An Air India passenger has claimed that a rental tripod worth ₹55,000 was badly damaged during a flight from Goa to Mumbai, exposing the airline’s baggage handling and compensation system as poorly done.
The tripod was checked in as baggage on the Goa-Mumbai flight. When the passenger collected the luggage at Mumbai airport he found that the expensive camera accessory had been broken. The tripod (rented for professional use) was valued at around ₹55,000.
The situation was more frustrating when the passenger approached Air India’s customer service desk to report the damage. The passenger said they had to wait nearly three hours before airline representatives responded to the complaint.
After the inspection, Air India provided compensation of only ₹5,000 to the passenger for the damaged equipment which was far below the actual replacement or repair cost a passenger told us. The offer quickly became a point of contention, as social media users questioned whether the compensation was fair for such an expensive item.
The incident gained more attention after the passenger posted a video that depicted baggage handlers throwing luggage during loading. When airline personnel saw the footage they said, “That’s how luggage is loaded.”
The comment has triggered widespread criticism online, with many users expressing concerns about the mishandling of fragile and high-value baggage by airlines.
🚨SHOCKING NEGLIGENCE:
— AVM (@AvmNews7) July 23, 2026
Air India reportedly broke a passenger’s rental tripod worth ₹55,000 during a Goa-Mumbai flight, only to offer a meager ₹5,000 compensation after a 3-hour wait!
When confronted with video proof of luggage being thrown, staff casually claimed, "That's… pic.twitter.com/s41pkV88wB
A few travelers had similar experiences of damaged luggage, and some advocated for tighter baggage handling procedures and better accountability.
Professional photographers and videographers, who travel with expensive equipment, also weighed in on the issue. Many said in a statement, while airline staff had advised passengers to pack fragile things safely, ground staff’s care is as important as well to avoid unnecessary damage.
The incident has reignited the debate about passenger rights and airline liability in cases of damaged baggage. Compensation is governed by airline policies and rules, particularly when checked baggage is filled with valuable or fragile items.
Professional equipment travelers are advised to declare such items and to purchase more baggage protection if they have it.
The story is still making the rounds on social media, and many users are calling on Air India to review the case and to re-examine its baggage handling standards. The airline has not commented on the specific allegations at the time of writing.
The episode is another reminder for passengers with sensitive equipment to use protective hard cases, retain proof of value, and report any baggage damage immediately before leaving the airport to strengthen compensation claims.
