U.S. Airways is FAIL

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Archive 2009 · U.S. Airways is FAIL

Sam Obeid
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p.3 #1 · U.S. Airways is FAIL

Ugh, sorry to hear Sam, blog it and tweet it!

Oct 31, 2009 at 05:38 PM

Scott Mosher
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p.3 #2 · U.S. Airways is FAIL

Wow, that sucks!

I remember years ago my sister flew from SLC to SJC on Delta and had checked in her saxaphone. It was in an airline approved hardcase, followed all packing instructions, blah blah, blah. When they saw the saxaphone come off the conveyor belt to be claimed it was now taped shut and the top section was crushed. Over the next few months Delta first claimed the case wasn't approved by them, which my dad had (thankfully) made a webpage printout showing it was, then they tried everything else to prove it wasn't their fault. It only took a letter from a lawyer threatening legal action and poof, a check magically appeared in our mailbox for full replacement.

Oct 31, 2009 at 06:32 PM

MTBtrials
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p.3 #3 · U.S. Airways is FAIL

Wow. Sorry to hear the story

I will not be flying US....ever again.

+1 to the pelican suggestion... the Studio Cruzer 1510 is on my christmas list... and it'll hold your macbook pro.

http://www.casesbypelican.com/StudioCruzer/photo-1510.htm

After reading this sad story I think that I will be packing a Studiocruzer with camera gear and using my Flipside 300 for all the personal gear, and if anything like this would happen I would switch the contents of the bags. Thanks for sharing this horrible story, and when you get the FB link up, please post it here.

Oct 31, 2009 at 06:35 PM

Scott Mosher
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p.3 #4 · U.S. Airways is FAIL

Oh, I just posted this link to the US Airways FB page

Oct 31, 2009 at 06:36 PM

Sahid Limon
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p.3 #5 · U.S. Airways is FAIL

Sorry to hear about the mishaps man. I came back from NY the other day, and I too had to check in my camera bag because the overhead compartments were tiny. I flew continental, but they had small jets too. I've had to do this twice now, and both times it's nerve racking. What's even worse, coming back from NY this time, I was actually looking out the window this time, and the luggage crew grabbed my bag from the platform, and literally threw it down to another person, who just tossed it on the conveyor belt like it was a piece of meat. I have ALL of my gear in there pretty much, about the same amount as you... and it makes me so nervous. I'm very glad that I have the TT bag, which is pretty solid, and at least keeps all my gear in place firmly.

Delta is also bad, and that was the other airline where I had to check in my carry on. My advice would be to try to go with southwest or jetblue, or don't try to book your flight through any of the internet deal maker sites (orbitz, priceline, etc). Usually to get you a lower fair, they'll get you a seat on the cheapest airplane, or the fastest route, which are usually the express jet type planes.

Hope you're able to recover all your stuff bro.

Oct 31, 2009 at 06:41 PM

sboerup
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p.3 #6 · U.S. Airways is FAIL

Sucks bro. Mega hard. If it were me, I'd do everything in my power and write a letter to US Airways, from a lawyer. Also, I'd have my insurance making the repairs or replacements. What good are they if you have insurance and they are a hassle to deal with if you ever have a claim? My deductible is fairly low, $250, so if it's more than $500 then I would have them cover the cost.

Oct 31, 2009 at 06:46 PM

sboerup
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p.3 #7 · U.S. Airways is FAIL

Better yet Sam, copy the text from this post and post it on your facebook as a "note". Get everyone on FM to link to it from facebook. Google bomb them basically

Oct 31, 2009 at 06:49 PM

Sahid Limon
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p.3 #8 · U.S. Airways is FAIL

sboerup wrote:
Sucks bro. Mega hard. If it were me, I'd do everything in my power and write a letter to US Airways, from a lawyer. Also, I'd have my insurance making the repairs or replacements. What good are they if you have insurance and they are a hassle to deal with if you ever have a claim? My deductible is fairly low, $250, so if it's more than $500 then I would have them cover the cost.

+1

Get a good lawyer, and let them have it. Airlines are known to be notorious in their customer service, and will usually give you the walkaround like this. Get all of your evidence and present it to a good lawyer, and get at least the deductible back for your insurance.

Oct 31, 2009 at 07:02 PM

MarcyJillGood
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p.3 #9 · U.S. Airways is FAIL

What a nightmare. So sorry for what you're going through!

Did you save any of the liquid? If anything is still damp (or is dried out after having been wet, like the case?) maybe you could get it tested to see what it's composed of? If it indeed is refrigerant or whatever, that would silence their claim that it's from a water bottle.

