Turkish Airlines Did Not Load My Luggage on the Flight
On September 24th, I was scheduled to fly with United Airlines on a multi-leg journey from Orlando to Washington, Frankfurt, and finally Ankara. Due to a delay in the Washington flight, I was rebooked by United on a Paris-Ankara flight with Turkish Airlines on September 26, 2023. At Orlando MCO airport, as I was boarding, the staff informed me that my cabin baggage would be checked in at no extra cost. However, as boarding began and passengers started scanning their tickets, my name was announced. When I approached the staff, I was told that I had an extra piece of luggage and needed to pay an additional fee. Despite explaining that I had no extra luggage and repeatedly asking for the fee amount, I was told to wait. For 10 minutes, I was coldly and sternly informed that I would not be allowed to board if I didn't pay, but the fee amount was only disclosed at the last moment when the gate was about to close. I was told I owed €119. When I offered to pay in dollars, it was refused. They also did not accept credit or debit cards. Under immense pressure and with the plane about to depart, a Turkish Airlines employee finally allowed me to board but said my luggage would not be loaded. Even my entitled 23kg bag was not taken. Upon reaching Ankara, I filed a lost luggage report, and my bags arrived home 4 days later, both damaged. One bag had a broken side, and the other was crushed. Additionally, a pair of Calvin Klein shoes I had bought as a gift for my family was squashed and deformed. Despite wrapping the shoes in soft material, it was evident they were damaged due to mishandling. Many liquid items in my luggage had also burst. Not only did this experience cause me significant psychological distress, but it also resulted in substantial material damage. I am deeply disappointed and will not let this matter go. I will pursue compensation for this distress and the damage caused.
