Inadequate compensation

Inadequate compensation

I arrived in Singapore at about 1 p.m. on Jan. 21, 1997 by
United Airlines flight No. UA 805. My two bags, which I had
checked in at Toronto through to Singapore, did not arrive.

I reported the matter to the United Airlines' lost baggage
counter where I was asked for details of my baggage and given a
form as acknowledgment of my complaint. I was told the baggage
would arrive on the next flight and as I was proceeding to
Jakarta the same day, the baggage would be forwarded to Jakarta.

To this extent, my address was taken and in return I received
the address of the United Airlines agent in Jakarta. Not a single
day passed without me checking with the agents in Jakarta as to
the whereabouts of my baggage.

After six days, I was given a form to fill in declaring every
item that was in the lost baggage, including year, place and
price of purchase and the total estimated value of the items lost
which amounted to US$4,800. I was also given an advance of $250
after several requests to advance me $1,000 to purchase urgent
requirements.

On March 3, I received a $1,270 cheque without any cover
letter from United Airlines. The cheque was promptly returned to
United Airlines and they were requested to compensate me
adequately for the loss of my baggage, the value of which was
more than thee times the compensation offered. Up to now, United
Airlines have been very adamant and have said it's better I
accept their meager offer or they will consider the claim
concluded.

Knowing the value of the contents of my baggage it is in the
airlines' interest to retain my baggage if they find it,
especially given the value of the contents far exceeds the
compensation they are offering. If they had offered me their
measly compensation prior to knowing the value of my baggage I
would have considered their offer genuine. But since the airline
waited till they knew the value of the contents of the baggage
before they made their offer their action is suspicious and not
considered honorable.

If it is not the airlines' usual habit to constantly lose
passenger's baggage they should be able to satisfy passengers by
compensating them fully for the occasional loss that occurs. It
is only reasonable that passengers expect they will not lose
anything at the fault of the airlines.

M. ROBERT THARMASEELAN

Jakarta