Aviation News International – Three international airlines have been asked to pay Rs 1,15,000 to a Mohali family, who were on a trip to Canada and the US, by the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission of Chandigarh, The Indian Express reported. The decision has been taken over the harassment of the family during their holiday trip due to “unexpected changes in the schedule of flights” and the “loss of baggage containing daily necessities for four days”.
Understanding the distress caused by these unexpected disruptions, the Commission empathized with the family’s ordeal, as what was meant to be an enjoyable international tour turned into a nightmare.
What has the family alleged?
Gagandeep Toni from Mohali alleged that he and his family had meticulously planned a vacation to Canada and the United States in June 2022, having secured international air tickets with United Airlines, The Indian Express report said. Toni recounted that just before their scheduled boarding at Delhi International Airport, United Airlines abruptly notified them of the flight’s cancellation, leaving them stranded. After enduring considerable uncertainty, the airline eventually arranged alternative flights via a different route with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.
Subsequently, the family entrusted their entire check-in baggage to KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, containing essential items for their entire trip. However, their scheduled flight from Amsterdam was also cancelled, necessitating further alternative arrangements with the same airline. Eventually, on June 4, 2022, the family arrived in Canada with Air Canada Airlines. Toni asserted that their ordeal and distress persisted as their check-in baggage, handed over to the airlines at Delhi International Airport, went missing. Despite assurances from Air Canada, the baggage was only recovered on June 7, 2022.