WHAT IS THE REAL COST?

Following the recent flight SQ321 severe turbulence event, Singapore airlines has offered $US10,000 in compensation for minor injuries and $US25,000 for serious injuries but is enough? There are also refunds for their trips.

Turbulence is hard to detect beforehand so is it their fault? The legal points will be decided by others but it is similar to driving where some unforeseen event causes a driver to run into the back of a car and almost always the following driver is responsible.

From a cynical viewpoint, the offer of a small compensation will satisfy most passengers and court cases will be avoided. The real cost of an injury over the following years are hard to determine.

The best offer would be for any current costs and an ongoing commitment for any future costs, including loss of wages.

Dennis Fitzgerald,

Melbourne, Australia