Emirates fined $100,000 for limiting reimbursements for delayed baggage

U.S. transportation secretary Ray LaHood said: “All air passengers, regardless of whether they are taking domestic or international flights, deserve to be compensated fairly for lost, damaged or delayed baggage. We will continue to take enforcement action when necessary to protect airline consumers."  

The airline was investigated following a customer complaint, and was found to have denied compensation for these items.  

The DOT states that under the Montreal Convention, an international agreement that sets liability limits for international air transportation, airlines are liable for damages caused by lost, delayed or damaged baggage up to a limit that is the equivalent of approximately $1,820 in U.S. currency unless the carrier has taken all reasonable measures to prevent the damage or it was impossible to take these measures. The convention forbids carriers from setting a lower baggage compensation limit for international flights, and does not allow carriers to refuse to provide compensation for jewelry, electronics or other specific types of items. U.S. aviation statutes require airlines to comply with the convention.  

The DOT said: "In its written responses to passengers, Emirates stated that its contract of carriage limited its liability for such items and incorrectly claimed that its practice complied with the Convention. Emirates' website also stated that the carrier was not liable for valuables damaged while in the carrier's custody.”