What trolls . . .

Marcy

Oct 31, 2009 at 07:26 PM

Sam Obeid
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p.3 #10 · U.S. Airways is FAIL

I arrived in Paris once to find Maple Syrup all over my luggage. I went to the Air Canada counter only to have the douche put a sign in front of my face that said they're not responsible for damaged luggage. He didn't even look at me one.

Airlines suck period when it comes to this shit, I put most of the blame on the unions!

This image is copyrighted by the owner

Someone needs to learn how to pack a breakable bottle much better. At least our leak into our clothes and the luggage smelled nice for a few days.

Oct 31, 2009 at 07:40 PM

Christopher W
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p.3 #11 · U.S. Airways is FAIL

Better yet Sam, copy the text from this post and post it on your facebook as a "note". Get everyone on FM to link to it from facebook. Google bomb them basically

I'm totally in for this. What a nightmare. And with all the travel you've been doing it'd be hard to ever trust that airline ever again.

Oct 31, 2009 at 07:40 PM

MTBtrials
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p.3 #12 · U.S. Airways is FAIL

Sahid Limon wrote:
and get at least the deductible back for your insurance.

That wouldn't be what I would be upset about.

at 8 months old my son nearly died from an incompetent ER doctor overdosing him on Vallium when he was having Febrile Seizures. (he's since recovered, but that was the most frightening night of my life)

A lifelite ride to the childrens hospital and $30k later the hospital contacted us to waive all the co-pays (probably about $8,000). They were probably afraid we were going to sue... our insurance company still paid out over $22k and our rates went thru the roof.

If Sam can get the Airport to claim it thru their insurance he will be much better off. We are only just having our rates come down from when my wife claimed her (our?) engagement ring on our renters policy... over 4 years ago... and our homeowners insurance was high enough to make us carefully look at what property we purchased...

At this point, Sam could arguably go after them for lost time @ work being as it is Saturday and he had a wedding to shoot....

Grrrr. I hate hearing stories like this.

I also had lost a stroller thru gate check when I was travelling back from BC with my daughter. I had hurt my back and had to carry her thru toronto international airport... I can't remember, but I think it might have been the last time I flied US....

Oct 31, 2009 at 07:45 PM

WalnutPond
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p.3 #13 · U.S. Airways is FAIL

I have been in this situation as well - 50 people who aren't supposed to even board yet are rushing on board, slamming their rediculous nearly full sized suitcases into the overhead bins nowhere near their own seats. Then by the time I get on no room left. the last time I flew Usair the lady at the final boarding gate gave me a little yellow tag or something for my bag and told me I -Might- have to check it because the flight was completely full. I said "not going to happen."

I then get on the flight, put my bag overhead and a stewardess comes down the isle pitching a fit and telling me I did something illegal and that that bag was checked and I am violating homeland security rules by bringing it on board. I then told her quite matter of factly that I told the lady at the boarding gate I was NOT going to check it as it would fit underneath my seat and fit the standard sized regulation. She then got hissy with me an threatened to deboard me and call the police.

Air travel is completely out of control, but there is absolutely no way I'm checking $10K+ in gear when 1/2 the plane is filled with obese tourists filling the overhead bins out of order with stuffed toys and overfilled suitcases.

I too will not fly usair anymore. They absolutely suck.

Oct 31, 2009 at 08:00 PM

XPO239
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p.3 #14 · U.S. Airways is FAIL

dang dude. that sucks. I'm never flying US Airway.

Oct 31, 2009 at 08:48 PM

p150
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p.3 #15 · U.S. Airways is FAIL

Sam, did you collect some phone-cam evidence? Maybe they do like some insurance companies and deny everything the first couple of times to weed out those that will just give up. Perhaps persistence produces profitable prevailing.

And, yes guys, he could have had a bottle of water. They only freak out about stuff you bring in from outside (which might be an explosive or something). Once you're through the security gate, there are stores and kiosks every 20 feet or so where you can buy big ol' bottles of water.

- Jeff

Oct 31, 2009 at 08:49 PM

Mr. Malik
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p.3 #16 · U.S. Airways is FAIL

Sam Obeid wrote:
I arrived in Paris once to find Maple Syrup all over my luggage. I went to the Air Canada counter only to have the douche put a sign in front of my face that said they're not responsible for damaged luggage. He didn't even look at me one.

Airlines suck period when it comes to this shit, I put most of the blame on the unions!

