3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Gwen Kulesza — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 13:43:35 GMT

Continental Airlines lost my luggage about 10 years ago from Chicago to Miami when it was returned it smelled like jet fuel evrything inside my bag was ruined... there was insurance through the airline, BUT you had to have receipts for everything some of my clothes were not brand new and I had no receipt. Needless to say I did not get reimbursed for any of my things, do to the fact the Co. made it so hard I just gave up. I still miss my favotite pair of jeans. thanks Gwen Kulesza

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Tim, San Diego, CA — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 13:56:17 GMT

Sadly, in the span of one trip, American Airlines lost my luggage twice, had it sit at the airport for hours and then proceeded to deliver it at 2 am. They sighted a lack of drivers as the reason for the delay in the return, no doubt having them all drive around town delivering other's lost luggage. Not the first time either. Sad state of affairs.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

J. Harrell — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 13:58:46 GMT

RU kidding me? Who delivers lost luggage at three AM? At some point in time some unlucky returner of lost luggage will be shot & killed by some reasonbly scared, trigger-happy homeowner who will be thinking of exactly the same thing that went through your mind-someone is breaking in! Just goes to show that the airlines still don't have a clue about customer service & its guidelines!

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

john lucich jr — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 14:08:10 GMT

another nightmare in this screwed country..keeping people on planes for hours on end..and now this......dam...isn't freedom wonderful......the american consumer is being held hostage..........

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Bob Post — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 14:15:10 GMT

At least you got yours back. I took the Greyhound Bus back from Oregon to Kansas City, and they lost my suitcase. ON A BUS! How did that happen, anyway? Well, about 2 weeks later, they called and said they had found it, and I had 2 weeks to come get it. The next day, I drove to the terminal to retrieve my bag. I was told that it had been thrown out. Apparently after they called me, they put it into the wrong pile, which was bound for the dump. I never saw it again.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Sandra, Cornwall on Hudson, NY — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 14:17:15 GMT

Thanks for the laugh... I really enjoyed reading your blog - very entertaining!

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Jim Lane — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 14:34:42 GMT

This can't be serious. Nobody in their right mind would return lost luggage at 3 AM in the morning. I would notify and inform American Airlines what that idiotic delivery person did. Surely that's not company policy.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

M B Mynhier — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 14:35:46 GMT

Customer service in the airline industry still has a long way to go. Even when they do something right they do it wrong.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

V. Howell Midwest City, OK — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 14:41:42 GMT

My family's luggage was lost as well. (American Airlines) We were on vacation to visit friends on Cape Cod. Need less to say our arrival airport (PVD, RI)is many miles away, but we were assured our luggage would be delivered as soon as it was found for no charge. Two days later we awoke to a downpour. Leaving in the same clothes we arrived in, we left out of the front door for breakfast. There, in the pouring rain were our soaked suitcases. We had left our cell phone numbers, and the house phone number but no one called, knocked on the door or rang the door bell. After breakfast we spent the day wringing out and drying our clothing. We asked the American Airlines people what had happened when we returned to the airport to leave. They just shrugged their shoulders and said it was the people they contract withs fault.
Not good enough, but what can you do?

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

jan — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 14:44:48 GMT

a phone from AA first would help out, that they were coming.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Matt -FairLawn NJ — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 15:14:23 GMT

Put the baggage handlers out of biz! Send your stuff ahead,safely,with UPS,FedX,DHL...Anyone but the baggage handlers can handle your baggage correctly! I have actually been stopped in line with a metal detector...it was a clear plastic case,so you can see inside,and it had the brand logo. It was the very same brand as the walk through detector! Security stopped the package in the X-ray and held me aside...insisting they thought the battery could be a hazzardous detonator,it was to be checked instead of carry-on. I fussed,and showed them the logo on their walk through detector is the SAME!!! Oh well-First sign of trouble! Darn... Well, it is certain that the baggage handlers tossed it about underneath the belly of the plane,I am sure of it. Luckily,the brand was a well built one,it survived their "handling". Though it took forever to retreive. I prefer to avoid checking in stuff, just shipping it ahead usually ensures timely arrival without hassle. The one time my metal detector needed to be "checked" was the last time-it takes the journey ahead of me from now on. If the baggage handlers cannot get their act together, then professional delivery services like UPS,FedX,DHL has the upper hand. They take good care,and ensure timely,prompt service-and they treat residential folks with respect-NOT disturbing their sleep pattern!

