Ontario couple who lost $8,000 gold chain in baggage incident given $1,272 by airline

Stafford and Karen Gordon, traveling from Toronto to Jamaica, experienced a significant loss when a flight attendant allegedly took one of their carry-on bags containing an $8,000 gold chain. The bag was never recovered, leading to a dispute with the airline regarding compensation. Air Passenger Rights advocate Gábor Lukács pointed out that the Montreal Convention dictates the maximum compensation a passenger can receive for lost luggage on an international flight.

The airline initially offered a small amount, which the couple deemed insufficient to cover their loss. After negotiations, the airline increased the compensation to $1,272. The couple expressed disappointment with the final amount, considering the value of the lost gold chain and the inconvenience caused by the incident.

This case highlights the limitations of airline liability for lost or damaged baggage under international agreements like the Montreal Convention. Passengers often find that the compensation offered does not fully cover the actual value of their lost items, especially in cases involving valuable jewelry or electronics. The incident underscores the importance of passengers being aware of their rights and the limitations of airline liability when traveling internationally.