Hi
Looking for some advice and assistance please.
We have all heard of nightmare airport security - but this has taken me aback!
Coming through Melbourne and our Skydive Gear was confiscated by an airline manager based on them being "Dangerous Goods".
We demonstrated they are exempt of all travel regulations with the Cypres card, and showed them the relevant section on air travel on Cypres website.
Furthermore, we went through the DG list with the employee; they are absent from Qantas's own DG list. It states to speak to the CAA and IATA.
On one leg of our trip - a check-in assistant even called DG and validated they were not Dangerous Goods. (We did 7 legs with the same airline).
We had to catch our flight, and had no other option but to resolve this from the UK. At the time, we were told they could be freighted - not ideal - but manageable.
An initial letter to customer complaints was futile, with them only repeating the ground manager's claim that Sports Parachutes are DG.
I have spoken with IATA, CAA and FAA and all agree they are not dangerous goods. The Australian Parachute Federation is also in agreement. All evidence to the above has been supplied to Customer Care.
Is it possible to file a formal complaint and get this investigated? If so what body?
I have sent emails seeking assistance to the British Consulate in Melbourne, the BPA and Cypres.
Is there any other avenue we can pursue?
We have written a formal letter, citing the relevant evidence. As it stands they are still classified by the airline as DG and cannot be moved.
We do not have a contact in Melbourne who can assist us in freighting them in any other manner.
Any help would be greatly appreciated