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Mike H, Palo Alto CA — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 15:23:46 GMT

Why does anyone use this airline anymore? I don't know anyone who has flied with them who hasn't been touched by something ranging from unprofessional to grossly incompetent and life-impeding.

This story is unbelievable, and so are the comments. Stop flying with these losers.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

airline employee, Oak Park — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 15:24:32 GMT

The baggage delivery service in each city decides the route they take to deliver your bag. It is usually done after the last flt of the day. So if that flt comes in at 11:30 pm, they start their deliveries then. The service and the airline assumes you want your bag as soon as possible. Some delivery services will actually call, but most don't.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Klaus Pfister, Holladay, Utah — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 15:32:54 GMT

Any such horror stories from a mature and civilized european air carrier such as Lufthansa or KLM
abounding?
Welcome to USA!

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

john doe,seattle washington — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 15:32:59 GMT

I must be klucky. I travel quite a bit and haven t lost a bag since 1955, Because my plane unexpectly changed the luggage didnt change with it. I think the fact that I have a mpore unique color of luggage and identifying twine on my bag at least helps to keep others from taking my bags. Pplease be more carefull on ID ing your stuff so it can be spotted from afar, and no black bags. Good luck.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

John Phoenix, AZ — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 15:38:55 GMT

We all heard the story(and it still sounds good) about the guy who goes up to the American Airlines counter in Boston with 2 pieces of luggage to be checked for his flight back to San Diego. He tells the person at the counter that he would like one of his bags to go to Denver and the other one to go to San Francisco. The counter person stated that they were unable to accomodate such a request. The passenger states..."really, you were able to do it the last time I flew on American Airlines"

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Bill Gates Wantabe, Redmond, WAntabe — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 15:47:34 GMT

Now days you just have to be polite or else suffer being thrown out for either being too sexy or too much like them!!! I believe the employee is just trying to pay their own bills, and "consumer beware!" Even the new laws reveal similar to truck drivers, if they have no flight, they don't get paid neither! So if you are left with a cancelled flight, so is the pay for the crew!!! and not knowing that before, assuming they'd get paid parking, paid for waiting for a delayed flight, paid meals or even a decent seat to sit in... I can see that it isn't all that sweet nor glamorous anymore to spend your holidays including Christmas and Thanksgiving, etc. on an airplane with several stops.
Having to switch planes is a nightmare as a traveler, think about having to do so several times per day as a crew employee? and having to do so with a smile on your face with people angry at a crew member that can not control anything to begin with....
Just as briliant as those million dollar fixer uppers and the hundreds of millions of dollars salaries the CEO's are cranking out...

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

J, Anaheim, Ca — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 15:49:33 GMT

They brought the suitcase back personally! It would be nice if it were during the day but what happens when your not home and they leave it outside for the elements or for it to get stolen. Most people work between 6am-6pm (with travel time) so the airlines have a very small window of what would be acceptable. Geez, even then someone would probably complain that they were interupted during dinner.

