Coming back from an amazing time in NYC for Internet Week, I was reminded why one should never check bags. I flew from New York to Chicago with a layover in Philadelphia all on US Airways. When I arrived at my final destination my bag was missing. I filed a complaint and was told it should arrive on the next plane and would be hand delivered to me that night. 24 hours later it finally arrived…well some of it did.
My bag had been picked through and the following items were stolen:
- Nikon D40X DSLR Body
- 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX
- 55-200mm f/4-5.6 ED AF-S DX
- Nikon camera remote
- Nikon SB-600 Speedlight
- lens polarizers
- lens cleaning cloth
- 2 Nikon camera batteries
- Package of 12 lithium ion AA batteries
- 2 GB SD card
- 3-4GB SD cards
- Nikon brand camera case
- Silver Necklace
- Silver chain attachment for Purse
- Adobe mobile charger (from my Webby Awards goody bag)
I then remembered that Matt Mullenweg from WordPress also had camera equipment stolen on a recent flight. I re read this blog post and was shocked at the similarities.
- US Airways
- Philadelphia
- Had Nikon Camera Equipment stolen
- Bags were missing at first then showed up ransacked
- Were both given the run around by the airline
According to US Airway’s policy they aren’t liable for the following items being damaged or misplaced while in their care:
- silverware
- negotiable papers/securities/documents
- spirits
- precious metals/stones
- books/manuscripts/publications
- optics
- natural fur products
- sound reproduction equipment & related items
- keys
- antiques/heirlooms/collectibles
- photographic/cinematographic audio/video equipment & related items
- blueprints
- artistic items
- computer hardware/software & related items
- jewelry
- lifesaving medication
- business samples/equipment/documents & irreplaceable items
So what do they cover?
With the level of security in airports these days how can this go unnoticed? US Airways needs to clean up their act.
And I will never check bags again. Lesson learned.
Now for the 4 reasons Not to Fly US Airways:
- They do not care about their customers
- Their planes are old, stinky, and well, they just “plane” ole’ suck
- According to US Airways, the customer is NOT always right
- They are aware of problems at airports and plan on doing nothing about them
Links:
- US Airways Baggage Liability info
- Matt Mullenweg’s post on his US Airways fiasco
- How to deter baggage theft
UPDATE:
The amazing people over at MWW and Nikon heard about my sad story and are lending me a Nikon D80 for 30 days. Thank you guys!!!!
Digg Love Please!!
That’s horrible – how can they have a policy that says they are not responsible for anything when your bags are in their possession? And the fact that they were delivered late is also very suspicious. Who had contact with the bags besides US Airways employees?? Probably nobody. It’s completely their fault.
I had something similar happen regarding damaged baggage. Apparently, if you don’t fill out a form right there at the airport when you pick up your luggage, they are not liable for damages you discover at home when you’re unpacking. They really cover their asses not to cover damages/thefts by airport employees. It’s great you are writing about this.
that’s the norm for US Air & Philly. I live in philly, and won’t fly out of there unless I have to, and only on any airline other then US Air.
I’ve lost too many bags with US Air, and missed too many flight due to bad check-in/security nightmares there. Also when you come to philly, the bags take 2-3X as long to appear, it’s a lot to do w/ unions.
I drive to Newark, JFK, Allentown, Baltimore, just to avoid having to fly from Philly.
add-on if you’re being picked up(or picking someone up) the cops won’t let you stop for a few minutes even if you’re inside the car. So everyone goes and parks illegally in the shoulder on the highway w/ hazards on waiting.
I had a run-in with US Airways a few months ago too. Somehow they “lost” my frequent flyer account which was accumulating many years worth of miles. They theorized that this happened when they migrated to a new system for managing miles. Nonetheless, they said it was my responsibility to save all my frequent flyer miles statements and present it to them.
I’m done with US Airways for good!
Do they require that you check that type of electronic equipment? Now I’m not a photographer so for all I know you could be talking about large items here (sorry for my lack of knowledge about photography).
