After losing our gate-checked, carry-on luggage at the start of our trip to the canyons last month and then having it sent back to us four days after our return, my daughter said I should find out if Hawaiian Airlines would reimburse us for all the extra things that we had to buy.
Neither Hawaiian Airlines nor American Airlines who mysteriously ended up with our bag mentioned anything about reimbursement when we were going through this hassle.
I called Hawaiian Airlines when we got back and the friendly woman I spoke to said I should send all the original receipts and reference number to the Claims Department. She also said the Claims Department usually pays for only toiletries and clothing (not electronic things like our chargers) and that there is a per-day limit for the reimbursement. However, everything is handled on a Case By Case basis.
Art NEVER throws out receipts from trips so we had every single one. We itemized everything on a page, highlighted the receipts to show which were the reimbursement claim items and I wrote a letter.
I told them this was supposed to be mom's last dream trip and it was supposed to be perfect. Instead we had to spend the first couple of days trying to locate chargers for cellphones and cameras as well as clothing and other missing items. I did also write that we love Hawaiian and would continue to fly with them, but was disappointed at how this was handled.
What a surprise! We received a check from them yesterday. They reimbursed us for everything including the expensive chargers.
They paid for all of Art's t-shirts and missed travel clothing, too.
We'd been pretty careful with our luggage in the past because we've traveled quite a bit and know bags can be delayed, but we have been getting lax lately.
So here's what we've RElearned and will once again be more diligent with.
1. Make sure everything is labeled. I've now made large labels with our contact information to put INTO the luggage as well as on the outside tag. On the tag, however, I put only our e-mail address and cell number.
2. Don't put everybody's things in individual suitcases. Mix them up. That way, if one luggage is lost, ALL is not lost.
3. If you have a rolling luggage type carry-on which we just bought for the China trip, don't put your important things in there. Put the important stuff in your backpack that you keep with you.
4. Art doesn't like this idea, but I'm really going to INSIST. We have to buy new luggage soon. I'm going to buy luggage that is distinctive and annoying (OK, I'm exaggerating.) that I can spot easily on the baggage claim carousel. I won't buy black! I wonder if they make fuchsia luggage. Like other people I try to tie a short colorful, noticeable ribbon on the handle.
5. Keep photos of your luggage with you in case they lose it.
6. Keep a list of the contents of your luggage.
7. If they lose your suitcase, do look into being reimbursed for their handling error. And don't forget to keep your receipts.
Can you think of anything else?
I called Hawaiian Airlines when we got back and the friendly woman I spoke to said I should send all the original receipts and reference number to the Claims Department. She also said the Claims Department usually pays for only toiletries and clothing (not electronic things like our chargers) and that there is a per-day limit for the reimbursement. However, everything is handled on a Case By Case basis.
Art NEVER throws out receipts from trips so we had every single one. We itemized everything on a page, highlighted the receipts to show which were the reimbursement claim items and I wrote a letter.
I told them this was supposed to be mom's last dream trip and it was supposed to be perfect. Instead we had to spend the first couple of days trying to locate chargers for cellphones and cameras as well as clothing and other missing items. I did also write that we love Hawaiian and would continue to fly with them, but was disappointed at how this was handled.
They paid for all of Art's t-shirts and missed travel clothing, too.
We'd been pretty careful with our luggage in the past because we've traveled quite a bit and know bags can be delayed, but we have been getting lax lately.
So here's what we've RElearned and will once again be more diligent with.
1. Make sure everything is labeled. I've now made large labels with our contact information to put INTO the luggage as well as on the outside tag. On the tag, however, I put only our e-mail address and cell number.
2. Don't put everybody's things in individual suitcases. Mix them up. That way, if one luggage is lost, ALL is not lost.
3. If you have a rolling luggage type carry-on which we just bought for the China trip, don't put your important things in there. Put the important stuff in your backpack that you keep with you.
4. Art doesn't like this idea, but I'm really going to INSIST. We have to buy new luggage soon. I'm going to buy luggage that is distinctive and annoying (OK, I'm exaggerating.) that I can spot easily on the baggage claim carousel. I won't buy black! I wonder if they make fuchsia luggage. Like other people I try to tie a short colorful, noticeable ribbon on the handle.
5. Keep photos of your luggage with you in case they lose it.
6. Keep a list of the contents of your luggage.
7. If they lose your suitcase, do look into being reimbursed for their handling error. And don't forget to keep your receipts.
Can you think of anything else?
That is great, your reimbursement. I am glad to hear it. I wrapped a length of colorful duck tape around my black suitcase.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe I never bought a whole pineapple before! It was easy and delicious.
