A passenger is facing a lawsuit from Air Canada after spending more than C$3,000 on replacement items while his luggage was missing during travel. Losing luggage is one of the most frustrating experiences for any traveler, as it can leave them stranded without essential belongings. Whether it is temporarily misplaced or completely lost, the inconvenience is especially significant when arriving at a destination unprepared. This is exactly what happened to Alaa Tannous and his wife, Nancy, in 2022 after they took a cross-country flight from Toronto to Vancouver with Air Canada.
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 compensate for their missing belongings. Following this advice, the couple proceeded to buy essential items, spending over C$3,000 (approximately $2,100 USD) to replace the items they had lost. 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 receive what he believed was fair compensation, Alaa took 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, an amount that Alaa considered reasonable given the situation. However, just when he thought the ordeal was behind him, the case took an unexpected turn. In December 2024, Alaa and Nancy received court documents notifying them that Air Canada was suing them. The airline had decided to take the case to Federal Court in an attempt to overturn the CTA’s ruling.
The legal action came as a surprise to Alaa, who was frustrated that the airline would take such extreme measures over what he considered a minor claim. “It was shocking,” he said after being served with the lawsuit over the holidays. “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 Air Canada would go to such lengths over what seemed like a small reimbursement 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 side to the story, 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 an official statement, the airline asserted that Alaa’s flight landed in Vancouver at 11:08 a.m. on May 25, 2022, and that the missing luggage was delivered to their hotel 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 instance, on the evening of May 26—the same day Air Canada says the luggage was delivered—Alaa and his wife spent C$433 on a pair of women’s sneakers. Then, on May 28, two days after reportedly receiving their bags, they spent over C$1,000 on a monogrammed Tumi suitcase.
In its defense, Air Canada stated 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 Air Canada is pursuing legal action against Alaa and Nancy, it also clarified that if the airline wins its appeal, it will not seek legal costs from the couple. However, the lawsuit has already sparked a heated debate over airline policies and the extent of their responsibilities when a passenger’s luggage is lost or delayed. Many 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 high-end suitcase, qualifies as essential expenses.
For his part, Alaa has expressed frustration with the ongoing legal 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 lawsuit progresses, it raises a broader discussion about what is considered fair compensation when an airline misplaces luggage. While Air Canada fights to overturn the ruling, the case has already set a precedent for how similar disputes may be handled in the future. Whether the court sides with the airline or the passenger, this legal battle highlights the complexities of airline responsibility, passenger rights, and the process of seeking reimbursement for lost or delayed luggage.