Anyway, I can see why you’re highly upset, I would be, too. Sounds like they have a baggage crew ring working there who know exactly what they’re looking for…. very sad, and not good for their business, either.
Remember, most of these disclaimers are worth the paper they’re written on are are simply to deter people from suing them (and doing a good job of that, I might add). They absolutely are liable and if you sue them you’ll likely get what you want (or they’ll settle for the amount to avoid going to court). My disclaimer: I’m not an attorney, but I’ve been told this by many.
[...] Leora Zellman) Please [...]
Holy crap! That’s insane. Now I don’t feel so paranoid for jamming my purse into my backpack and always carrying the Nikon as my 2nd carryon.
“add-on if you’re being picked up(or picking someone up) the cops won’t let you stop for a few minutes even if you’re inside the car. So everyone goes and parks illegally in the shoulder on the highway w/ hazards on waiting.”
you could just use the cell phone lot provided. it’s not the airport’s fault that people would rather sit on the side of the off-ramp. as for not being able to sit right outside the exit, that’s how it is at all major airports.
Live in Bucks County and have used PHL and USairways for years. Yes Philly has to be one of the worst airports in the world for delays and misadventures.
Tip: After being chased innumerable times and having my wife receive a ticket for waiting on the side of the road i discovered the cell phone lot. It is about 2 minutes from the terminal and you can wait without being hassled for your son/daughter/wife/husband until they call to be picked up. It made waiting a breeze. Also most Philly cops are very decent people who are doing a thankless job mandated by
rules they didn’t create.
BOOO US Airways!! Boo!
Seems like they don’t care about anyone!
How hard must it really be to properly monitor your employees?!
[...] of my twitter friends Barbara Boser and Ari J. Greenberg brought up the topic of air travel and how photography equipment is being pilfered from checked bags in Philly and how the customary “one free checked bag” is starting to fall by the wayside [...]
Believe it or not it probably wasn’t American Airlines doing the stealing, it’s the FSA:
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/travel/elliott/5797824.html
oops I mean US Airways, aka “Useless Airways”
No airline is going to be “liable” or responsible for anything of any value whatsoever. The only thing they will likey “cover” in the event anything is stolen is dirty cloths, and even that they won’t pay but a set limit.
I know, I use to work in the baggage area for an airline and, although they were one of the better airlines (southwest) they still wouldn’t cover REAL items.
Jeez, a D40X GONE?!?!?!?
I’m really sorry, that’s rotten.
Do you write about the Internet industry..? Or read http://www.paidcontent.org? I am looking to hire and would love any recommendations.
Best,
Raj
L,
Sheeesh. Sounds like a nightmare Leora!
–Wow Jones
That’s scary, since I live in Philly! Nice.
Sean Stoner is right. I work for an attorney and I’d sue them for the full amount it would cost to replace everything plus damages plus anything else I could think of. Ask for the moon and you’ll at least get enough to compensate you for what you lost. Sue and do it soon and I’ll bet you dollars to donuts that they settle without going to court. And don’t forget to ask the court to make them pay your attorney’s fees.
First, my condelences on this horrible process, and I really am sympathetic to your situation overall.
Second, you can’t write a scathing review of US Airways over this, but instead your ire should be focused at the entire industry. Frankly, what airline are you going to fly that doesn’t have these types of policies in place?
I understand your frustration is with US Airways because that is your experience in this case, but generally the contract of carriage is the same at other airlines. I fly several times a year, on various airlines and have not once ever seen where they will be responsible for anything when you look at the fine print. In this case, knowledge is key.
As this equipment is part of your business, I certainly hope you had it insured against this type of thing. If not, I’m speculating you will in the future.
Do I think you’re right at being angry? Absolutely, but in this society we currently live in where nobody is responsible for anything, you have to cover your own a$$.
