Baggage horror destroys holiday
An Englishman’s holiday in New Zealand has ended on a sour note after his suitcase was battered on a flight from Christchurch and valuable contents — including a camera with photographic memories — vanished.
The damage occurred during a Jetstar trip to Auckland yesterday morning. Visitor James Lees said goods missing included a $5000 Tag Heuer watch, $1800 Canon camera and $1000 of gifts,
The 35-year-old union official said he reported the damaged suitcase, worth $1700, and missing items at Auckland Airport, filled out a compensation claim and was told to go to a desk when he reached Manchester in two days.
The dented case, minus a wheel, was wrapped up for the flight home.
“I really don’t think that’s good enough and now my bag looks like this,” said Lees, who sent photographs of the suitcase to the Herald on Sunday.
“I need to travel from Manchester to Bournemouth, and cross London on the underground with a threewheel suitcase and bags.”
Lees arrived in New Zealand 15 days ago to explore the country where he had a “lovely holiday, meeting lovely people and having amazing experiences like jumping in the canyon in Queenstown and swimming with dolphins”.
“Now all my memories on camera are lost. It’s really upsetting,” he said shortly before boarding a flight home.
A Jetstar spokeswoman confirmed Lees lodged a compensation claim at the service desk at Auckland Airport, adding the baggage team would be in touch with him directly.
“We take great care to look after baggage and apologise for any damage caused to Mr Lees’ bag on his journey.”