TORONTO- An Oshawa couple says they lost valuable personal belongings after an American Airlines (AA) flight attendant removed one of their carry-on bags on a trip from Toronto (YYZ) to Montego Bay (MBJ).
They later learned the suitcase never made it past their connection in Miami (MIA), leaving them in a dispute over compensation and liability.
American Airlines Passenger Loses $8K
The couple was flying with American Airlines for a family memorial service and anniversary trip when a flight attendant took one of their carry-on bags, claiming the overhead bins were full.
The bag contained snorkeling equipment, clothing, shoes, two watches, and a 14-karat gold chain with significant sentimental value.
Although the couple provided their seat number, the suitcase was never tagged and was later untraceable during their connection in Miami.
The couple boarded in Toronto (YYZ) with two carry-ons. When instructed to surrender a bag, they tried to switch it, but the attendant took Stafford Gordon’s new suitcase and walked off the aircraft.
During their Miami (MIA) connection, an airline staff member assured them the bag had been tagged and would reach Montego Bay (MBJ). On arrival, carousel checks and discussions at the airline counter confirmed there was no record of the item in the system, The National Post reported.
Dispute Over Compensation
American Airlines informed the couple that reimbursement required receipts for any item valued over $100. Without them, the airline provided a payout of $1,272, citing shirts, shorts, pants, and snorkeling gear.
High-value items such as the watches, Aldo shoes, cologne, and the gold chain were excluded. The chain alone had an appraisal of around $8,000.
Air passenger rights advocate Gábor Lukács explained that the Montreal Convention caps compensation for international lost baggage at 1,519 Special Drawing Rights, roughly $3,000.
He added that higher protection is possible if travelers declare excess value before departure. However, the Gordons were never given that option because the bag was taken from them at the aircraft door.
The couple expressed frustration over the lack of communication. They argued that, since the bag was taken without being checked voluntarily, standard policies should not apply.
American Airlines maintained its stance that reimbursement could not be increased without receipts. Further escalation was declined in an email dated Oct. 24.
Lukács suggested the failure to tag the bag could approach reckless conduct, which may open the door to legal action. He noted that while case law is limited, a judge may consider the lack of tagging a critical factor in the bag’s disappearance.
Similar Incident
British Airways (BA) has filed a $1.2 million lawsuit against Ground Services International trading as dnata after high-value jewelry was stolen from cargo arriving at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD). The shipment had traveled from Bahrain International Airport (BAH), where it was handed to British Airways for transport.
The airline took legal action after a Bahraini court ordered British Airways to compensate the shipper, prompting the carrier to seek full indemnity from its ground-handling partner at Chicago O’Hare (ORD), which employed the two workers accused of the theft.
Legal Dispute Over Ground Handling Responsibility
British Airways argues that GSI International, operating as dnata, failed to protect the jewelry shipment during ground operations at Chicago O’Hare.
The airline states that two dnata employees accessed the cargo hold and removed the valuables shortly after the aircraft arrived in July 2023. The theft triggered an investigation, employee arrests, and court proceedings in Bahrain, where the jewelry company pursued compensation.
When the Bahraini court ordered British Airways to pay $406,000 in February 2024, the carrier turned to GSI International, asserting that the incident stemmed from negligence and procedural failures.
The airline claims that dnata did not enforce basic security measures and did not safeguard the shipment despite having full responsibility for ground operations at ORD. GSI disputed the demand and refused indemnification, leading British Airways to escalate the matter in an Illinois court.
Breakdown of the Lawsuit
British Airways is seeking reimbursement for the compensation payment, $100,000 in legal fees, and more than $700,000 in additional damages tied to operational and reputational impact.
dnata maintains that it follows strict governance and compliance standards and has declined to comment further due to the ongoing litigation.
The case has drawn attention because of its link to the Montreal Convention, which outlines airline liability in international cargo transport. Although airlines often absorb losses under this treaty, British Airways contends that responsibility shifts to the ground handler when the theft occurs under its supervision.
Wider Implications for Air Cargo Operations
This dispute highlights challenges faced by airlines and third-party handlers as they navigate security obligations and cross-border legal frameworks. It underscores the need for transparent procedures, defined responsibilities, and tighter protocols for handling high-value cargo.
As discussions continue, both sides are reported to be considering a settlement to avoid extended litigation in Illinois.
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