Dr Vinayak Khanolkar
Illegal Act by British Airways

My mother-in-law, age 77 and on wheel chair, lost her passport just before boarding BA0138 flight from Mumbai to London on 23/08. She was on her way to Boston, USA. After boarding the flight she immediately informed the flight attendant/crew about the loss of passport and was prepared to disembark She refused to travel and insisted that her passport be traced. Instead, she was flown to London. The air hostess kept on assuring her that the passport will be traced. She had worst experience at Heathrow, London. She was already under tension during Mumbai-London travel. The BA staff at Heathrow forced her to return to Mumbai and handed return boarding pass. Here again she traveled without original passport. Both acts are illegal on the part of BA crew/staff.

The old lady was under severe mental and physical strain due to the entire episode. The immigration authorities at Mumbai airport questioned BA duty manager who had to give a written statement after which she was cleared.

It is said that passport containing US Visa is sold outside for anywhere between Rs 5-15 lakhs. It appears that old passengers are the prime targets and there is a regular racket/gang operating at Mumbai airport.

Question is why the old lady was made to suffer by BA?

BA customer service has refused fresh air tickets and compensation to the passenger who wants to travel to USA. The passenger has suffered not only financial loss but is still under mental and physical stress.

The passenger has no option than to file a case against BA to recover the loss.

This is case of negligence and breach of security by BA, both at Mumbai and Heathrow airports.

Company: Dr Vinayak Khanolkar
Country: India
State: Maharashtra

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