This past summer I went from Vancouver to LA to Chicago (my home
Destination. I had a bad connection at LA to Chicago due to a late
Flight by the Vancouver to LA airline company. Not united. Now let
Me state a few facts. I am a cardiac patient so I have to rest
Every now and then while walking long distances, especially
Between gates. Anyway, I thought I was late arriving at my gate to
Chicago. But in reality had plenty of time. United kept paging me
To pick up a courtesy phone in the terminal. I couldn't find one.
So I walked as fast as I could to the Chicago bound gate.By the
Time I reached the gate I was panting and puffing enough to cause
Another grabber. Showed the agent my ticket and went up the ramp.
I was stopped by (2) airline personnel and was told that I would
Have to "gate check" one of my (2) carryons. (You are allowed 2 if
One is a computer bag or smaller). I said I cannot gate check this
Bag because it contains all of my company's electronic equipment
Worth thousands of dollars. BAD FRIGGIN' MISTAKE! The personnel
Said it needed to be checked because the flight is totally full
And all space is taken in the bins. I stated my position again.
They stated theirs. It happened a 3rd time... They however assured
Me that my bag would be waiting at the carousel with all my other
Luggage. Needless to say when I got to the carousel, my (2) other
Luggage bags weren't there either or my promised ramp checked
Carry on. Now these baggage people know that if you carry on a
Bag, there must be something valuable in there. We'll there
Was... Cameras, lenses, memory cards, internet gizmos, laptop, etc
Etc... Everything was electronics to the tune of $5,300.00 value. I
Filed the claim and because this was considered an international
Flight, airlines only need to pay pennies on the dollar up to
About 30% maximum. If it is a domestic flight, they pay up to
$3,500 based on your claim. So what did I learn on this trip...
1. Airlines are allowed to pay less in lost claims if its an
International flight.
2. ALWAYS, ask for your ramp checked bag ON THE RAMP. Don't leave
Without it.
3. Never agree to picking up your ramp check bag at the carousel.
4. File claims for lost luggage asap with the carousel agent or
Your claim will be denied.
5. Save receipts for electronic equipment you buy.
6. Never ever fly UNITED OR THEIR AFFILIATES.
A message to all the united thieves...
You guys are pathetic. You think that all the luggage flowing
Through your hands is your own personal shopping mall. You thieves
Are hard to catch because the luggage in your hand could be
Considered part of your job duties even though you are stealing
It. Someday, hopefully you will get caught and lose your job. But
I hope it's when you are in your upper 50's close to retirement so
You have to struggle with paying high cobra health insurance and
Have 5 years left on your house and lose it because you cannot pay
Your bills. Yes, i am bitter for all the headaches you gave
Me... But you have fun while you can. Technology will change to
Catch you.
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