Going OT: celebrity cruise... used their luggage valet... bad idea

[N&B4PSU]

The Saga continues: ok, from the "you can't make this stuff up" files, comes...

Call at 9 this morning asking wife for rundown of items in bag(s). does best she can. point? because they found 1... or maybe all 3, who knows... before opening they want an idea of the contents. ok.

we hear nothing. at 2 the father-in-law (who is my wife's emgy contact - not mine) calls to say he rec'd a call from celebrity out of miami saying they have MY bag. he says, 'here's HER #, call her direct'.. they never call her. I call our contact folks and they say nothing was added to the notes indicating anything was found or a call made.

at the end of the day, it was left this way (keeping in mind 8 hrs passed)... celebrity is waiting for a call from their bags, inc contact in miami -- who has departed for the day... and they in turn are waiting on a call from the seattle pier contact to provide them with the outcome of the bag check... none of which - apparently - has happened. after 8 hours. [oh, and the woman i sw is pretty sure they have all 3 bags... but until they verify the contents, nobody is sayin nuttin. it also suggests the luggage tags were stripped off. ugh.]

anyone thinking about using the valet program might want to think long and hard before so doing. the concept is great, and if the bags had been there as promised, i'd be singing the praises of all involved. but this?

Uppity Update: USAIR not off hook after all. Beginning to look like bags were delivered to them but apparently did not get on board. the plot thickens... gonna be one of those finger-pointing contests until the scans are updated on monday.

UPDATE: Celebrity confirms the bags went off the ship and were handled by Bags, Inc. Bags Inc is supposedly kibitzing with someone in charge on the pier where they suspect the bags were misplaced. They never got on USAIR, so for now, they're off the hook. [not so fast, my friends...]

Lotsa cameras in play out there... so someone should be able to spot them (wife's purple plaid bag stands out in a crowd)... and see if someone is seen walking off with them. As it stands, if they do find them, Bags puts the luggage on the original carrier and sends it to the original destination... there's 3-4 hrs shot to heck. Alternative is if they end up back with celebrity... they'd send them direct to us FedEx but.... all opened containers are apparently trashed (cdc stuff).

I'd take either just to have our stuff back.
_____
OP:

Well, we just returned from a celebrity cruise to alaska. and if you discount the final moments, what a wonderful ride it was. yeah, there were hiccups and oopsies.. but that is normal. the rest was superb!

but what cannot be oopised or ole'd away was the ending...

we took a chance on their luggage valet service. on its face, what a spectacular deal!! coupled with a transfer ferry ($20), this was too good to be true! [and yeah, it was]

pay a $40 luggage fee. pay a $20 shuttle fee. [for 2] put ur luggage out by midnight on the last night and all you have to do is show up before 9 the next day for ur bus.. they put u on a bus to the airport WITH ur boarding passes in hand. just go thru TSA, proceed to the departure zone and that's it!

on the other end, you get off the plane, collect ur luggage (which was put straight thru for you).. and the trip is a fantastic finish. yowsa!!

except not ONE of our 3 pieces of luggage was there when we hit fort lauderdale at midnight+. want to know what it is like to take this kind of trip and end with your wife sobbing that she'll never see this or that or the other thing... well, here ya go. an absolute disaster of an ending.

and yeah. it's ez to say... well, stupid u for not figuring it could blow up in ur face... and ur all right. but we settled back, decided celebrity was not going to hose this one up....

but boy oh boy, did they ever.

now... back upstairs to the distraught wife.. lugging much alcohol (for both of us.. my crap is missing. too).

 

[ForesterGump]

We cruise once a year, usually late winter. We've never had a problem with bags, and we've found it to be cheaper to keep the bags in our room and head out by cab instead of the expensive valet service. But, we travel light with only one checked in bag.

Where we have had problems is the Philadelphia airport. I've been through there 5 times and had problems during 4 of them. This last time they actually cancelled a flight on us. Now I look for flights that avoid Philly.

 

[mbahses]

You need to have them check lost/unclaimed baggage where applicable.

 

[psuaxe70]

Lost luggage is not that unusual and if you have reported it you will likely get it back, delivered to your house, within 24 hours. This has happened to us twice in 20 trips and it was delivered in good shape even to a tiny island in Panama within 2 days.

 

[Victor E. Bell]

Same just happened to my parents. They signed up for the same deal. They are old and can't be schleppin' bags around so this deal was for them. They got 2 bags back out of 3. Never got the 3rd one, had to replace a bunch of clothes and a camera. The airline said there was no tag on the bag (not true, and if they were able to say that, they have the bag). They had a few bottles of booze from the duty-free in there too. I think somebody realized there was booze in there and stole the whole works. They are waiting to be paid on the lost bag claim. I have little doubt somebody stole it.

 

[EPC FAN]

We cruise once a year, usually late winter. We've never had a problem with bags, and we've found it to be cheaper to keep the bags in our room and head out by cab instead of the expensive valet service. But, we travel light with only one checked in bag.

