Tuesday,
October 6, 2026
Aboard
the Island Princess, Atlantic Ocean
85F
Wasn't this a nice photo of TK's luggage before we
left Erie? Locks, zippers, even!
October 5, 2026/Erie
Last
evening after I wrote the blog, there was an interesting, yet frustrating
development. First, I noticed there was no longer a lock on one of my checked
luggage bags, but everything seemed to be in place. TK checked his bags—no locks, no zipper pulls
on either of his bags. That meant when he went to open the bags, the whole lid
opened, never to be sealed again.
Here
is where we were lucky—everything in both his bags seemed to be intact. Things could
have been much different---all of his belongings could have spilled out in some
airport/airplane somewhere, things could have been stolen, OR we could have
never seen the bags or items again. So, we
are acutely aware that the situation could have been worse.
What
to do??? It was about 8:30 p.m. I went to the Hilton's front desk to see if they had a
solution, all I could think of was duct tape.
The hotel clerk, who used to work at American Airlines, told me there
was a Walgreens about 2 blocks away, and that they sold duct tape.
I
started walking to the drugstore when I thought, I do not have my phone, TK
does not know what I am doing, I don’t know the area, it was dark, and I can’t even see this
Walgreens. After walking a block and a half I started back to the hotel.
Despite
being very weary after dinner, he went with me—and Walgreens had duct tape and
Gorilla tape-we bought both, just before the store closed. My hero...
Back
at the hotel, after 13,000 steps or so this day, we were both tired, but I
called the American Airline phone # the clerk gave me—someone answered! But she
told me over six hours had passed since we arrived by plane. They could do
nothing. She provided me an email to write to.
OK,
Janie, you do not need to write every single detail. By this time, it was 11 p.m. and we left the
rest for Tuesday (today).
Today
we woke up early to take care of the situation, our transport to the cruise
terminal was scheduled for 11 a.m. I wrote
a detailed email to American Airlines “Central Baggage Specialist.” I realize my English teaching skills are not
helping me here, but I was sort of succinct in the email, included photos, and told
them I was sure it wasn’t theft or vandalism because nothing was missing.
We could have been more artistic!
This morning, October 6, 2026
Imagine
my surprise when the Central Baggage Specialist answered me!
Dear
Mary,
Thanks for contacting our Central Baggage Resolution Office. We are sorry your
bags were damaged when you traveled with us to Fort Lauderdale for your cruise.
We are unable to honor your claim because the damages reported are not covered
as they are a result of normal wear and tear. Normal wear and tear includes,
but is not limited to, protrusions that may be caught in the belt system such
as tags, straps, pockets, handles, hooks, locks, and/or other attachments that
can occur when the ordinary standard of expected care is exercised. Therefore,
American Airlines isn’t able to assume liability for damages resulting from
normal wear and tear.
For more information about liability limits, please read our Conditions of
Carriage at:
https://www.aa.com/i18n/customer-service/support/conditions-of-carriage.jsp#baggageliability
Mary, we understand this was not the outcome you were hoping for, and despite
that, we hope to see you onboard another American Airlines flight soon.
Sincerely,
Michelle B, Central Baggage Specialist
Case Owner ID: 23***
Well
that’s that. I answered her that I was sure that Am Air would help us when we
returned on November 25 to fly back to Erie.
Dear
Mary,
Thank you for your email reply.
The baggage wrapping services that you are referring to are not provided by
airlines or airports, but by private companies.
Please rest assured, this experience is not typical of our usual performance.
We look forward to rebuilding your confidence in our service and be assured we
are all working hard to provide the high-quality service you expect when
traveling on American Airlines.
Sincerely,
Michelle
Our
experience was not typical! I did find
out there is a bag wrapping service at the FLL airport and will message them to
make sure they can help!
It
is 7:30 p.m. tonight (Tuesday) and our luggage has still not arrived in our stateroom. I will really look strange wearing the same
top and jean capris for 50 days without my 10 pounds of makeup and hair stuff.
