Brian Regan is a funny guy – talking about a subject that is gaining more and more media attention. There are many aspects of the airlines that need improvement, but today I am writing about the checked baggage issues – (Brian talks about this at 4:21 in the video) We have known for a long time that checking luggage can result in losing that luggage!
So now the airlines are charging us to take our luggage away – and possibly lose it or damage it.
Consider the extra time and headache that checking luggage requires. First, you must make sure the bag weighs less than 50lbs. – this weight adds up fast since many of us are not light packers!
Then you have to haul it into the car – and if you’re not used to manually lifting luggage, this could mean straining the back. Arrive early to stand in line – oh wait, in some cases – two lines to get that luggage on the conveyor belt.
Don’t look out the window of the airport of airplane if you are sentimentally attached to that bag since the baggage handler is certainly not ‘handling with care’. (Do I blame them? No! Think about lifting heavy bags all day in the outdoor elements and taking home minimal pay and next to no benefits.)
Your long awaited arrival at your destination is here – and what do you do? Spend precious vacation time waiting…and waiting… (certainly not what you envisioned your first moments of at your destination!)
And then the belt stops…and 15 people groan as they eye the lone worker at the lost baggage claim office. The race is on – and yet it doesn’t matter. All 15 of you wait… and wait… to deal with someone who shows no compassion that your long awaited vacation will be ruined because your belongings did not accompany you to your destination. (Do I blame them? No! Think about their job working with angry people all day hearing threats and being harassed for something they had no control over. Once again being paid minimal with possibly little to no benefits.)
If you have been paying attention to the media lately – you can see that the luggage crisis is out of control. Lost bags, extra fees, long lines, decreased customer service… what other option do you have?
Well, if you need to check luggage, then seriously consider saving time and stress and possibly your luggage, by using a luggage delivery service. I use The Luggage Club when I travel, and this is how it works. I go online or call their Toll-Free number (877-231-5131) and arrange for pickup of my bag a few days before my departure date -this varies depending on level of service selected. Yes, this does mean you have to pack ahead of time. (think of all that last minute stress avoided!)
Your baggage is picked up at your door and delivered directly to your hotel at your destination. The Luggage Club requires a signature when the bag is delivered and they have access to that signature if there are any issues. They will then notify you by email that your luggage has arrived and is waiting for you to arrive! Some of the items that The Luggage Club will deliver:
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The day of travel, I pack the last minute things (which usually are valuable enough to be in my carry-on) and head out the door. I bypass the crazy chaos at the ticket counters and head right to airport security since I have printed my boarding pass at home. I already know that my luggage has arrived – waiting for me – so I am worry free about baggage issues.
Checking into the hotel, I can tell you that every time I have been greeted with enthusiasm – informed that my luggage is already there and waiting! And right next to my luggage is another box that is waiting for me to arrive. This box contains supplies like water, snacks, and sunscreen from Jet Set Babies, – but that is another blog post!
Basically I have taken my family’s happiness into my own hands. I rely on the airlines only for transport. Not food, drink, luggage delivery, customer service, medicine – nothing but basic transport from point A to point B. And you know what? I also don’t waste energy or vacation time getting upset that the airlines just aren’t what they used to be.
Sometimes at my travel seminars someone will ask me why I don’t just ship it through FedEx. Well, although that is definitely an option – I don’t recommend it simply because at The Luggage Club, delivery of luggage is their specialty. Each piece of luggage is insured for $1000 – this is included in the quote. On time delivery is guaranteed – and if there is an issue, you have an advocate who not only will help you, but will reimburse you a full or partial refund depending on your situation.
No more just being a number to big corporations like FedEx or the airlines. The Luggage Club is based out of Wisconsin – and there is something about that Midwest community – they are generally easy to work with, genuinely care – and have pride in their work.
So next time you hear someone complaining about the luggage issues the airlines and passengers are having – remind them that it is an option to take control of your happiness and the quality of your trip. Don’t gamble on a losing system.
Unless you enjoy meeting other disgruntled passengers as you all try and remember what your bags looked like and contained – all the while your precious vacation time is ticking away.
Check it out at www.theluggageclub.com – and enter JWK207 to receive 10% off your order!
Even if you pack and deliver one bag with “essentials” from each family member, this can save the day. Swimsuits are difficult to find last minute on vacation – throw the suits in the “essentials” bag and the family can swim while one parent goes shopping to replace the other lost luggage…
Don’t rely on the airlines any more than is necessary. Take responsibility for the quality of your travel experience!
Tags: lostluggage, checked luggage, luggage delivery, luggage club,
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