Comments on: “This is the most bizarre action I have ever known an airline to take” http://www.elliott.org/blog/this-is-the-most-bizarre-action-i-have-ever-known-an-airline-to-take/ Consumer advocate Christopher Elliott's site. Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Carver http://www.elliott.org/blog/this-is-the-most-bizarre-action-i-have-ever-known-an-airline-to-take/comment-page-1/#comment-43598 Carver Wed, 14 Jul 2010 09:08:52 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/blog/this-is-the-most-bizarre-action-i-have-ever-known-an-airline-to-take/#comment-43598 Anyone who travels understands that carryone baggage and checked luggage are fundamentally two different animals. The court, in failing to appreciate that distinction, has shown a lack of basic travel savvy. Travelers routine bring expensive medicines, laptops, etc in carryon Continental should not be allowed to blur the distinction between carryon and checked baggage. Anyone who travels understands that carryone baggage and checked luggage are fundamentally two different animals. The court, in failing to appreciate that distinction, has shown a lack of basic travel savvy. Travelers routine bring expensive medicines, laptops, etc in carryon

Continental should not be allowed to blur the distinction between carryon and checked baggage.

]]> By: Pascal http://www.elliott.org/blog/this-is-the-most-bizarre-action-i-have-ever-known-an-airline-to-take/comment-page-1/#comment-43581 Pascal Tue, 13 Jul 2010 20:36:54 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/blog/this-is-the-most-bizarre-action-i-have-ever-known-an-airline-to-take/#comment-43581 This case was finally ruled upon. She estimated the value of her lost luggage at $436,000. Continental was found liable for $800. http://www.lexisone.com/lx1/caselaw/freecaselaw?action=OCLGetCaseDetail&format=FULL&sourceID=gdij&searchTerm=hZah.KNIa.ZCaW.IabX&searchFlag=y&l1loc=FCLOW This case was finally ruled upon. She estimated the value of her lost luggage at $436,000. Continental was found liable for $800.

http://www.lexisone.com/lx1/caselaw/freecaselaw?action=OCLGetCaseDetail&format=FULL&sourceID=gdij&searchTerm=hZah.KNIa.ZCaW.IabX&searchFlag=y&l1loc=FCLOW

]]> By: husna jamal http://www.elliott.org/blog/this-is-the-most-bizarre-action-i-have-ever-known-an-airline-to-take/comment-page-1/#comment-30518 husna jamal Sat, 09 Jan 2010 18:49:19 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/blog/this-is-the-most-bizarre-action-i-have-ever-known-an-airline-to-take/#comment-30518 I looked at this case for a school project and frankly thought that the high powered airline attorneys were spinning it around, confusing a simple issue. Malik only had one carry on, it was in a bin a few seats away from her, the airline moved it without letting her know. They then LOST it. They should have treated her better. She had several items on her cc statements but Co didnot want to do anything withour actual store receipts and in addition would not cover jewelery, cosmetics, medicine, leather goods, electronics, items of sentimental value (what , if anything is left besides the suitcase itself!) so the matter went to court. I am curious to know how much Co spent on their lawyers...easily in the six figures by all accounts. Malik should have been compensated and the airline should have apologised. Co probably does not realise the loss for them in terms of bad publicity and if they do then most likely they dont care. Malik is very active with Flyers Rights and I am so glad to see the progress that group has made. The founder was stuck on a tarmac in Austin Texas which is perhaps how Malik and she met. The two are always in DC lobbying Congreess for an airline passenger bill and our leaders are now beginning to listen...change is on its way! I looked at this case for a school project and frankly thought that the high powered airline attorneys were spinning it around, confusing a simple issue.

Malik only had one carry on, it was in a bin a few seats away from her, the airline moved it without letting her know. They then LOST it. They should have treated her better. She had several items on her cc statements but Co didnot want to do anything withour actual store receipts and in addition would not cover jewelery, cosmetics, medicine, leather goods, electronics, items of sentimental value (what , if anything is left besides the suitcase itself!) so the matter went to court. I am curious to know how much Co spent on their lawyers…easily in the six figures by all accounts.

Malik should have been compensated and the airline should have apologised.
Co probably does not realise the loss for them in terms of bad publicity and if they do then most likely they dont care.

