[lcabreira]

My first experience with Egypt Air began on the evening of December 2, 2007. It was a normal one. The check-in was done without much problem, for I monitored the progress and pointed out that my luggage should be checked-in all the way to my final destination, instead of being delivered where I had my connection (CAI). The clerk apologized for his lack of attention and smiled blushingly. In the ned, my luggage was tagged, even though it was not as good a tag as we usually see in other places. This one was just knotted to the handle and seemed to be easy to lose.

Arriving in CAI as a transit passenger was not a problem. At least not until I began to ask for help in getting a hotel. I asked 2 different people for a hotel, which should have been free due to the transit of more than 6 hours. I mentioned that I would pay for the hotel if not available for free, but they still directed me to the lounge saying I could rest well there. The lounge, of course, did not have a bed or anything similar. So I got back to them for the hotel.

It took them nearly 40 minutes to help me out of the airport. And it was only done because I paid USD 100.00 and walked out without my passport. Who in the world feels comfortable doing so? I didn't, but had no other option. I had to rest in order to arrive at my final destination 10 hours later and ready to work.

The hotel, as most in the region, reeked of cigarette. Still, I managed to get a couple of hours of sleep before my next flight, from CAI to AMM.

The arrival in AMM happened normally. I was greated properly by the passport control officers, and managed to get my visa within a few minutes.

Unfortunately, my luggage did not arrive in the same condition it was turned in to Egypt Air hours earlier. The zippers were broken and the lock was missing. Out of all my personal items (clothes, books, shoes, etc), only 2 pair of socks, 2 pieces of underwear and 3 books (arabic as foreign language) were left for me. Someone had stolen everything, most likely in CAI, where it spent more than 6 hours. Late for work and unable to do anything immediately, I decided to write a letter later. At least, their own policy said: “If the baggage is damaged, delayed, lost or destroyed, the passenger must complain in writing to EgyptAir as soon as possible and at the latest, in the case of damage to checked baggage , within 7 days , and in case of delay, within 21 days in both cases from the date on which the baggage was placed at the passenger’s disposal.” The said policy is available at: http://www.egyptair.com.eg/English/T.../Liability.htm

I did write them a letter on December 3, 2007, hours after my arrival, when I had the time. I also called their offices and tried to get some help. So far, all I have heard is that their policy does not apply, since "you need a claim".

I have spent over JOD 1,200.00 trying to get back what I lost. I would say I'm nearly half way done.

Unfortunately, no one has taken responsibility for it up to now.

It's up to me to decide what to do, so I thought that going public with this note would be fair so that most travellers are aware and prepare themselves for such occasions.

Sincerely, Egypt Air is not that bad, they just do not take responsibility for your luggage as mentioned in their own rules.