That really stinks. What is the use of all the extra security if the employees in the back are corrupt enough to still items in luggage. I always carry all photo equipment on board the plane. In the event you do have to travel with more than you can carry, insure your equipment. It is not to expensive. Another trick, although a very long shot, is in the digital camera settings (I know the D80 and up have it) enter a strange code in one of the meta data fields (like LeoraNKX2). If someone is stupid enough to use the camera and post pictures on MySpace or any other site, there is a slim chance the search engines may find that meta data tag in the image file leading you to the culprit. Good luck.
Brennon – http://www.Tidalstock.com
no offense honey but it’s not the airport’s fault seriously, you were a bit laxed in your judgment to leave such precious, valuable and serious items in your luggage. people want cameras and memory cards and things of such. i would say next time use better judgment and don’t be so trusting. airline personnel are regular people who lie, steal and cheat. keep in mind that working the airline is a perfect opportunity to get really good items at a seriously low cost. FREE!
watch the news and understand that you are not too good to get got, i mean silly celebrities leave expensive jewelry in the luggage they check in and get got.
charge this one to you and next time leave the simple things for check-in and take all your equipment with you.
That’s crap by the airline… they are not responsible, they won’t let you use a lock on your luggage and then leave you vulnerable to any one going through it. US Airways is a disgrace.
Good Luck
This post makes me nervous…
I just flew on Continental through Newark with a Nikon D70 with lenses, etc packed in my suitcase. When I landed at my destination, the bag hadn’t come with me. The airline told me that the bag would be on the first flight the next morning. Nope. Nor any flight that day.
Finally, I received a call this morning from the baggage delivery dude that my bag was here, and they would be delivering it to my house.
Presumably it is there now – we’ll see about the contents when I get home from work.
My only potential saving grace is that since I was traveling on business, my company provides travel insurance – I think. Hopefully it won’t come to that.
Sorry about your loss.
P.S. Watch out for those guys that are lending your the D80. You might get hooked on a more expension unit and might just have to make a similar purchase…
-Jon
jonsthoughts.wordpress.com
WOW! Great coincidence!
I was flying from DC to Chicago thru Philadelphia. My plane at DC was delayed by 4hrs due to bad weather and I’d checked in all my bags. After long hours of chaos, I was told that my bags have been loaded into the aircraft and that my connection flight to Chicago was going to be on time from Philly. When I reached Philly at 1.30am in the night, I was told that my flight to Chicago was cancelled that afternoon itself!! They did not know why I was misinformed. Over that, I wasnt given any accommodation in any hotels cos nothing was available !! My next flight to Chicago was scheduled at 7.30am by them and they asked me to sleep over at the airport. It was pretty cold and I dint have any blankets/jackets too !!
What troubled me the most was the non-chalant behaviour of the authorities both in DC and Philly !!!
Upon reaching Chicago, one of my bags went missing and I received it late that night at 3am !! Thankfully, everything was intact !! I’m sorry you lost such expensive stuff.
I learned the same lesson as you .
Darn typed to fast again. Steal not still. Sorry.
and i understand suing is unnecessary unless you are looking to gain more than the value of your stuff. but if you file a claim they should compensate you. so look into that.
I had flown US Airways twice while in the Army 15 years ago. Both times they lost my bag. I’ve never flown with them again. I never check my camera, it’s always my carry-on.
Anyway, I might be able to help in the camera department. Message me for details.
Damn, that’s bad! Count yourself lucky, though… At least you didn’t fly to or from South Africa through O.R. Tambo Airport. There you never see you’re bags again! Those baggage handlers take EVERYTHING!
That’s awful. I flew US Airways to London this past Spring. NEVER AGAIN. It was the absolute worst service I’ve ever received on an airline.
she so ryt. its high time the US air rules change from the monopolistic scheme of things and let competitors enter.
thats ll ensure more competition, better fares, service, etc.