Malik is very active with Flyers Rights and I am so glad to see the progress that group has made. The founder was stuck on a tarmac in Austin Texas which is perhaps how Malik and she met. The two are always in DC lobbying Congreess for an airline passenger bill and our leaders are now beginning to listen…change is on its way!

]]> By: justin http://www.elliott.org/blog/this-is-the-most-bizarre-action-i-have-ever-known-an-airline-to-take/comment-page-1/#comment-30517 justin Sat, 09 Jan 2010 18:27:35 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/blog/this-is-the-most-bizarre-action-i-have-ever-known-an-airline-to-take/#comment-30517 look at the UTube video ..its hilarious Her stuff most probably landed up at www.unclaimedbaggage.com look at the UTube video ..its hilarious
Her stuff most probably landed up at
http://www.unclaimedbaggage.com

]]> By: C. Carver http://www.elliott.org/blog/this-is-the-most-bizarre-action-i-have-ever-known-an-airline-to-take/comment-page-1/#comment-30462 C. Carver Fri, 08 Jan 2010 19:19:53 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/blog/this-is-the-most-bizarre-action-i-have-ever-known-an-airline-to-take/#comment-30462 Terrible Story indeed, we've made a video of this story, please check it out at: <a href="//www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oR7C_VkaUE”" rel="nofollow">CON-tinental: A Story of Unsuspected Crooks</a> Terrible Story indeed, we’ve made a video of this story, please check it out at:

CON-tinental: A Story of Unsuspected Crooks

]]> By: Robert Allen http://www.elliott.org/blog/this-is-the-most-bizarre-action-i-have-ever-known-an-airline-to-take/comment-page-1/#comment-30294 Robert Allen Wed, 06 Jan 2010 00:30:05 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/blog/this-is-the-most-bizarre-action-i-have-ever-known-an-airline-to-take/#comment-30294 This case is still pending. You can find more info about the whole mess at Flyersrights.org. You can also find youtube videos of Anjum giving interviews on behalf of Flyersrights through their websites. This case is still pending. You can find more info about the whole mess at Flyersrights.org. You can also find youtube videos of Anjum giving interviews on behalf of Flyersrights through their websites.

]]> By: Hollz http://www.elliott.org/blog/this-is-the-most-bizarre-action-i-have-ever-known-an-airline-to-take/comment-page-1/#comment-19255 Hollz Wed, 06 May 2009 08:26:04 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/blog/this-is-the-most-bizarre-action-i-have-ever-known-an-airline-to-take/#comment-19255 Has there been any update on this? I'm very intersted in finding out how it's turned out Has there been any update on this? I’m very intersted in finding out how it’s turned out

]]> By: Jason http://www.elliott.org/blog/this-is-the-most-bizarre-action-i-have-ever-known-an-airline-to-take/comment-page-1/#comment-19253 Jason Wed, 06 May 2009 04:58:10 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/blog/this-is-the-most-bizarre-action-i-have-ever-known-an-airline-to-take/#comment-19253 I Would love to know the outcome of this case.. Elliot, can we get an update? I Would love to know the outcome of this case.. Elliot, can we get an update?

]]> By: Ray http://www.elliott.org/blog/this-is-the-most-bizarre-action-i-have-ever-known-an-airline-to-take/comment-page-1/#comment-14068 Ray Tue, 19 Aug 2008 04:29:10 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/blog/this-is-the-most-bizarre-action-i-have-ever-known-an-airline-to-take/#comment-14068 My mom taught me this years ago and I have followed this ever since - wear your jewelry. Don't pack it in a checked bag or even your carry on. When she travels, she often wears sweat pants, a t-shirt, three necklaces and her best diamond earrings. My mom taught me this years ago and I have followed this ever since – wear your jewelry. Don’t pack it in a checked bag or even your carry on. When she travels, she often wears sweat pants, a t-shirt, three necklaces and her best diamond earrings.

]]> By: FJP http://www.elliott.org/blog/this-is-the-most-bizarre-action-i-have-ever-known-an-airline-to-take/comment-page-1/#comment-12134 FJP Wed, 21 May 2008 02:59:03 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/blog/this-is-the-most-bizarre-action-i-have-ever-known-an-airline-to-take/#comment-12134 This is a really important issue, given that at the same time we are being told the only way to prevent TSA stealing our stuff is to put anything we want to keep in carry on bags. The problem with that statement is the implicit assurance that the carry on bag will be safe. Apparently not. Theft of and from carry ons is an issue at security checkpoints too. I absolutely will not walk thru the metal detector until I have seen my bags enter the screening machine (i.e., pass under the black cloth). I am always surprised at other (impatient) passengers and TSA employees who do not understand why this is important. This is a really important issue, given that at the same time we are being told the only way to prevent TSA stealing our stuff is to put anything we want to keep in carry on bags. The problem with that statement is the implicit assurance that the carry on bag will be safe. Apparently not.

