Arkia Criticized for Charging Dubai Rescue Passengers Extra for Baggage
Israelis returning on Arkia rescue flights from Dubai were charged hundreds of dollars for baggage that was actually flown by the state on separate cargo planes. Passengers are now organizing to demand full refunds.
Many Israelis who returned home on Arkia rescue flights from Dubai found themselves paying hundreds of dollars extra for baggage—a payment that turned out to be completely unnecessary. According to the directives of the authorities in the United Arab Emirates, passengers' luggage on the rescue flights was flown to Israel on separate cargo planes funded and managed by the state.
Passengers who flew with Arkia claim that the company took advantage of the situation and charged fees ranging from 25 dollars for a trolley to 50 dollars per suitcase, even though the airline bore no actual responsibility for transporting the baggage. In contrast, other companies like Israir blocked the option to pay for baggage on their websites, notifying passengers once their cargo arrived safely in Israel.
Passengers Demand Refunds
Many frustrated passengers are now organizing to demand full refunds from Arkia, pointing out that those who did not pay received their luggage in the exact same manner as those who shelled out hundreds of dollars.
They took advantage of the situation and the passengers' fear that their suitcases would be left behind, said Vadim, a passenger who returned to Israel with Arkia.
Another passenger, Shachar, recounted paying 660 shekels for five suitcases and a trolley that were never even loaded onto the passenger plane. When she realized the payment was unnecessary and contacted customer service, she was met with a flat refusal.
Arkia's Response
In response to the mounting criticism, Arkia issued a statement explaining that while the state funded the initial flight of the luggage to Israel, the airline assumed full responsibility for handling, sorting, unloading, and delivering the baggage directly to customers' homes.
Arkia stated that this is a complex logistical operation involving heavy costs currently borne by the airline, adding that if the state ultimately covers these handling and delivery costs as well, the company will reimburse customers the amounts collected for luggage.
