TikTok content creator James Afante drew flak among netizens after accusing an airline of mishandling his checked-in luggage, resulting in severe damage to his laptop.
On Tuesday, Feb. 25, Afante took to his Facebook detailing his frustration after discovering his laptop had been broken upon retrieving his baggage. The influencer claimed that he had no choice but to check in the device and expressed disappointment over what he described as negligence in handling fragile items.
“Thank you so much Philippine Airlines! I already told there’s a fragile thing inside my luggage but yet still boogsh,” he wrote.
“To all who are asking. It’s checked in and I declared it. They placed a fragile sticker already in it but still- this happened. Sometimes customer should have the rights for this because we pay in full but we don’t have full control of everything specially when this kind of things happen,” he added.
This sparked debate on airline policies and passenger responsibilities when traveling with expensive electronics.
Afante’s complaint has drawn mixed reactions online. Some sympathized with him, saying airlines should be more accountable for damaged items, especially when passengers are forced to comply with strict carry-on restrictions. Others, however, pointed out that most airlines explicitly advise against placing fragile electronics in checked luggage due to the potential for rough handling during transport.
According to airline policies, passengers are generally responsible for ensuring that valuable and delicate items remain in their carry-on bags. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) recommends that laptops, cameras, and other electronic devices be brought onboard whenever possible. Some netizens argued that Afante should have taken extra precautions, such as using a protective case or carrying the laptop with him.
As of now, the airline involved has yet to release an official statement regarding Afante’s claim.