I have a big red suitcase that was once easily identifiable, but now there are so many red ones. I guess red is the new black. I'll try the same thing next time: something really obnoxious that nobody else would claim! That is so good to know about Hawaiian, and they were very gracious to reimburse you. I still wonder just how our luggage went on its own trip. :-)
ReplyDeletesounds like you have it covered as super experienced travelers...lol!
ReplyDeleteOi, so much work. I think I'll just stay home and not fly anywhere. :)
ReplyDeleteNice refund, but where is their compensation for your lost time and mental anguish?
That was nice of Hawaiian to reimburse you. I wouldn't have thought to save the receipts.
ReplyDeleteMy bright gecko green luggage came from Bed, Bath & Beyond, and it hasn't been at the turnstile with another green during my travels. My friend put a multi-color cloth strap around her checked luggage, but even with taping it onto the luggage, the inspectors still didn't keep it on. Olga's bright duct tape idea sounds good. Duct tape comes in many patterns and collegiate/pro team logos. I'm surprised my little TSA locks have actually stayed with my bags.
I've purchased the $10 "early boarding" with Southwest. That way I can put my carry-on in the bin above my seat. I'd heard to not let your own bag be placed rows away from you in the overhead bin due to theft during flights. (Wasn't that from your blog?)
I've read that some airlines might charge or not allow roll-ons as carry-on luggage, even if it meets size restrictions. Poo! DrumMajor
I think your efforts got you the best outcome possible.....no way to get re-paid for the hassle you went through and you learned some things for next time. I have recently seen quite a few hard sided bags with very bright colored designs on them. They definitely stand out.
ReplyDelete.
ReplyDeleteHi Kay,
congratulations on getting a reimbursement, a very good tip to remember.
consider what we did and you might re-think buying new suitcases...went to walmart and purchased a stencil set and painted bright flowers (we have actually gotten some nice comments at various airports, but our real intent was to make them as gaudy as possible) on our dark suitcases and we have been able to spot them right off the baggage claim conveyor rack everytime, so far... no one seems to have copied us yet, and hope that nobody does.
mahalo,
hilorain
.
.
I like the idea of dividing you stuff up. The airlines really came through like a champ and kudos to Art for keeping receipts.
ReplyDeleteI like Anon's ideas. Of course now that she has put it out there, it will be copied.
Gaudy is good.
My luggage on our first European trip flew around the world before coming back to me! Heathrow had sent it everywhere but Baltimore! Four weeks later, they located it and got it back to me and sent a check for $685.00. I was just thankful to get it back!
ReplyDeleteGood to know Hawaiian will reimburse for lost luggage. So often we fly using award miles, so no credit card "lost baggage" insurance there.
ReplyDeleteFortunately my red luggage has chrome wheels which can be seen from afar. Husband noted that other red colored luggages don't have similar chrome wheels so that's how he can find it
it.
Glad you got some compensation for the angst you went thru. I'm sure writing your letter helped sway their decision to reimbuse on all your receipts.
L...w
Glad you were re-imbursed! Some good tips here Kay, including an address inside the luggage and taking photos of them.
ReplyDeleteI paint a distinctive brand (HC) on both sides of my luggage. I use acrylic paint which goes on well and dries fast. I can always tell which bag is mine, as a result.
ReplyDeleteI tie brightly-colored nylon bath-scrubbies onto the handles of our luggage. Blue or white for Dick, as bright a color as I can find for myself. We had a suitcase stolen in Italy, and I had sleepily (and foolishly) tossed my wallet into it. What a nightmare that was!
ReplyDeleteK
I bought a large suitcase when I was in China and it came with a zipup cover to put over it. It keeps the bag from getting banged up in transit,is washable and also is easy to see on the carousel. My brother has a very large purple hardsided suitcase that we have named Barney and it is also very easy to find.
ReplyDeleteat least they try to pay people back
ReplyDeleteI remember traveling with Hawaiian once before and never had a problem. Sad about what you had to put up with but the fact that they reimbursed you was impressive. Thank you for these very important tips. I will be following them the next time we have to travel by plane.
ReplyDeleteI thought you should claim your replacement expenses, and I'm so glad you did. Next time you travel you can have extra sets of those things!
ReplyDeleteYour list is very inclusive, and we do almost none of those things. maybe I'd better get crackin' we have a trip coming up at the end of July.
Can't add to your advice about keeping your possessions safe when you travel, but that photo on your banner is fabulous!
ReplyDelete