with a compensation that falls far short of covering his losses.

The incident has sparked a debate on social media, with many users sharing their opinions and advice. One user pointed out that airlines often advise against placing valuables or important documents in checked luggage. Another criticized the airline for misleading passengers, stating that the ₹350 per kg liability applies to cargo, not personal baggage.

Amid the outpouring of support, some users suggested practical steps for recovering the lost luggage. “It’s better to try and locate the bag in lost and found (both airports). It’s worth the effort for the hassle of documents your friend will have to go through. It’s painful though. Unless someone else has mistakenly taken his luggage (also a possibility),” one user commented.

https://twitter.com/ravihanda/status/1827330817980244201

As of now, it remains unclear whether Sharma’s luggage has been recovered. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by passengers, particularly regarding the handling of checked-in luggage and the limited compensation offered in cases of loss or damage.

Also read: Airport in Japan Cancels 36 Flights Over Missing Scissors

For travelers, this serves as a stark reminder to carefully consider what items to pack in checked luggage and to remain vigilant about airline policies regarding lost or damaged bags.