Airlines need to rework pilferage compensation

How do you claim compensation if your checked-in airline baggage is not lost but pilfered? Few in our country declare their baggage content when they check in, and fewer still insure it, something which is common in the developed world.
Most air travellers aren’t aware that domestic airlines calculate the compensation amount as the difference between the baggage weight when it is checked in and after it is retrieved by the traveller. The compensation amount is paid per kg. According to aviation industry officials, a passenger is paid Rs 450 a kilo as compensation if their baggage is pilfered on the domestic route.
“There is also another provision. Airlines charge about 1.5% of a declared item’s value as (insurance) premium.’’
On the international route, says an industry person, “Compensation is governed by the Montreal Convention, where it goes beyond weight to the list of contents, proof of purchase, packing...’’
Pritee Shah of Ahmedabad-based Consumer Education & Research Centre says, “Weight has nothing to do with value. You may carry an expensive designer bag, but its weight may be negligible. There has to be some kind of debate on this method of calculation.’’ Shah adds that losing even everyday items is distressing. “Would you insure a hair-dryer or an old camera?’’
Air Passengers’ Association of India chairman D Sudhakara Reddy says the problem arises because there is no proof with either the traveller or the airline about baggage content.
09/10/09 Rucha Biju Chitrodia/Economic Times

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Categories: Indian Aviation- In General Oct 2009