Just tired of whiners

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Richard, Las Vegas NV — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 15:52:14 GMT

1. I enjoyed reading the lost/returned story - but I am shocked at hearing that receipts for clothing that had been contained in lost luggage must be provided ...to be reimbursed. Who in the world has those recipts? What a croc! And one of the comments say that one in 168 pieces of luggage are lost. That, too is a croc.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Mark Adams, Lansing, MI. — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 15:52:37 GMT

Last year I was going to Hong Kong, (via Northern Airlines). I was to leave Lansing, Mi., go to Chicago, then straight to Hong Kong. First Lansing messed up my boarding pass, I did not leave Lansing untill the next day. For L.A. Calif., spent about 10 hrs. there, on to San Fran. for another 6-8 hrs. Back to Chicago. Finally to Hong Kong where airport employees said one of my bags was lost,(the big one with most of my things). Finally I got to see my wife-almost 2 days late. The bag was returned the next day. The whole trip was messed up. I can go to an Asian airport and find my way around, and have never have had trouble, or on their flights. Someone here needs to study how intelligent and efficent the Asian airports-and flights are done. At least the ones I have dealt with.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

robadob, B'ham Al — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 15:56:34 GMT

I worked for a UPS Store for 2 years. We had more than a few business travelers come in and have at least half of what would normally be checked baggage, shipped via air service. There's nothing like a good backup plan.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Jeff, Buffalo, ny. — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 15:56:59 GMT

I returned from Honduras in 2004and waited four and a half weeks for this airline to return my bag. I was told that the bag was located in Atlanta, had been taken to Baltimore, back to Atlanta, sent to San Antonio, then LOUISIANA, of all places. Where was the luggage finally discovered? sitting on the flightline. Forty minutes from my house in BUffalo.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Brett Schechter, Houston, TX — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 16:00:14 GMT

I fly 300-400,000 miles per year, and have a minimum of two bags lost per year. Almost always American Airlines. They have me as Executive Platinum, so I stoiclly absorb these indignities.

My perspective is the American populace has been allowed to atrophy. Horrible public education, low standards for the lower classes, lack of etiquette, and government's meddling in the affairs of private enterprise. America is on a steep decline, and with crooked Neo-Cons and Communist Dems coming, our only hope is to have another tea party.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Dusty, Kansas City, KS — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 16:01:42 GMT

If my conclusion is correct, I think AA has little control over when bags get delivered. My wife had a bag lost on our way home from Chile last year and here is what we learned of the people who delivered it to us the next evening:

1.) They were a retired couple and trying to pick up a little extra money.
2.) They were in their own vehicle.
3.) AA said they had no way to contact them in route, but the couple did have a personal cell--which they did use to call us.

It may only be like this in Kansas City, but at least for us, it seemed AA had no control over when our bags were returned to us. Once they left the airport, the drivers were more or less on their own. I'm thinking, maybe, that 3am was more of the driver's design than AA's. That's not to say the airline isn't at fault for setting up such an opaque method of managing their drivers....

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

nancy — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 16:03:53 GMT

I had an experience that was less than satisfying with AA as well. The treatment I received when talking to their customer service was less than cordial and they made it out to be my fault. Excuse me, when I gave my bag to one of their counter clerks, it should have become their problem. Since I work in customer service as well, I let them know their skills in dealing with the public were lacking. I even asked to speak to a supervisor which got me nowhere but to another snotty voice at the other end of the line. I also wrote a letter to the president of AA and let him know of my dissatisfaction with his employees. I didn't get anything out of it or a response from anyone and I certainly wasn't reimbursed for my lost items. Bottom line - I will fly another airline even if it is a few dollars more

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

a mom in Seattle, Wa — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 16:09:10 GMT

Our family flew on Air Canada from Vancouver to London. All of our luggage arrived, except for our son's. We were reassured at Heathrow that when it showed up they would deliver it to us. I handed them our itinerary with lodging and numbers, and we headed west to Bath in our rental van. Two days later, in the wee hours of a Somerset morning, a driver arrived at our b&b with his suitcase. He then had to turn around and head back to London at 2 a.m. It must be the policy of many or most airlines to deliver lost items regardless of the time of day!

