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