A Newfoundland woman found a knife and airport scanner in her returned Air Canada suitcase—missing were her clothes, books, and sentimental belongings.
Shocking Discovery After Missing Luggage Returned
A Newfoundland woman, Linda Royle, was stunned to find unfamiliar and alarming items—including a knife and an airport ticket scanner—inside her carry-on bag after it was returned by Air Canada. The suitcase, lost during a stopover in Toronto in March, also contained two toiletry kits and a stranger’s boarding pass, while her own belongings were gone.
Luggage Delayed, Then Disturbingly Altered
Royle’s luggage was checked at Toronto Pearson Airport for a flight to St. John’s. When she arrived, both her suitcases were missing. While her larger bag arrived days later, the carry-on remained unaccounted for until a local pharmacy in St. John’s called her about medication found in a suitcase forwarded from the airport’s lost and found. Air Canada later returned it—along with the disturbing surprises inside.
Personal Items Replaced, Sentimental Belongings Gone
Instead of her shoes, books, and clothes, Royle discovered two used toiletry bags, a scanning device resembling those used to verify boarding passes, and a knife. “You feel violated,” she said, describing the experience of realizing someone had gone through her personal belongings. Particularly painful was the loss of pink Crocs, a gift from her niece during her sister-in-law’s cancer treatment.
Airline Initially Denies Compensation
Despite filing a claim with Air Canada for the missing items—estimated at $950—Royle’s request was denied. A baggage claims representative cited the lack of receipts as grounds for rejecting compensation, advising her to contact her insurance provider instead. Air Canada policy requires receipts only for items exceeding $350 in value.
Airline Reconsiders After Media Inquiry
After media inquiries about the case, Air Canada re-evaluated Royle’s complaint. In a statement, the airline acknowledged the error and confirmed that her individual item claims fell below the receipt requirement threshold. The airline now says it will reach out to Royle directly to resolve the matter.
Questions Raised About Airport Security and Handling
Royle believes the mishandling happened at Toronto Pearson, where she suspects her bag was left unattended, giving unauthorized individuals time to tamper with it. She expressed frustration over the lack of accountability and security. “You entrust your bags with them,” she said, “and they act like it’s your fault for not keeping receipts.”
Few Alternatives Despite Experience
Despite the unsettling ordeal, Royle says she’ll likely continue flying with Air Canada due to limited airline options in Newfoundland. While she received a 15% discount code for her next trip, she’s more concerned with recovering the value—and memories—of what was lost.
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