This image is copyrighted by the owner

Someone needs to learn how to pack a breakable bottle much better. At least our leak into our clothes and the luggage smelled nice for a few days.

Yikes... that sucks man. You must have been boiling....

Hope you hit someone really hard

Oct 31, 2009 at 10:06 PM

foghorn
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p.3 #17 · U.S. Airways is FAIL

The classic movie "Airplane" is on Spike right now. this should cheer anyone up.

Oct 31, 2009 at 10:20 PM

blueirisarts
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p.3 #18 · U.S. Airways is FAIL

thethinkcouch wrote:
One way to avoid losing checked in bags is to place a flare gun in the bag. Then claim that you have a weapon. One page of additional paperwork is required but I assure you that there will be a zero percent chance that they will loose that bag.

-ed

A starter pistol will work too!

Oct 31, 2009 at 10:46 PM

ryan21
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p.3 #19 · U.S. Airways is FAIL

Dude I am really sorry about this. Two things hire an attorney this will help and second you NEED to contact the FAA immediatley. That jet needs to be grounded. There is a potentially bigger issue with the aircraft. I told some pilot friends of mine about your issue and that was their suggestion. They felt that you have a good case against them in court but you need to seek council.

Please let us know what happens.

Oct 31, 2009 at 10:52 PM

MarcyJillGood
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p.3 #20 · U.S. Airways is FAIL

Scott Mosher wrote:
Oh, I just posted this link to the US Airways FB page

Brilliant idea! Also - everyone here on FM should perhaps get on their site and send a complaint to their "contact us" customer service link. If they get 50 or so e-mails, they might pay attention. Some of us fly a lot (me included), even if it's not for photography but required for our other careers.

Marcy

Oct 31, 2009 at 11:13 PM

paregorike
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p.3 #21 · U.S. Airways is FAIL

I was on US Airways for conference in Kentucky a few weeks ago... And I can definitely vouch for the carry on being placed in the baggage area. I was wondering what would have happened had I brought my gear. Now I know. Sorry for the hassle you went through Sam. I wonder what heinous acts I would have committed were I you.

Oct 31, 2009 at 11:13 PM

cbres00
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p.3 #22 · U.S. Airways is FAIL

Sam - my deep sympathies. I'm coming home from a Houston wedding tomorrow. i'll pray over my gear for the ride home (no, I'm not flying US Airwanks).

Are you a member of PPA? If so, they may be able to help you.

EDIT:
Sam, thanks for the reminder to NEVER piss you off!

Oct 31, 2009 at 11:22 PM

MarcyJillGood
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p.3 #23 · U.S. Airways is FAIL

Sam's incident has me interested in whether there's a 'story' there. I write the Green column for a local magazine, which includes Green concerns in any part of our lives, including travel.

The fumes & 'mist' issues Sam mentioned now have me curious about the environmental concerns that might be there. Rather than contacting them as a consumer, I left a message for their media relations department. Since magazines are on monthly deadlines, this wouldn't need a rush response from them over the weekend. I told them they can call me Monday. In my voice message, I told them what the departure city and arrival state were and I asked specifically what sort of substance could cause the fumes & mist, and what they're doing to protect passengers. The idea of people with sensitive lung issues being trapped with anything 'fume-like' in an airplane cabin terrifies me. I wonder if whatever caused the fumes or mist could be flamable?

FYI - I also mentioned on my voice message that Sam's post has been put on their FB site. This will help their media guys look into it better - although I can direct them to this thread if they call back.

I will let you all know if I hear from them, and what they say. Air quality on airplanes is a big enough issue without having to worry about leaking solvents.

Marcy

Oct 31, 2009 at 11:35 PM

swim_r
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p.3 #24 · U.S. Airways is FAIL

hate to hear this, don't settle for using your insurance. Use a lawyer if you have to, all it usually takes is one call from your lawyer to someone who is not an hourly customer service rep and you get your stuff fixed fast.

I am with you, I HATE US Air, and I will certainly think twice before flying them with my gear.

Not to turn this in to a bag debate, but one of the reasons I love my pelecan cases is because they are completely waterproof, and the 1510 fits in the overhead bin in every plane I have been in except the CRJ-200 (but it fits perfectly in the CRJ-300).

Nov 01, 2009 at 12:20 AM

aromatic
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p.3 #25 · U.S. Airways is FAIL

I had no idea US Airways was so bad till reading this. Very sorry about your troubles! I will not be giving them my business again.

Nov 01, 2009 at 01:27 AM


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