Thats horrible, I would have raised hell in that airport without a doubt. I have never flown with US Airways, they never caught my attention.
whew, thanks for sharing, was about to book US airways on the way to a wedding in Chicago. God forbid they steal my camera! or worse, my dress! Bad karma for them!
did you escalate to top management as USAir & security in Phily? Maybe if you include their names & contact info the publicity in the blogosphere will ’spur’ them into action
esp. now that they are charging ridiculous prices to check backage – a reason to fly light or carry on only
Crazy is it not, customer service in the service industry is quickly dying and US Air is a perfect example. My wife and I had a pathetic flight up to NYC from Charleston, SC last year and I decided to complain. The company graciously gave me two $300 vouchers for our next trip. We accepted and thought all was well. Guess again. Our next trip was several months later and we of course decided to use the vouchers. Lets start with the fact they actually charge you money to cash in the vouchers, $50 per voucher to be exact. This is not a lot of money but considering the voucher was for only $300 it becomes a good chunk but never together on all four flights. Next the reservationist assigns my wife and me seats up to 16 rows apart on each flight. Maybe she misunderstood when I told her my wife and I would be traveling “together” as we are fine with not seeing each other on the flight. Three delays and one horrific landing latter, I again mentioned something to US Air. This time it was prompted by a follow up call from them (which is unusual I know), I don’t like to complain, and always do my best to make certain the person I am talking to understands why I am telling them something. After politely reviewing the experience with the representative I got a response that will forever change my mind about US Air. The representative, who again called me not vice versa, said, “Well at least the flights were free”, which they were not. Again, it cost us $100 to fly, not a lot but not by definition “Free”. I will have a hard time ever again booking with US Air.
hmm..
Hola guapa un saludo desde Mexico.
I try not to check luggage on any airline! If I have to, its only basic clothing… all electronics, etc.. are in my carry-on. It’s a shame.
good luck on the next time…
That’s awful. I’ve been paranoid about air travel for years, so I rarely put anything into checked luggage other than clothes. Laptop, camera, Ipod, etc…all come with me on the flight.
What a chintzy company!
My sister flew US Air a couple of years back and had to check her bag at the last minute because her friend needed help with her kids. My sister wanted to carry it on because she had heard horror stories about US Air and had a lot of valuables in the bag. Well, they completely stole the entire bag, with her Laptop, camera, iPod, and more expensive clothing and cosmetic items inside. The retail value was over $2,000. The poor girl was on the phone with them essentially for the next 3 months- she never got the bag back and NEVER GOT MONEY BACK FROM THEM, WHICH THEY PROMISED. She had to go through her insurance instead. US Air is completely out of control and I honestly think they should be boycotted.
Holy crud! That’s why I NEVER, EVER put truly valuables in checked luggage if I can help it.
Last time I flew (back in December) on both US Airways and United I packed all the electronics and opticals in my backpack. It caused the TSA people a bit of panic as I noted they took their time scanning my backpack, but it went through without issue.
My issue was the fact that United is absolute shit. Our flight out of Norfolk was delayed by an hour and a half which meant my connection at Dulles had left without us.
When I got to Dulles the agent tells me the next flight to Providence is the NEXT DAY! I ask if we can get on a Boston bound flight, I figure if one leaves early enough we can take the MBTA commuter back to Providence. Sure, one leaving at 6PM, arriving Boston by 8:30PM.
Except the 6PM flight didn’t leave until sometime after 11PM. Seems the aircraft needed a new Auxiliary Power Unit that had to be flown in from Chicago.
Freakin’ parts fly faster than people. Next time I’ll just drive to North Carolina.
Apparently, it seems once again, whenever the government steps in to save corporate entities, that corporation can shirk whatever responsibilities they provide to their customers! Sorry about you items but as Sean and Judy said, sue Sue SUE! Due to rising fuel prices, a prior filing for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy and a decrease in consumer spending on flight travel, I don’t think U.S. Airways wants to have to endure losing any more profit than it already has.
