Arkia Accused of Overcharging Passengers on Rescue Flights
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Arkia charged passengers for luggage on rescue flights, despite state funding.
- Baggage was transported separately on cargo planes, not with passengers.
- Passengers claim Arkia refused refunds and exploited their fears.
- Arkia says it covers delivery costs and will refund if the state pays.
- Passengers are organizing to demand their money back.
Passengers who returned to Israel on Arkia Airlines rescue flights are expressing anger and frustration after being charged hundreds of dollars for luggage, only to discover the service was state-funded and their bags were transported separately. According to regulations in the UAE, luggage on these flights was to be sent to Israel via separate cargo planes, with the state covering the costs. However, Arkia allegedly continued to charge passengers for baggage handling and transport, even as competitor Israir reportedly blocked such payments. Passengers claim they were unaware of the state's funding until arrival and that Arkia representatives refused refunds, with some stating they were told "no refund, pleasant flight." Passengers are now organizing to demand their money back, accusing Arkia of exploiting their anxiety about losing their belongings. Arkia stated that while the state funds the flight of the luggage to Israel, the airline incurs significant costs for handling, sorting, and delivering the bags to customers' homes. The company has offered refunds only if the state agrees to cover these additional logistical expenses.
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