Vacation adventure!

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-12-2004
Vacation adventure!
4
Wed, 08-24-2005 - 1:22am
Hi, Shannon, Danni. Well--just got back from vacation. What an adventure! Expensive indeed. Went to ER three time with stomach virus vs Gallbladder stuff. I can just imagine what that bill will be, plus I have to go to my docs here to have further workups. Have lost 8 lbs in 2 weeks. :) Definitely not what I had in mind. Plus, DH's boss just got laid off. Soooo-am looking at PT gigs too. DH still has his job for now, but the company is unsteady. The pet sitter was a godsend. Those cats have been at it again. This time, got into Christmas tree lights on top shelf, and the tissue paper stuff. What a mess! Airline lost my luggage, so I had to go to Target with SIL to get clothes while on vacation, AND spent a bundle at Sears. The only compensation was the airlines gave us $$ off for the snafu with luggage, and upgrades to lst class! When it rains.... Fondly, WHiz.
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-19-2003
Wed, 08-24-2005 - 8:06am

So sorry to hear your vacation did not go as planned. Sometimes vacations are more stressful then just going to work for the week.

I thought the airlines reimbursed you for lost luggage. Did you fly American Airlines? I have had the worst luck with them this year.

Glad your back,
Shannon

Shannon


Pregnancy%20ticker
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-20-2004
Wed, 08-24-2005 - 9:09am
Whiz,
I am so sorry to hear about your vacation woes. Keeping my fingers crossed that your medical expenses don't end up being too high..I know how frustrating that can be. hope you are feeling better!! Heather
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-07-2003
Wed, 08-24-2005 - 10:17am

Hey Whiz....sorry to hear about all the drama...though glad the pet sitter worked out. :)

Wanted to toss in my 2 cents as a frequent-flyer.

If the luggage was lost for more then 24 hours (from the time you arrived to the time the luggage was delivered to you), the airlines pretty much ALL have a policy in place to reimburse you anything you purchased. If you still have the paperwork they gave you at the lost luggage counter, it will have a number for customer service to see about that.

If it was LESS then 24 hours, you can still argue and get some reimbursement, as well (even though you had the upgrade). Its just a matter of being able to reasonably prove you couldnt wear the clothes you had on for more 24 hours. (like you had plans that first day on your vacation.) thats for clothes and toiletries.

I've had luggage lost on Delta, American and US Airways. :) US Airways semms to be stricter about the 24 hour thing then the others. and American circumvents the reimbursement for toiletries usually by offering you a lil baggy with staples in it (comb, toothbrush and giant bottle of deoderant. )

anywho...I know, who has the time to deal with that?..but it is worth a try if you saved your clothing reciepts. :D
Remember, the upgrade and even the $$off (which I assume you mean like, a credit for future travel?) is just an apology for the hassle. the upgrade cost them nothing, and the travel credit keeps you flying their airline. They DO have systems in place to also reimburse you the money you had to SPEND because of their snafu. I have the best luck calling with a slightly confused/hopeful tone of voice. "I was just wondering if there's anything you can do to help me? My clothes were missing for 3 days and I HAD to buy new things...things I didnt really even need, but, had to buy them....and money's tight right now and this was an expense I Really didnt plan on...." ~ and if the agent tries to act like there's nothing they can do, then say "surely you have a policy for reimbursement? what if my cloths had been lost permanently? what IS your policy for lost luggage?" and make them spell it out for you. :)

~ Teresa

Teresa
http://www.affordingpickles.blogspot.com

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-12-2004
Wed, 08-24-2005 - 11:27am
Hi, Teresa :) Thanks, thanks for info re: lost luggage and your experiences. What America West did (soon to merge with US Air) was give us each $100 off per ticket on next flight (dont know the expiration date on it), and upgraded us to first class. They found the luggage had gone to another city, but it came on the next plane, within 15 hrs. That didnt help much, as we had already made plans with family. DH didnt lose his, it was all my stuff. SOOO-it was off to Target/Sears with SIL to get the basics----underwear, socks, shorts (it was hot and humid), some capri's and T-shirts. I will definitely look into it, as I am looking into getting credit for my FF miles also. Definitely appreciate tips. WHiz.