The downtime caused delays and frustration for passengers, including celebrity Maria Ozawa
Travelers faced long delays and frustration at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 on 12 June 2024, a national holiday in the Philippines (Independence Day), due to a reported downtime of the Baggage Handling System (BHS). According to reports received by AvGeek Philippines, the malfunction resulted in the rejection of all checked-in baggage, forcing airlines to resort to manual sorting of luggage. This led to significant delays for passengers waiting to claim their belongings.
The incident caused chaos and confusion at the airport, particularly for those traveling on a busy holiday weekend. Many passengers expressed their frustration on social media, with some reporting waiting for hours to claim their luggage. The situation was further complicated by the sheer volume of travelers due to the holiday rush.
Adding to the travel woes, prominent Japanese model Maria Ozawa recently revealed that her luggage did not arrive with her when she landed in Vietnam on June 12th. She took to social media to express her disappointment, but thankfully, her bags were located and delivered to her today, after a two-day wait.
Cebu Pacific issued this travel advisory earlier today:
While the cause of the recent BHS downtime at NAIA Terminal 3 remains unknown, the incident highlights the importance of being prepared for baggage issues when traveling. Here are some tips for what to do if your luggage gets lost or delayed:
- Report the issue immediately: Upon arrival at your destination and discovering your baggage is missing, report it to the airline representative at the baggage claim area. File a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) with a detailed description of your luggage, including its brand, size, color, and any identifying marks.
- Keep documentation: Always retain your boarding pass and baggage claim tags as they are crucial for tracking your lost luggage.
- Take photos: If possible, take pictures of your checked-in baggage before departure. This will be helpful in identifying your belongings if they are lost.
- Pack essentials in your carry-on: To avoid inconvenience in case of delayed luggage, pack a change of clothes, medications, and toiletries in your carry-on bag.
- Contact the airline: If your luggage hasn’t arrived within a reasonable timeframe, follow up with the airline you traveled with. They are responsible for locating and delivering your lost baggage. Most airlines offer luggage tracking services online or through their mobile apps.
- File a claim: If your luggage is not located within a certain timeframe (usually 21 days), you may be entitled to compensation from the airline. The amount of compensation will depend on the airline’s policy and the value of your belongings.
The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) has yet to comment on the cause of the BHS downtime or whether the system is now fully operational. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of efficient airport infrastructure and passenger preparedness. By implementing proper protocols and being informed travelers, we can minimize the stress and inconvenience associated with lost or delayed luggage.