Airline damaged your bag? Invoke the Consumer Protection Act

Don't let airlines and their baggage handling partners fob you off with a pittance when their baggage handling partners damage your luggage.

South African airlines often limit compensation using outdated international conventions, ignoring the Consumer Protection Act's protections.

But the CPA entitles you to fair compensation for damaged goods - and that includes your baggage.

Document the damage at the airport immediately, photograph everything, and file a written complaint referencing the Consumer Protection Act. Don't accept their first offer; escalate to the airline's complaints department or the Consumer Goods and Services Ombud - and me! - if necessary.