Theft of and from carry ons is an issue at security checkpoints too. I absolutely will not walk thru the metal detector until I have seen my bags enter the screening machine (i.e., pass under the black cloth). I am always surprised at other (impatient) passengers and TSA employees who do not understand why this is important.

]]> By: Where's Waldo http://www.elliott.org/blog/this-is-the-most-bizarre-action-i-have-ever-known-an-airline-to-take/comment-page-1/#comment-8739 Where's Waldo Mon, 11 Feb 2008 01:03:02 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/blog/this-is-the-most-bizarre-action-i-have-ever-known-an-airline-to-take/#comment-8739 I had a Delta Connecition flight from CVG to PHL. My carry-on bag (a very small wheeled bag no bigger than a lap top but about 5 inches deep) had to be gate checked as it would not fit into the overhead bin of the Embraer we were flying.... no big deal. It was raining in PHL when we arrived and I waited for my gate check bag in the jet bridge. And waited, and waited. No bag. I asked the ramp agent for my bag and showed her my claim ticket. She told me the bag was not there. Only after two additional searches did they find the bag located on the ground. Apparently it had fallen from the jet bridge when the ramp agent had opened the door, smashed into the tarmac and broke the laptop. No apologies, just "Oh here's the bag." Now the laptop belongs to the company I work for so I was not out anything and our company's insurance covered it. But still, Delta Connection had no way of knowing this and the employees involved should have at least offered an apology. I had a Delta Connecition flight from CVG to PHL. My carry-on bag (a very small wheeled bag no bigger than a lap top but about 5 inches deep) had to be gate checked as it would not fit into the overhead bin of the Embraer we were flying…. no big deal.

It was raining in PHL when we arrived and I waited for my gate check bag in the jet bridge. And waited, and waited. No bag. I asked the ramp agent for my bag and showed her my claim ticket. She told me the bag was not there. Only after two additional searches did they find the bag located on the ground. Apparently it had fallen from the jet bridge when the ramp agent had opened the door, smashed into the tarmac and broke the laptop. No apologies, just “Oh here’s the bag.”

Now the laptop belongs to the company I work for so I was not out anything and our company’s insurance covered it. But still, Delta Connection had no way of knowing this and the employees involved should have at least offered an apology.

]]> By: Joe F. http://www.elliott.org/blog/this-is-the-most-bizarre-action-i-have-ever-known-an-airline-to-take/comment-page-1/#comment-7104 Joe F. Fri, 14 Dec 2007 12:35:09 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/blog/this-is-the-most-bizarre-action-i-have-ever-known-an-airline-to-take/#comment-7104 A plaintiff or the prosecution always has the burden of proving what was lost and the value of the item, that might be a challenge for anyone. Heirloom jewelry is not worth more than any other kind of jewelry - unless it has some unique value unrelated to the metals and stones it contains. 'Used' jewelry is worth the content of the stones and metal - thats all. Used heirloom jewelry is even older - so the airline lawyers will claim its worth less!!! Obviously this worth significant dollars here since the airline has hired a lawyer, even if in house and admitted in the state she is suing in, since they went to the trouble of filing a motion to dismiss. I love to watch lawyers flounder wasting client resources on losing efforts . . . A plaintiff or the prosecution always has the burden of proving what was lost and the value of the item, that might be a challenge for anyone. Heirloom jewelry is not worth more than any other kind of jewelry – unless it has some unique value unrelated to the metals and stones it contains. ‘Used’ jewelry is worth the content of the stones and metal – thats all. Used heirloom jewelry is even older – so the airline lawyers will claim its worth less!!!

Obviously this worth significant dollars here since the airline has hired a lawyer, even if in house and admitted in the state she is suing in, since they went to the trouble of filing a motion to dismiss. I love to watch lawyers flounder wasting client resources on losing efforts . . .

