Changi Airport baggage handler seen tossing luggage onto belt, SATS says behaviour doesn't reflect service standards

A baggage handler was seen tossing luggage onto the belt at Changi Airport, raising concerns of damage.

According to an Instagram post by user Eric Yoong, the incident occurred at the airport's Terminal 2 arrival hall, luggage belt 31.

A baggage handler, dressed in a blue polo shirt, was filmed throwing multiple large suitcases onto the belt, causing them to flip upon impact.

At the time of writing, the post has garnered 184,000 views and 803 likes.

In response to Mothership's queries, SATS said they were aware of the video circulating online showing a SATS service crew and have looked into the incident.

"The behaviour seen in the video does not reflect our service standards or the care with which we expect baggage to be handled. We are sorry that this occurred."

Baggage handler tossed luggage

In the video, the baggage handler could be seen lifting and tossing luggage onto a belt dedicated to baggage arriving from a Lufthansa flight, LH780, from Frankfurt.

One of the luggage pieces made a flip upon landing on the baggage belt.

The baggage handler also tossed wrapped suitcases and boxes onto the belt.

In his post, Yoong said: "I don’t think that’s the correct way for a baggage officer (in blue shirt) to handle those unclaimed luggage by throwing it back to the luggage belt instead of placing it back nicely or leaving it at the side".

He also questioned whether passengers should claim compensation from the airline or the airport if the luggage was found damaged.

Baggage was moved for transfer

SATS said: "The baggage involved was originally checked in for a morning flight on 23 April, which was subsequently cancelled due to a technical issue with the aircraft."

The air cargo and in-flight catering firm added that the passengers were rebooked on flights departing later that day or the following day.

SATS said that baggage for passengers awaiting new flights was temporarily removed from the arrival belt for holding.

Once new departing flights were confirmed, SATS service crew moved the bags back to the baggage belt for transfer to the airside baggage handling area, where security screenings and uplift to respective flights would take place, said SATS.

"This transfer had to be carried out within a short window so that passengers could make their rebooked flights. The video captured part of this process."

Crew counselled

SATS said they had counselled the service crew involved and reinforced the importance of proper baggage handling at all times, even under operational pressure.

"We have also reminded our teams to seek assistance when additional manpower is required, so that service standards are maintained at all times."

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A post shared by Eric Yoong(容总) (@ericzhyoong)

Top image via Eric Yoong/IG