I can’t believe that such a great airways company didn’t responsible for their customer, such as their belongings. Of course, people will not be guaranteed for their belongings in whatsoever ways instead of their self responsibilities. But, in this case, I believe that travel insurance and other things related to customer satisfaction need lots of improvement.
Same happened to me when had a connecting flight from Philly with US Air. They lost all of the luggage when we came back, luckily we were able to have it back later that night.
But seriously, US Air’s policy is ridiculous. Is there anything that they do cover that has any sort of value?!
How timely, US Airways just announced that they are going to be charging $15 for the this privilege of having your bag stolen.. err I mean checked.
[...] And today, my paranoia proves right. I found out that Matt (WordPress fame) lost his camera gear, as did another blogger. [...]
First of all, that really does suck. I feel for you. However…
you should have used a lock. There are TSA approved locks you can buy, and they’re not that expensive. As soon as you put your bag on that conveyor belt, it goes through so many peoples hands. It’s naive to trust the bag throwers to not pilfer through stuff. While it’s unfortunate, it’s just the sad truth. If you’re checking anything expensive in a suitcase, you should have it locked. Hopefully this will be a learning experience, albeit an expensive one.
U.S. Airways? No, thanks. And for some more reasons:
http://blogs.sun.com/datacharmer/entry/how_to_lose_your_customers
I have never flown US Airlines when in the US and after reading this I won’t be!
I do feel for you on this.
God thats horrible. I was going to book a flight through US Airways but reading this has changed my mind. Thanks for putting this up.
Also I hope you get your stuff back.
Word to the wise, even if the Airline covers lost baggage, Purchase your airline tickets with American Express. They have extra baggage insurance that will cover your lost items in the event that the airline does not. And you can purchase extra insurance for very high valued items.
But really, try not to check in anything valuable on ANY airline. If you must, AMEX is the way to go. They’ll take care of you.
poor u
I donated $50 for the cause, you guys should match it or donate too! She’s an awesome photographer and she really needs a new camera now
[...] 15, 2008 by leora As many of you have read, all my camera equipment was stolen out of my suitcase last week while flying US Airways. The airline refuses to help me in any way. [...]
Serves you right! That’s her own fault… I would put my camera only into the carry-on luggage.
Sorry to hear what happen. There’s always a few bad apples on that size company. But I would have had it on carry on, your loss had to much value to be unattended.
I’ll be honest, I have NEVER flown with anyone besides Southwest and I do not feel as if I am missing out on anything. I have never had a delayed flight, not been able to get on my flight, or any other negative expierence with them.
My family likes them so much, My mom got a job their and has been working there for over a year now. So fly Southwest, it’s the best.
“You deserve to have your stuff stolen !”
When you put your bags into someone elses care and you _PAY_ for it, you don’t deserve to have anything stolen.
All those people who think _anyone_ deserves something to be stolen is probably those who would steal it themselves. You slimy useless, consumer whore members of society.
While you may think it was foolish, it is never deserved. I don’t know this girl, but those of you who think its “fair”should take a long hard look in the mirror and consider if your life is worth living.
It is truly sad to hear about this. I am a pilot for USAirways Express and take pride in my job. I agree with the majority of the responses and the blogger that things are going downhill quickly. As for valuables, never check them. Either ship them on FedEx or UPS, or carry them with you. Thousands of bags get “lost” each year. And that goes for ANY airline. Part of the problem lies with the consumer as far as the customer service issue. You want rock bottom ticket prices, so you get rock bottom customer service. If you wanted excellent CS then you would fly Delta and pay 3x more. It is like buying a Yugo and then getting pissed that the thing is a piece of crap and there is to service plan. You get what you pay for folks. If you want service, then you will be paying for it. The airline industry is changing folks, we are going to see the end of the “flip flop crowd” and the typical business traveler will demand better. The lessor airlines will fall and the airlines that will cater to the paying passenger will survive, but you will be paying much more than you are now. The only exception is Southwest Airlines. They are like roaches, they never die, they keep growing. But then again, someone needs to carry the “flip flop” crowd and that is their specialty.
