Luggage nightmare: Air Canada passenger fights for compensation after bag arrives destroyed

Ori Wolk of Ottawa flew on business class to Israel with Air Canada following a death in the family in March, and on his return flight home from Montreal to Ottawa, Wolk says he was told by an Air Canada agent the plane to Ottawa had minimal storage capacity and recommended he check in his carry-on bag.

However, when he landed in Ottawa, he was directed to the baggage claim area where he received his carry-on luggage in a plastic bag. Wolk says he was speechless. The carry-on bag and its contents were heavily damaged.

When Wolk filed his claim and wrote Air Canada, he also outlined the value of his damaged items which were over $1,000. However, days later, Air Canada responded to Wolk stating after evaluating his claim an e-transfer in the amount of $180 would be issued along with 15 per cent off his next flight as a goodwill gesture.

Wolk rejected Air Canada’s offer and turned to Consumer Matters for help. Anne Drewa has the story.

#GlobalNews

[elizamay]

This is what they try to and WILL get away with until and unless government or media get involved and affect their bottom line.

[Stardusted]

This article began my day. I started laughing hysterically because I couldn’t believe the MESS! The bag looks like it was dragged behind the plane!!! That’s not funny, but it sort of is. This guy is very laid back and cool. Thanks to everyone who helped him out.

[michelleokoth]

Where does Air Canada get off treating paying customers like trash.. its disgusting!

[dvsxavier]

Wow, this is just awful. Air Canada is the worst.

[GraciaAbe]

The luggage looks horrible. He deserve that compensation.

[canadiansnowplowguy]

My luggage did not show up when we flew into Fredericton NB and we too were told by Air Canada employee (Fredericton NB) we could submit receipts for clothing. We purchased basic clothing for 1 day but it was rejected by Air Canada customer service.
We need to stop thinking of Air Canada as a superior air line as they are not better than flair.

[JDL]

They have broke multiple bags of mine. It's like they now how to make you ignore the claim which requires you to take a day off work to bring the bag to their "repair" shop and only then will they compensate you for a damaged bag. Usually your lost day of work equates to or will cost you more than the bag itself.

[tedtan]

So who are the big names invested in Air Canada? Let's start with politicians.

[Impozalla]

Air Canada's Monopoly of the market is just disgusting. They're so big that they can do whatever they want and the government cannot stop them. That monopoly need to stop.

[FoxBatinaHat]

Air Canada has gone downhill since 2019.

[sammf]

I encountered so many passengers that said I was the first person that listened to them and the won't hire me tell me why

[rainbowfrequency]

Air Canada is really terrible... they lost our tablets and never compensated or even responded to us. This among a host of other things... I really prefer westjet here in Western Canada

[fifi]

i allways said air canada is a disgrace..

[meybelam]

Find a different airline, with better service, their flights are extremely expensive they never have good deals. This airline is only for business people, regular middle class people can afford a flight. Is a shame that a Canadian airline does not provide good deals to Canadians with low income.😮

[derricklafrance]

Maybe those wacky guys from Sunnyvale Trailer Park stole them from the luggage carousel.

[MarioAndrade-ojog]

Every potential passenger should think hard before booking a flight with Air Canada. This airline lost both my pieces of luggage and I found myself trapped halfway across the globe with literally the shirt on my back and nothing more. Air Canada personnel at the airport were rude and unhelpful, and efforts to reach the airline's lost-luggage help desk have been fruitless, as I've spent well over 3 HOURS on hold before giving up and hanging up the phone. It's beyond outrageous that these people are allowed to remain in business when they continue ruining their customers' long-planned vacations, refuse to answer calls from the passengers they victimize, and run away from any accountability for their gross negligence. I'm thoroughly disgusted with Air Canada and will never trust them again. This airline deserves to fail and fade into history.

[JohnMichaelHauck]

$180 was the amount Air Canada initially paid, and Air Canada re-asserted that was all Ori claimed.
The document Ori submitted showed $180 as the amount for the "Carry-on bag", plus 4 other line items.
It could be this was simply a result of a line item being confused as the total amount.

[ps]

So; how much did taxpayers give to Air Canada during Covid?

[mielecorazon]

So there were no other airlines available, sir??? Why would you fly with them ...just bizarre

[ToadHallRecords]

To be objective, the baggage looks flimsy. And I'd really like to know how that stuff looked before it got roughed up because, to be honest, it looks like literal trash