Where we have had problems is the Philadelphia airport. I've been through there 5 times and had problems during 4 of them. This last time they actually cancelled a flight on us. Now I look for flights that avoid Philly.

Gee, and I have never had a problem at Philadelphia Airport. Flown out of there many times.

 

[N&B4PSU]

to their credit, celeb's cust svc folks are doing their best and have been polite and clear. whether that gets us our luggage...

what we know is that it never got on the plane (usair is off the hook). now, how 3 sizable pieces of luggage somehow do not get on board is a mystery and celeb does not handle that aspect... it's a big bag company and it's on them now. can't wait to see how you file claims against those guys. wife started making a list and broke down and gave up. not a pretty picture around here.

 

[PSU_Nut]

to their credit, celeb's cust svc folks are doing their best and have been polite and clear. whether that gets us our luggage...

what we know is that it never got on the plane (usair is off the hook). now, how 3 sizable pieces of luggage somehow do not get on board is a mystery and celeb does not handle that aspect... it's a big bag company and it's on them now. can't wait to see how you file claims against those guys. wife started making a list and broke down and gave up. not a pretty picture around here.

If your ever checking baggage never pack anything that can not be replaced. It happens way to often and is your fault if you did. What was so precious in there that would cause a grown adult to break down?

 

[PSU_Nut]

Same just happened to my parents. They signed up for the same deal. They are old and can't be schleppin' bags around so this deal was for them. They got 2 bags back out of 3. Never got the 3rd one, had to replace a bunch of clothes and a camera. The airline said there was no tag on the bag (not true, and if they were able to say that, they have the bag). They had a few bottles of booze from the duty-free in there too. I think somebody realized there was booze in there and stole the whole works. They are waiting to be paid on the lost bag claim. I have little doubt somebody stole it.

It wasn't for the booze. If they stole every bag with booze they would be stealing 90% of the luggage. Most often it not stolen at all but simply a case were the tags are destroyed and they can not identify the owner of the bag. That why it important to have multiple tags on your bag including one inside the bag. If they are looking to steal anything out of the bag it would be electronics and jewelry.

 

[tgar]

I have your luggage, man you two are FREAKY!!!!!!

Smile, you have a drink in your hand or will soon.

 

[psu1969a]

Well, we just returned from a celebrity cruise to alaska. and if you discount the final moments, what a wonderful ride it was. yeah, there were hiccups and oopsies.. but that is normal. the rest was superb!

but what cannot be oopised or ole'd away was the ending...

we took a chance on their luggage valet service. on its face, what a spectacular deal!! coupled with a transfer ferry ($20), this was too good to be true! [and yeah, it was]

pay a $40 luggage fee. pay a $20 shuttle fee. [for 2] put ur luggage out by midnight on the last night and all you have to do is show up before 9 the next day for ur bus.. they put u on a bus to the airport WITH ur boarding passes in hand. just go thru TSA, proceed to the departure zone and that's it!

on the other end, you get off the plane, collect ur luggage (which was put straight thru for you).. and the trip is a fantastic finish. yowsa!!

except not ONE of our 3 pieces of luggage was there when we hit fort lauderdale at midnight+. want to know what it is like to take this kind of trip and end with your wife sobbing that she'll never see this or that or the other thing... well, here ya go. an absolute disaster of an ending.

and yeah. it's ez to say... well, stupid u for not figuring it could blow up in ur face... and ur all right. but we settled back, decided celebrity was not going to hose this one up....

but boy oh boy, did they ever.

now... back upstairs to the distraught wife.. lugging much alcohol (for both of us.. my crap is missing. too).

Why didn't you put valuables in a carry-on??????

 

[lionlurker]

I've had a number of bad things happen at the Philadelphia airport, including luggage issues. Ultimately the bags were recovered, but once it took almost a month. If at all possible, I avoid going thru there. I don't know why they have so many issues there, but their problems are well-documented.

 

[N&B4PSU]

Why didn't you put valuables in a carry-on??????

the real valuables were in the carry-on.

they'll get her costume jewelry and a whole lot of designer label clothing and shoes. no booze. no watches.

 

[mbahses]

One time in Fla. took puddle jumper from Fort Walton to Tampa. Arrived withing 20 minutes of departure. Told we were too late to make flight, seats given to others "stranded since last night". 6 hours later, arrived in Pgh. Luggage was not on Carousel. After inquiries, luggage was in "lost/unclaimed office" as our luggage made the flight we didn't. Last time we ever checked bags. Raised hell at customer office (not what it's called, difficult to learn about unless a sympathetic employee tells you about it) and got free flights and food vouchers.

Do not check bags if you can avoid it.

 

[N&B4PSU]

Do not check bags if you can avoid it.[/QUOTE]

Best advice... in general. but this was a cruise with a 40 degree swing in predicted temps (from 40's to 80's, and the wife goes all out on these so....

but when i fly for anything else, i prefer not to check anything (although if you're going for a week it is pretty hard to stuff everything into a carry-on).

 

[mbahses]

Do not check bags if you can avoid it.