]]> By: Fusiler http://www.elliott.org/blog/this-is-the-most-bizarre-action-i-have-ever-known-an-airline-to-take/comment-page-1/#comment-7097 Fusiler Fri, 14 Dec 2007 01:15:46 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/blog/this-is-the-most-bizarre-action-i-have-ever-known-an-airline-to-take/#comment-7097 I guess the question would be, does the prosecution carry the burden of proof with the "heirloom jewelry"? If not, then what else can she claim? The maltese falcon? A monkey paw with two fingers still up? Continental does need to own up, regardless. I guess the question would be, does the prosecution carry the burden of proof with the “heirloom jewelry”? If not, then what else can she claim? The maltese falcon? A monkey paw with two fingers still up?

Continental does need to own up, regardless.

]]> By: Chicky http://www.elliott.org/blog/this-is-the-most-bizarre-action-i-have-ever-known-an-airline-to-take/comment-page-1/#comment-7095 Chicky Thu, 13 Dec 2007 21:47:54 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/blog/this-is-the-most-bizarre-action-i-have-ever-known-an-airline-to-take/#comment-7095 Continental needs to make good on its screw up. Plain and simple. However, when I fly, everything that is of any value is in my "personal item," which is usually a small totebag that fits underneath the seat. Nothing of any value ever leaves my clutches. I'm not saying this woman's loss was her fault, by any means. I'm just paranoid. Continental needs to make good on its screw up. Plain and simple. However, when I fly, everything that is of any value is in my “personal item,” which is usually a small totebag that fits underneath the seat. Nothing of any value ever leaves my clutches. I’m not saying this woman’s loss was her fault, by any means. I’m just paranoid.

]]> By: A Traveler http://www.elliott.org/blog/this-is-the-most-bizarre-action-i-have-ever-known-an-airline-to-take/comment-page-1/#comment-7094 A Traveler Thu, 13 Dec 2007 21:33:57 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/blog/this-is-the-most-bizarre-action-i-have-ever-known-an-airline-to-take/#comment-7094 Even when bags are labeled, they do not always make their correct destinations. I had a flight going from Memphis to Detroit to Flint. I was spending a day in Flint visiting my grandmother before driving on to my mother's house. My bag did not arrive in Flint and I had to file a lost bag claim. I was lucky and received a call within 2 hours letting me know they had located my bag and it had been left in Detroit but was on the next flight into Flint. They would deliver it that evening. Later that evening after no bag arrived, I called back only to discover it had arrived in Flint and accidently been sent back to Detroit. The person I spoke with was able to change the information on my bag to fly the next day from Detroit to MBS near my mother's house. The next day when I called to check on it, I found it the bag had gone to Flint again. There are no flights from Flint to MBS, so they were having to send it to Detroit yet again. I call again to check later to learn my bag had left Detroit and accidently been sent to Atlanta. My bag finally arrived after 4 days of airport shuffles. Amazingly the bag was also in good condition from all that extra handling. I also received compensation for all the days I was without my bag without having to argue at all. Almost makes me wish I could collect some frequent flier miles for my bag. The part I can look back at now and laugh on is that they always knew exactly where the bag was. They were just unable to get it to the correct destination. Even when bags are labeled, they do not always make their correct destinations.

I had a flight going from Memphis to Detroit to Flint. I was spending a day in Flint visiting my grandmother before driving on to my mother’s house. My bag did not arrive in Flint and I had to file a lost bag claim. I was lucky and received a call within 2 hours letting me know they had located my bag and it had been left in Detroit but was on the next flight into Flint. They would deliver it that evening. Later that evening after no bag arrived, I called back only to discover it had arrived in Flint and accidently been sent back to Detroit. The person I spoke with was able to change the information on my bag to fly the next day from Detroit to MBS near my mother’s house. The next day when I called to check on it, I found it the bag had gone to Flint again. There are no flights from Flint to MBS, so they were having to send it to Detroit yet again. I call again to check later to learn my bag had left Detroit and accidently been sent to Atlanta. My bag finally arrived after 4 days of airport shuffles. Amazingly the bag was also in good condition from all that extra handling. I also received compensation for all the days I was without my bag without having to argue at all.

Almost makes me wish I could collect some frequent flier miles for my bag. The part I can look back at now and laugh on is that they always knew exactly where the bag was. They were just unable to get it to the correct destination.

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