Fragile baggage on an airline...do they really care?
Im on my way home from TechEd on Saturday morning. As usual I take my server and laptop bag as carry on luggage on the flight because I just dont trust them to keep it safe and un-damaged. Its not exactly big after all....
I proceed to check in for the flight like I have done for the last 40 or so flights that Ive done this and the stewardess pulls me aside. Shes concerned that if I take two bags on the flight there wont be enough room. Firstly Im a Gold member and am actually allowed to do this and secondly the flight is not even full so I didnt understand what her problem was.
Another guy comes over and talks to me about it. He wants me to check the bag into the hold (by sliding it down the baggage chute I might add!!!). I discuss with him my concerns of damage given that they arent equipped to care about bags and the fact that the baggage staff throw them in the air and ask whether the airline is prepared to accept responsibility for damage. He says no though says he will put a fragile tag on it and personally take it down to the baggage hold. Nice I think....perhaps they do care.....
I wait for my bags at Perth airport. My server bag comes out. Its upside down. I check the case - its bent! Yes they managed to bend the back of it in a hardened case!
What was the point of the fragile tag again?