Best advice... in general. but this was a cruise with a 40 degree swing in predicted temps (from 40's to 80's, and the wife goes all out on these so....

but when i fly for anything else, i prefer not to check anything (although if you're going for a week it is pretty hard to stuff everything into a carry-on).[/QUOTE]

Unless you're taking a suit(s) it can be done. My wife whines I pack too much. You can always forward suits by FedEx, etc.

 

[PSU_Nut]

One time in Fla. took puddle jumper from Fort Walton to Tampa. Arrived withing 20 minutes of departure. Told we were too late to make flight, seats given to others "stranded since last night". 6 hours later, arrived in Pgh. Luggage was not on Carousel. After inquiries, luggage was in "lost/unclaimed office" as our luggage made the flight we didn't. Last time we ever checked bags. Raised hell at customer office (not what it's called, difficult to learn about unless a sympathetic employee tells you about it) and got free flights and food vouchers.

Do not check bags if you can avoid it.

Just think of what they would have done for you if you treated them like a human. I love how people brag about raising hell like we should be impressed. All you are doing is acting like an a-hole. That person at the desk did not lose your bags. So why do they deserve to be mistreated. It the customers who treat them nice who get the most. They are so use to jerks like you that when someone treats them with respect they will go all out. Trust me they're not impressed by people raising hell.

 

[PSU_Nut]

the real valuables were in the carry-on.

they'll get her costume jewelry and a whole lot of designer label clothing and shoes. no booze. no watches.

And she is having a breakdown over that? Is she normally a drama queen? It sucks but not worth getting worked up about. Take the check and go shopping. It not the end of the world.

 

[N&B4PSU]

And she is having a breakdown over that? Is she normally a drama queen? It sucks but not worth getting worked up about. Take the check and go shopping. It not the end of the world.

Well, let's see. Between the 2 of us we have about 4G's in stuff in our bags. conservatively speaking.

We have clothes we purchased on other trips (italy, paris, hong kong and thai silks etc).. in short, irreplaceable. she has cosmetics totaling about 500... that IS replaceable but still a PITA. I have custom suits and shirts and pants... as does she. so can we replace it over time? yes and no. we'll never replace most of it, just get something else not quite as special. i could go on but hopefully you get the picture.

It isn't just about the money... it's the memories and it's the TIME it takes to go back out and buy all that crap. so does it make her a drama queen that after a great vacation she comes home without a bunch of necklaces and designer clothes that cannot quickly (if at all) be replaced?

i don't think so. or put another way.. no more than me who likes to impulse shop and has zero interest in spending days hitting malls looking for clothing (ack).

let's just say my alcohol intake doubled.

as to "the check"... at this point, it's $600. doesn't even cover the cost of one of my suits. Next....

 

[ForesterGump]

On our return trips from a cruise, all we have in our bags is dirty laundry. Value is pretty low, as we travel light.

 

[N&B4PSU]

On our return trips from a cruise, all we have in our bags is dirty laundry. Value is pretty low, as we travel light.

yup.. once upon a time for me. but the wife totally digs these things and we do it righteous... i like your way better... but she's my wife, so...

 

[ClarkstonMark]

yup.. once upon a time for me. but the wife totally digs these things and we do it righteous... i like your way better... but she's my wife, so...

First, I hope you get your luggage. I expect you will.
Second, my ex-gf did a 7 day Alaska cruise a couple years ago. She took two large bags, both way over the weight limit for air travel - each were between 80 and 100 LBS. I think she paid more for her baggage as she did for the flight.
Just because some people like to travel light doesn't mean that everyone should.
I used to carry on as well for my business travel, but it is such a pain in the ass. Now I almost always check a bag, at least 90% of the time.

 

[mbahses]

Just think of what they would have done for you if you treated them like a human. I love how people brag about raising hell like we should be impressed. All you are doing is acting like an a-hole. That person at the desk did not lose your bags. So why do they deserve to be mistreated. It the customers who treat them nice who get the most. They are so use to jerks like you that when someone treats them with respect they will go all out. Trust me they're not impressed by people raising hell.

You're an idiot.

 

[N&B4PSU]

First, I hope you get your luggage. I expect you will.
Second, my ex-gf did a 7 day Alaska cruise a couple years ago. She took two large bags, both way over the weight limit for air travel - each were between 80 and 100 LBS. I think she paid more for her baggage as she did for the flight.
Just because some people like to travel light doesn't mean that everyone should.
I used to carry on as well for my business travel, but it is such a pain in the ass. Now I almost always check a bag, at least 90% of the time.

Thanx! In general, travel in the new age is not much fun... but it's that necessary evil. They might have found our bags.. we'll know soon.

 

[Lion84]

I travel through Philly almost every week for business and have been for many years. The baggage handling is better, they seem to lose less bags and it usually doesn't take 45 minutes or more for your bags to get to the carousel but I still check every time - just can't shake the bad memories of bags being lost a few times. I always get anxious when I have to check bags on a family vacation since then it's a must. Good luck getting them back - they usually do but it takes time sometimes.