A passenger is now facing legal action from Air Canada after spending more than C$3,000 on replacement items when his luggage was delayed during travel. Losing luggage is one of the biggest headaches travelers can face. Whether it’s a temporary delay or a complete loss, being stranded without essential belongings can be stressful, especially when arriving at a destination without necessities. This was the situation for Alaa Tannous and his wife, Nancy, in 2022 after they took a cross-country flight with Air Canada from Toronto to Vancouver.
Upon arriving in Vancouver, Alaa was informed that his luggage had not arrived. According to him, airline staff were unable to determine its location or whether it had even left Toronto. “They couldn’t even track the luggage, if it’s in Toronto or, like, on the way,” he told CBC. “I was under the impression, luggage is gone.” Given this uncertainty, he was told that he and his wife could purchase a “reasonable amount” of necessities to make up for their missing belongings. Taking this advice, the couple went out and bought essential items, spending over C$3,000 (approximately $2,100 USD). They later submitted their receipts to Air Canada, expecting reimbursement for their unexpected expenses. However, Air Canada initially offered them just $250, which they refused to accept.
Determined to fight for what he believed was fair compensation, Alaa brought the matter to the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA), which later ruled in his favor. The CTA ordered Air Canada to pay the couple approximately C$2,400, a sum Alaa considered fair based on the inconvenience and necessity of the items they purchased. However, just when he thought the ordeal was over, the situation took an unexpected turn. In December 2024, Alaa and Nancy received court documents notifying them that Air Canada was now suing them. The airline had decided to take the case to Federal Court in an effort to overturn the CTA’s decision.
The news came as a shock to Alaa. “It was shocking,” he said about being served with the lawsuit during the holiday season. “It’s disappointing to see the airline, after all the money I spent with them over the years … they’re appealing a $2,000 claim.” The lawsuit quickly gained public attention, with many travelers sympathizing with Alaa’s frustration. People questioned why an airline would go to such lengths over an amount that seemed relatively small compared to the inconvenience of losing luggage.
@getlostwebsite I could see it moving around the airport🤬 @sarah #airlinestaff #airportlife #lostluggage #stolenluggage ♬ Suspenseful and tense orchestra(1318015) – SoLaTiDo
However, Air Canada provided a different perspective, arguing that the couple’s luggage had actually been returned within 24 hours of their arrival in Vancouver. According to the airline, some of the purchases the couple claimed as necessary expenses were made after their bags had already been returned to them. In its official statement, the airline said that Alaa’s flight landed in Vancouver at 11:08 a.m. on May 25, 2022, and the missing luggage was delivered to their hotel the next morning at 9:15 a.m. on May 26.
Breaking down the couple’s expenses, Air Canada pointed out that on May 25 alone, they spent nearly C$570 on toiletries, almost C$300 on lingerie and sleepwear, and over C$1,600 on clothing and underwear. The airline further claimed that some receipts indicated purchases made after the luggage was returned. For example, on the evening of May 26—the same day Air Canada says the luggage was delivered—Alaa and Nancy spent C$433 on a pair of women’s sneakers. Then, on May 28, two days after the couple had reportedly received their bags, they spent more than C$1,000 on a personalized, monogrammed Tumi suitcase.
In defending its decision to take the case to Federal Court, Air Canada explained that it was seeking legal clarification on what qualifies as a “reasonable” reimbursement for customers whose luggage is delayed. “Under current law, Air Canada cannot appeal decisions by the Canadian Transportation Agency to the agency itself and must instead appeal to the Federal Court,” the airline stated in a LinkedIn post. “In this case, Air Canada has chosen to appeal to the Federal Court because it is seeking guidance on what constitutes reasonable expenses that customers can claim.”
While taking legal action against Alaa and Nancy, Air Canada also made it clear that if the airline wins its appeal, it will not seek legal costs from the couple. However, the lawsuit has already sparked heated debates over airline policies and the responsibilities carriers should have when luggage is lost or delayed. Many travelers argue that airlines should be held accountable for the inconvenience caused by missing baggage, while others question whether spending thousands on replacement items, including a luxury suitcase, qualifies as essential expenses.
For his part, Alaa has expressed frustration with the ongoing battle and has stated that he does not plan to hire a lawyer, as he does not want to “waste more money” on the case. As the legal proceedings continue, the situation highlights a broader issue in air travel: what exactly constitutes fair compensation when an airline loses or delays a passenger’s luggage? While Air Canada fights to overturn the ruling, the case has already raised important questions about passenger rights, airline accountability, and the often frustrating process of seeking reimbursement for travel mishaps. Whether the court sides with the airline or the passenger, this case will likely set a precedent for how similar disputes are handled in the future.
