I Face Pegasus Compensation Claim for Laptop Damage on Berlin Istanbul Flight

On my May 2, 2026 flight PC982 from Berlin Brandenburg to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen (PNR: 1TDRGV, seat: 31D), I placed my cabin baggage (my backpack) in the overhead compartment following the explicit instructions of the Pegasus cabin crew. My Apple MacBook Pro 16" M1 Pro (2021) personal laptop was inside this backpack and stored in the same compartment. Placing my bag in the overhead bin was not entirely my own choice but was done based on clear direction from the cabin staff.

During boarding, I clearly observed that the overhead compartment was already very full, with bags tightly compressed together, and the bin door was closed with noticeable force. The flight experienced turbulence, and there were also significant vibrations during landing. Upon arrival, when the overhead compartment was opened, I saw that the luggage had shifted and was stacked on top of each other.

Before the flight, my laptop screen was completely intact and functioning perfectly, and I did not use or open the device during the flight. After landing in Istanbul, when I tried to open it for the first time, I noticed that the lid was unusually stiff, almost as if it were stuck. When I powered it on, I saw a clear diagonal LCD pressure damage mark on the screen. This damage is especially visible on white or light-colored backgrounds and is a typical result of prolonged, heavy mechanical pressure.

My device is an Apple MacBook Pro 16" M1 Pro (2021), with an approximate market value between €1,800 and €2,200. The cost of a screen replacement for this model is approximately €750–€900 at Apple Turkey authorized service centers and around €700–€900 at Apple Germany authorized service centers. On May 9, 2026, after returning to Germany, I will obtain an official written repair quote and service report from the Apple Store Berlin and submit it to Pegasus.

All of these circumstances clearly indicate that the damage occurred during the flight process under Pegasus Airlines’ control, specifically while my cabin baggage was placed in the overhead compartment under cabin crew instruction. Under Article 17(2) of the Montreal Convention, Pegasus Airlines is legally responsible for damage to cabin baggage placed in the overhead compartment following crew instructions. I would also like to emphasize that the compensation limit under Article 22(2) is 1,288 SDR (approximately €1,600).

Since this was cabin baggage, a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) was not issued; however, I believe this does not invalidate my compensation claim under the international convention. On May 4, 2026, at approximately 4:30 AM, I initiated the complaint process via Pegasus Assistant, reported the damage through the chatbot, and provided all requested information. I also submitted my formal compensation request via email in both Turkish and English to müşt**************@flypgs.com and completed the application through Pegasus’s online form.

I have submitted all official notifications within the 7-day legal reporting period under Article 31 of the Montreal Convention. I expect a clear, written, and reasoned response from Pegasus within 10 business days, along with compensation in accordance with the 1,288 SDR (~€1,600) limit under Article 22(2). Otherwise, I will proceed with formal complaints to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation and relevant consumer protection authorities.