Lost baggage - has anyone taken VA to small claims court?

[hroebuck79]

Hi all - some weeks ago I was travelling to Adelaide (from Sydney), when I checked in two bags - mine and my business partners. The bags were marked as priority as I am platinum tier.

Long story short - only one of the bags ever arrived...and after some appalling customer service from Virgin, I am left in the situation where VA have offered me $1600 compensation, in line with the airline limited liability clause for missing/damaged baggage. I have been through the airline customer advocate, who were very helpful, but have basically advised me I have two options - take the money, or go to small claims court. My frustration is that I was on a 7 night work trip - including a conference and work meetings - so with several suits etc in my luggage, the value of the luggage exceeded $1600. Virgin have made it very clear that they give no consideration to why you were travelling or for how long - so someone going to Melbourne for a one night personal trip is offered the same compensation as someone like myself who is travelling on business for over a week - which seems very unfair.

Anyway - I could go on all day! But my question is - has anyone on here successfully pursued VA for compensation above and beyond the $1600 covered by the limited liability clause? Any advice gratefully appreciated. And you don't need to tell me to take travel insurance next time

Thanks

 

[defurax]

In my experience, most airlines will reimburse you above the minimum liability if you can show them that you had to replace the delayed/lost items during your trip. Last June, my checked bag was delayed 2 weeks when BA experienced a total meltdown of LHR T5 bag handling system. I submitted a claim for $2,900 and they paid it back in full.

I really hope things work out in your favour if you decide to go small claims court.

 

[jose g]

Hi all - some weeks ago I was travelling to Adelaide (from Sydney), when I checked in two bags - mine and my business partners. The bags were marked as priority as I am platinum tier.

Long story short - only one of the bags ever arrived...and after some appalling customer service from Virgin, I am left in the situation where VA have offered me $1600 compensation, in line with the airline limited liability clause for missing/damaged baggage. I have been through the airline customer advocate, who were very helpful, but have basically advised me I have two options - take the money, or go to small claims court. My frustration is that I was on a 7 night work trip - including a conference and work meetings - so with several suits etc in my luggage, the value of the luggage exceeded $1600. Virgin have made it very clear that they give no consideration to why you were travelling or for how long - so someone going to Melbourne for a one night personal trip is offered the same compensation as someone like myself who is travelling on business for over a week - which seems very unfair.

Anyway - I could go on all day! But my question is - has anyone on here successfully pursued VA for compensation above and beyond the $1600 covered by the limited liability clause? Any advice gratefully appreciated. And you don't need to tell me to take travel insurance next time

Thanks

Hi,

Did you finally took VA to small claims court? I am in a similar situation and wondering what to do.

Cheers,
Jose