I had alot of problems with US Airways. And especially hearing about failed inspections or whatever. I am sticking with continental. I have had good experiences.
That’s a horrible thing to happen! Then again, I will make sure I hand carry my camera gear wherever I go – it’s just too precious and fragile to be left in the luggage.
TSA rifles through my bags every time I enter the country. The Department of Homeland Security and all its thugs must go when Bush goes. Good riddance fascists.
Happens all the time with Air Canada over here as well. I suspect some corruption among the people who look over the baggage for prohibited items themselves. They’re in a position to x-ray their way through any baggage they want and take whatever catches their eye, so it’s a definite possibility.
Of course, the best way to ensure that everything makes it to your destination is to take all of your valuables with you in a carry-on. I wouldn’t trust any airlines with something like a laptop.
I agree that US Airways is, hands down, the worst domestic airline. Between making passengers listen to ridiculous pandering ads for their high interest credit card to pasting advertisements on tray tables, I feel like I should be paid to fly with US Air, not vice versa.
Their customer service is persistently horrible, as well. I wrote a letter of complaint about a year ago and all I received in response was a poorly written, error filled form letter and two coupons for either an in-flight drink or headphones.
Ok so I didn’t read through all the comments and w/e but I want to say that really sucks and I’m sorry. Luckily I’ve never have had that happen to me, but I keep all of my camera gear on me when I fly, just seems a little safer ya know. Mind you I’m carrying the same as you if not more
[...] U.S. Airways baggage employees stole the front page while flying through Philadelphia. [...]
That can happen on ANY airline, FYI. General rule of thumb, do NOT pack anything in checked luggage that couldn’t be easily replaced (ie: clothing, underwear, toiletries). Keep your valuables in your carry on luggage, problem solved.
I can’t feel too sorry for people who check through expensive items.
US Airways not significantly worse than any North American airline IMHO.
Anyone know how to get a refund when they cancel your flight? Been trying for weeks….
I have flown US Airways a few times and have never had a problem with them, all but 1 of my flights was on time, and the one that was not on time, was actually EARLY (by 25 minutes). I’m sorry you had a bad experience but don’t bash the airline and try and make it sound like they will do this to EVERYONE that flies with them. What if Mcdonalds leaves the cheese off of your cheeseburger. DONT EAT AT MCDONALDS! THEY ARE THEIVES AND THEY STOLE MY CHEESE!! Lighten up and stop being paranoid.
To Grant: The problem is, it’s not about one person having things stolen and making it sound like it’s with everyone, it’s many people who are making these claims and there’s not a lot of ways (if any) that they can get to a solution. And, the McDonald’s analogy is pitiful; we’re not talking about inexpensive and overlooked items, we’re talking somewhere in the ballpark of three to four-digit figures worth in losses for passengers who pay to keep their things in the care of the TSA. The federal government and its derivatives unfortunately think they can treat the people/consumers as second rate and simply say “oh, well, we can’t do anything about it, stop trying to hold us accountable, we simply don’t care”.
To everyone else: Sheer numbers helps a little, but if you want to get to solving the problem you need to all redirect your focus to them in an organized and involved manner to create reform or simply dismantle them.
Ok, lemme first say that I know it’s a very bad idea to check valuable items on the plane. That being said, my husband (we were married one day earlier) and I just checked a computer bag with US Air in Philly on the way to our honeymoon 2 weeks ago. When the bag arrived on the carousel in Jacksonville a few hours later, it was empty. A couple wireless adaptors were in there, but the laptop and cord were taken. We filed the lost luggage form immediately. We received “denial of claim” in the mail yesterday from the airline. We plan to pursue it regardless, but if anyone has any tips regarding the next step, please share.
US Airways customer support is ridiculous!
Yes you are right. They don’t care about their customers at all.
