UPDATE: A Ryanair passenger is expressing outrage after his checked bag, valued at £1,500, arrived at London Stansted Airport on September 4 in a shocking state—”ripped to shreds.” Daniel Sakal, a 34-year-old photographer from Colchester, Essex, claims the airline offered him a mere £50 in compensation, leaving him feeling insulted and frustrated.
Sakal had just returned from Nice, France, where he worked at a wedding. After waiting around 40 minutes at the baggage reclaim area, he grew concerned when his bag failed to appear on the conveyor belt. After consulting a Ryanair staff member, he was informed it had been found, but the condition was alarming. “It looked like it had been mauled by a tiger,” he recounted.
Photos shared on social media show a devastated bag alongside scattered personal items, including clothes, new shoes, and a drone controller. The damage to his belongings has left him “in shock,” as he described the humiliating moment when his items fell onto the floor at the airport. “I was embarrassed, all my boxers and underwear were on the floor,” he added.
Despite the extensive damage, Ryanair’s response has been minimal. Sakal received an automated email upon submitting his complaint and was eventually offered £50, an amount he believes is grossly insufficient compared to the actual value of his belongings. “It’s such an insult given how much damage they’ve caused,” he stated.
In response to the incident, London Stansted Airport clarified that the matter falls under Ryanair’s jurisdiction. Meanwhile, Ryanair attributed the mishap to its third-party baggage handlers at Nice Airport, yet did not provide details on how they reached this conclusion.
Sakal is adamant about holding the airline accountable. “They need to be held responsible for this,” he emphasized. “I haven’t even received an apology.” Social media users have rallied around him, expressing their disbelief and anger over the airline’s handling of the situation. One user commented, “Did they drag it along the runway under the plane?! That is terrible!”
With growing scrutiny over the airline’s customer service, this incident raises alarms about baggage handling practices and accountability in the aviation industry. As Sakal continues to pursue compensation and a proper response, he hopes to bring attention to the broader implications of such negligence.
The situation remains developing, with further updates expected as Sakal seeks resolution with Ryanair and the baggage handlers involved. For now, he remains frustrated but determined to ensure his experience is not forgotten.
Stay tuned for more updates on this urgent matter.
