Air India Express ordered to pay Rs 27K after bicycle put on baggage belt
A Karnataka consumer commission ordered Air India Express to compensate a passenger after their bicycle was mishandled despite a paid special handling fee. The airline argued that the fee did not guarantee manual handling, but the commission ruled in favor of the passenger.
Why it matters
Highlights consumer rights regarding airline baggage services and the accountability of carriers for special equipment.
NEW DELHI: A district consumer commission in Karnataka has directed Air India Express to refund Rs 2,000 charged for special handling of a bicycle and pay another Rs 25,000 as compensation and litigation costs to a passenger. The commission found deficiency in service after the passenger’s bicycle was placed on the regular baggage belt despite payment for special equipment handling. The order was passed on August 31, 2026.Why did the passenger complain against Air India Express?According to the commission order, Sushanth N.G. booked a Chennai-Mangalore flight for July 27, 2025. While booking the ticket, he paid an additional Rs 2,000 for special equipment handling for his bicycle, which he claimed was worth around Rs 3 lakh.At Chennai airport, he checked in with two bags and the bicycle, which he used for training and competitive racing. He said airline staff assured him that the equipment would be handled with care.
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