Water damage to bag contents on Qantas flight

[KLMCM]

Has anyone had this experience? We travelled on Qantas from Sydney to Perth during a storm recently and had our bags returned to us soaking wet, with most of the contents wet through. After ascertaining that some of the water stains were not removable, including to a new suit and books, we filled in the necessary paperwork within the time limits, hoping for some compensation to replace lost items. We have just been advised they do not provide compensation for water damaged items, though they gave us a token 5000 points to "compensate". I do not understand how they can not accept responsibility - it is not just a case of generic travel compensation to be dealt with under travel insurance, it is a direct result of their baggage handlers at their terminal leaving our bags out in the rain for what must have been a considerable period. I have never come across this in decades of travel - anyone got similar stories or advice on how to pursue it with them? I might add that my travel insurance excess makes this unprofitable to pursue this way, and as I think it is a direct result of airline negligence I think the airline should be responsible.

 

[opusman]

Unfortunately I think this is just bad luck; Qantas aren't responsible for the weather, and baggage always ends up sitting in the open air while a plane is loaded/unloaded. During a storm it wouldn't even need to sit there very long to get soaked through.

 

[Pushka]

Unfortunately one of the perils of travel. I'm happy if it is sunny on departure and arrival as I know the contents will be dry. Buying a hard shell suitcase is the answer.

I cant see it as negligence?

 

[marki]

Unfortunately one of the perils of travel. I'm happy if it is sunny on departure and arrival as I know the contents will be dry. Buying a hard shell suitcase is the answer.

I cant see it as negligence?

Travel insurance just request an airline condition report. They will state that there is no liability but the report will help with the claim

 

[Hvr]

I think this is an OH&S issue. If the weather conditions are too dangerous to continue loading/unloading luggage then the staff retreat from the area leaving luggage where it lies until it is safe to return.

Not good for your luggage but better than having a person struck by lightening etc.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Has anyone had this experience? We travelled on Qantas from Sydney to Perth during a storm recently and had our bags returned to us soaking wet, with most of the contents wet through. After ascertaining that some of the water stains were not removable, including to a new suit and books, we filled in the necessary paperwork within the time limits, hoping for some compensation to replace lost items. We have just been advised they do not provide compensation for water damaged items, though they gave us a token 5000 points to "compensate". I do not understand how they can not accept responsibility - it is not just a case of generic travel compensation to be dealt with under travel insurance, it is a direct result of their baggage handlers at their terminal leaving our bags out in the rain for what must have been a considerable period. I have never come across this in decades of travel - anyone got similar stories or advice on how to pursue it with them? I might add that my travel insurance excess makes this unprofitable to pursue this way, and as I think it is a direct result of airline negligence I think the airline should be responsible.

Ask QF to provide you with the relevant section where they do not provide compensation for damage caused by weather. I'm having trouble locating it.

The airline should have appropriate cover (tarpaulin) for circumstances where bags can be exposed to the elements.

QF's baggage policy is here - but no mention of damage by water: Delayed, Lost or Damaged Baggage | Qantas

Alternatively - fly with an airline that only uses containers for bags - larger aircraft or A320s.

you may wish to consult your local consumer affairs office (they generally provide free advice).

 

[KLMCM]

Ask QF to provide you with the relevant section where they do not provide compensation for damage caused by weather. I'm having trouble locating it.

The airline should have appropriate cover (tarpaulin) for circumstances where bags can be exposed to the elements.

QF's baggage policy is here - but no mention of damage by water: Delayed, Lost or Damaged Baggage | Qantas

Alternatively - fly with an airline that only uses containers for bags - larger aircraft or A320s.

you may wish to consult your local consumer affairs office (they generally provide free advice).

I have not been able to find anywhere to say water damage is excluded either. Good idea about consumer protection, if I don't get any satisfaction I might deal with it that way.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I have not been able to find anywhere to say water damage is excluded either. Good idea about consumer protection, if I don't get any satisfaction I might deal with it that way.

I'm thinking that an airline has a duty to look after your bags with care. Rain or other weather is not unusual, and they should have reasonable measures in place to protect your luggage.

 

[JessicaTam]

I'm thinking that an airline has a duty to look after your bags with care. Rain or other weather is not unusual, and they should have reasonable measures in place to protect your luggage.

Agreed. I have seen trolleys that have covers rolled up at the ends presumably for inclement weather. Not hard to use them.