Federal MP Madeleine King blasts Qantas over wet and late luggage

An MP has hit out at Qantas after they waited almost two hours for their luggage, which arrived drenched from the rain.

MP Madeleine King has blasted Qantas after she waited more than an hour at Perth airport only to receive soggy luggage, saying the airline does not “deserve the monopoly” it enjoys.

The Minister for Resources and Northern Australia vented her frustration on social media.

“Hi Qantas … it’s been nearly an hour now and no sign of luggage at Perth Airport. Should we leave and collect tomorrow?” she tweeted at 11.45pm on Monday.

hi @Qantas …. Its been nearly an hour now and no sign of luggage at Perth airport.

Should we leave and collect tomorrow?

— Madeleine King MP (@MadeleineMHKing) September 12, 2022

Qantas responded just after 5am on Tuesday.

“Hi Madeleine, sorry for the delay and to hear about this. Have you since been assisted at the airport? Please send us a DM if you require further assistance.”

The federal member for Brand responded less than two hours later, ripping into Qantas.

“Hi Qantas, I was not assisted at the airport because you have no staff there. However the saturated luggage did turn up after 90 minutes. Qantas does not deserve the monopoly it has got.”

A Qantas spokesperson told NCA NewsWire the airline understood how frustrating it could be waiting at the baggage carousel.

“Unfortunately, poor weather and heavy rain on Monday evening meant that several aircraft landed in Perth around the same time, which caused a delay in getting baggage off a flight from Canberra,” they said.

Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Madeleine King was not satisfied with Qantas. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Gary Ramage

“Our ground handlers worked hard to get bags off these flights as quickly as possible and we thank customers for their patience and understanding.”

Qantas is the only airline that operates Canberra to Perth flights, but Virgin and Rex could operate the route if they chose to.

Ms King’s complaint comes after a series of problems for Qantas and other airlines, including Jetstar, which was recently accused of abandoning a stranded elderly couple.

Many people have complained about delayed and cancelled flights as well as luggage issues.