I mean, I understand people in Indiaa need jobs. But man, those people are totally not understanding people and so impatient about trying to get to the next customer. This is the LAST time I will buy anything from US. I will pay 50 more EACH WAY for JetBlue, Delta, Continental or anywhere else BUT US. They also have ridiculous refunding and changing dates policy. My ticket only cost 120 but the fee is 150.
And if I cancel my flight and get credit, I get charge 150 anyways. BULLSHIT
US Airways is ridiculous. They wouldn’t book me on an open-jaw when I wanted to add a trip to NY while I was visiting Cleveland. So on the return from NY to LA, I had to go back to Cleveland. Not only that, but both the NY to Cleveland and the Cleveland to LA segments had stopovers in Philadelphia. In other words, my return on New Years day was NY to Philie to Cleveland to Philie (AGAIN!) and back to LA. Trying to avoid the needless hassle of being hauled back and forth from Philie, I tried to see if I could just stay and catch my connection to LA, but they insisted I had to go to Cleveland first… almost got caught in a blizzard there because of their idiocy! On the return to Philie later that night, I almost missed my connection because of them. Totally absurd.
On a more recent trip, I asked a flight attendant in Phoenix if she could help me find out how our 45 minute pre-take off ground delay due to storms was going to affect my other US Airways connections that day (stop overs of about 45 minutes each). Her response was “I’m only a flight attendant.” What does that mean? You only push the cart and sell drinks?
On the return from NY, they made me check a bag at the last minute because the crappy vessel for the last connection had almost no storage space (storage big enough for stashing papers, but no real luggage). When I picked up the bag in Burbank, the TSA lock on my Tumi bag was gone. I asked them why and they said they don’t have TSA keys because they are not TSA. Why the hell are they going through the bag in the first place when it had already cleared TSA? (This was a carry on item that they made me check at the last minute.) Besides that, the schmo who took the bag and put their label on the handle saw that there was a lock on it right in front of him. He could’ve just told me to remove it, especially if their MO is to cut all TSA locks! Absurd. When I try and ask for a claim form from their baggage office, the lady gets curt with me and tells me she doesn’t appreciate my tone of voice. She refuses to give me a claim form, keeps telling me they’re not responsible for locks, and tells me she’s just doing her job. (I think her job would’ve been to just give me the claim form and let me sort it out.) I tell her, “F your job!” and storm out. She feels threatened and calls the airport police to document the “incident.” One of the cops laughed and sympathized with my plight. But seriously. Somebody has to stop this shitty airline from getting away with being so stupid, careless, and rude.
Simple advice from a very frequent flier: it’s not very smart to check-in your valuables on any airline. The policy is the same for virtually all airlines. Valuables should be either with you in the cabin or shipped separately with insurance. Look at it from the point of view of the airline… anybody can claim they had anything in their luggage. Unless you have very clear evidence that the items were in the bag when you checked it in (and the only clear evidence will be a receipt from the airline saying they were aware of it), the chances of winning a lawsuit are slim to none.
Daughter was flying thru philly and sat next to FA. My baby got off plane and voila, no Canon digital. speci service philly says “if they see anything like a laptop, camera, phone, anything they can use, baggage is not turning it in.” Guess for “some dishonest lowlife employees” its one of the perks.
I fly quite a bit and am lucky to say that airlines have never lost my baggage. That being said though, my gripe is with US carriers in general. I have noticed that American coach passengers are getting less and less for the tickets they pay for on flights??? 100 dollars to have someone log into their system and make a change to your itinerary. You get charged for drinks, meals and snacks… Entertainment on flights is sub par to say the least compared to European counterparts. I just don’t understand how foreign airlines can operate and still make money while still offering all these “extras” US carriers say they can’t afford to offer anymore. Some airlines have even done away with pillows and blankets???? They are taking out their ovens and adding more seats to planes and even charging passengers extra for bulk and exit isle seats?? It all seems like greed to me.
I will not fly ANY US Airline if there is a flight on a foreign carrier available – even if it costs me more.