Luggage damage complaints increase

Increasing numbers of travellers to the United States are complaining about their luggage being damaged during security searches. According to a report in the Daily Telegraph, some 10% of all luggage heading for aircraft holds is now opened and searched by officials – and passengers who lock their bags are having to pay for damage caused when the cases are forced open. The newspaper reports that some travellers have been concerned that their insurance may not be valid if cases are not locked – but that the industry is already showing “some flexibility” over the matter. A spokesman for the Association of British Insurers (ABI) reportedly said: “Normally, insurers would expect customers to take reasonable precautions, which include locking baggage. But the major insurers are aware of the situation and want to reassure policy-holders that they would treat each case on its merits.”