UPDATE: A Ryanair passenger’s luggage has been left in tatters after a shocking incident at London Stansted Airport, prompting outrage and a minuscule compensation offer of just £50. Daniel Sakal, a 34-year-old photographer from Colchester, Essex, returned from Nice, France, on September 4, only to find his checked bag appearing as if it had been “mauled by a tiger.”
After a 40-minute wait at the baggage claim, Sakal’s frustration grew when his bag failed to arrive. A Ryanair staff member spent 20 minutes searching for the luggage before returning with it severely damaged, resembling a bag that had been “dragged down the runway.” Photos of the wreckage show his belongings, including clothes, new shoes, and a drone controller, scattered and damaged.
Sakal expressed disbelief at the £50 compensation, which he noted is less than the £200 he spent on the bag itself. “It’s such an insult given how much damage they’ve caused to my stuff,” he said, revealing that the total damage amounts to £1,500. His belongings were handed to him in a bin bag, leaving him embarrassed as he left the airport.
In a statement, Sakal described the moment he first saw his luggage: “I was really angry at the beginning when they brought it over… I had to write down all the things that were damaged and take photos of everything.” The airline’s response to his complaint was an automated message, followed by five emails before he received any acknowledgment.
Ryanair has blamed a third-party baggage handler at Nice Airport for the incident, a claim that has not been verified. London Stansted Airport stated that the issue lies with Ryanair. Sakal feels that accountability is lacking: “They need to be held accountable; I haven’t even received an apology.”
Public reactions have been swift and critical. Social media users expressed their shock, with comments like, “Did they drag it along the runway under the plane?!” and “This is awful and could happen again to anyone of us!” The images shared online have sparked further outrage, drawing attention to the potential hazards of air travel baggage handling.
As this story develops, passengers are urged to consider the risks involved with checked luggage, especially with airlines like Ryanair. What happens next for Sakal remains uncertain as he seeks a fair resolution and an official apology from the airline.
Stay tuned for updates on this ongoing situation as it unfolds.
