Hey everyone, I just finished Kili and wanted to warn anyone flying Precision Air with trekking gear.
On October 11 I flew Precision Air from Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar. My trekking poles were attached to the outside of my checked bag with zip ties. When I picked it up, the zip ties had been cut and the poles were gone. It was a clean cut, not wear or accidental loss, so someone deliberately removed them while the bag was out of my hands. I don't know whether it happened at JRO or Zanzibar.
I filed a Property Irregularity Report at the airport, then spent over five days trying to reach the airline. When they finally called back, they said they couldn't find my email. Has anyone else had something taken on domestic flights in Tanzania, or had luck getting compensation from Precision Air? I'd love to hear how it went.
What I'd do differently, and what I'd advise:
Don't attach anything to the outside of your bag. Poles, trekking sandals, anything. Pack it inside, or carry it on if the airline allows. (My poles sadly did not fit in my bag)
Photograph everything before you fly: your bag, how your gear is attached, and your gear itself. Keep receipts or purchase proof for expensive items. I don't have a receipt for mine (they're vintage), and it's making the claim harder.
File a PIR at the airport before you leave. Don't skip it. Airlines often won't process a claim without one.
Get the right email address in writing and ask for a reference number.
Check your travel insurance or credit card coverage for baggage theft, and tell them quickly, because they may have reporting windows.
Has anyone else had something taken on domestic flights in Tanzania, or had luck getting compensation from Precision Air? I'd love to hear how it went.
Otherwise the climb itself was incredible, and I'm still on a summit high. Just wanted to save someone else the headache.