Air NZ: we try to track down owners

Air NZ insist they attempt to track down the owners of lost property following reports of Qantas auctioning off passengers' gear.

Fairfax

A STEAL: The Sunday Telegraph reported yesterday that Qantas has been auctioning off passengers' lost property to staff.

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Air New Zealand says it attempts to track down the owners of property left on its flights, following reports that Qantas auctioned off passengers' property to staff.

The Sydney-based Sunday Telegraph reported yesterday Qantas did not actively attempt to return found items to travellers, despite them sitting in allocated seats.

Passengers were advised to leave telephone messages if they lost property.

If not claimed, some items were auctioned off to staff, with the proceeds going to charity.

Other unclaimed items were given to charities, including the Salvation Army and Mission Australia, if unclaimed after four weeks.

But Air New Zealand the airline would attempt to track down owners if items left on planes appeared valuable, and if they had contact details.

Spokeswoman Marie Hosking said staff did not have access to lost property, and unclaimed items were kept for up to four months then donated to charities.

- NZPA