Turkish Airlines Lost Baggage Issue and Subsequent Experiences
My Experience with Lost Baggage on Turkish Airlines and What Followed
On October 12, I flew from Antalya to Istanbul and then to Brussels with Turkish Airlines (THY) to join the ship I captain. However, upon arriving at Brussels Airport, I discovered that my baggage was lost. After investigations, it was determined that my baggage was not loaded onto my Brussels flight, and a lost baggage claim was initiated.
During this process, our ship operated in European ports for about 15-20 days before heading to America. Despite frequently calling THY customer service during this period, I did not receive a positive response regarding my issue. I faced significant difficulties due to the lack of essential items and medications, and I had to leave the ship after 3 months, unable to complete my 4-month contract.
After providing THY with a list of my lost items and their values, I was asked to supply invoices. I spent my leave period trying to obtain these invoices. However, the compensation offer made by THY was far from covering my losses; it was almost equivalent to the cost of an empty suitcase.
As a result, I handed the case over to a mediator lawyer, but the offers made still did not cover even a third of my losses. Unfortunately, I had to take the matter to court as a last resort.
While I expected a fair resolution and satisfactory compensation from THY for my lost baggage and all the inconveniences I experienced, I was greatly disappointed by the treatment I received and the length of the process. This experience will significantly influence my future choices regarding THY and serves as an important factor for other passengers to be aware of.
I hope that the necessary authorities will take my grievance into consideration and use it as an opportunity to improve the situation for other passengers facing similar issues. I intend to follow up on this matter.