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

jim switzer,lynchburg,virginia — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 16:09:19 GMT

I worked for a company in San Diego,whose Chairman,had been the Chairman of American Airways. There was so many complaints of lost luggage,he called a meeting in Miami of the luggage bosses. He arranged for their luggage to be mislayed and then chastised them for their shabby dress.Not much changed in 60 or so years.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Michelle Smith — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 16:11:49 GMT

To answer Jim's question. It is the policy for them to deliver at anytime. My luggage was lost (by AA) and delivered to me at the hotel that night. But the hotel warned me that it would come in the middle of the night. (common practice) Sure enough, 2am there was a knock at the door.

I was greatful because I didn't want to wear jeans for an important presentation the next day!!

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

David Powell, Ocean City New Jersey — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 16:12:30 GMT

Glad you got it back brah, and glad your friend is OK.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Tony, Oklahoma — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 16:13:13 GMT

Reminds me of an old joke about the fellow who, while checking in his luggage for a flight to dallas asked for his big bag be sent to New York and the little bag be sent to California. The attendant said we " can't do that " to which his response was, You did it last week. Have a great day and smile it helps.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

TSA NumbNut — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 16:16:11 GMT

I've never lost luggage, but on a business trip I had the wheels ripped off and the zipper broke with my white shirts hanging out the bottom dragging on the floor. (To top it off, I get that note about how my bags were picked for a random search... ARG!) What's up with these people, they answer "No" to the question "Do you give a crap" and they're automatically hired?...

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Michael, Indy — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 16:20:16 GMT

Everyone seems to think it's a terrible thing to return lost luggage in the wee a.m. hours; I've had it done three times from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., and two of the times I was very glad: I had to be out the door of the hotel by 5:15 for early meetings and the early delivery, no matter what the time, saved me. Each time delivering my luggage asap, whatever the time was the only good thing to come from the experience.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Steven Jernigan, San Diego, CA — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 16:22:30 GMT

American Airlines is the biggest joke of an airline in regards to checking luggage. I flew from Orange County to New York for a 1 day business trip. They managed to lose my bag on the way there, leaving me with my suit, shirt, tie, and the flip flops that I had on to fly that day. Thankfully, I received my bag at my hotel the next morning. Unfortunately, they lost my bag again that very same day on the return flight home. At least I was fully dressed.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Paul Wagner, Portland, OR — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 16:24:38 GMT

Regardless of the length of my stay I now travel with a simple carry on. Nothing more. Years ago I arrived in Paris and my luggage was lost for a week. Air France gave me a travel kit with a razor, shaving cream, toothpaste and a toothbrush. Aside from that, I was on my own!

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Leo, Chicago — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 16:24:54 GMT

Lost my luggage on Jet Blue during their "bad month" last winter. At least their lost luggage customer service had the sense to ask if I wanted overnight or next day delivery. As I was headed home, I told them any time in the day. My traveling companion didn't pick that option and was woken up in the middle of the night.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Morten, Copenhagen, Denmark — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 16:25:15 GMT

I can't honestly believe that an airline would return you bags in the middle of the night as common practice?! That's just moronic, but hey; by the way they operate usually, it comes as no big surprise. Airline customers are not considered humans, but walking, talking money, that they have to manipulate to fit in the seats of the plane. THEN they loose your luggage. I'm still laughing....

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

jonna christensen. — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 16:26:05 GMT

what a nerve of AA to send a woman in the midle of the night,i fly no airlines but SAS.-denmark .

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Richard Reynolds, Jacksonville, NC — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 16:26:44 GMT

Last year I was sitting on a 737 as it taxied in to Nashville and watched as an American Airlines luggage train turned a sharp corner without closing the luggage bay doors, need less to say every peice of luggage on the left side fell out as the train drove away. So if you've ever wondered how luggage is lost, now you know.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Eric, San Diego, CA — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 16:27:28 GMT

I laughed out loud no less than 3 times as I read this. Coincidently, my canines are "assembled" around me as it is raining and I'm trying to avoid muddy paw prints throughout the house. At 3 am, I'd know the second someone set foot on my property as I have several amazing dogs all having been rescued from a local animal shelter.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

conni — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 16:28:18 GMT

it was wery disrespectfull to send a woman in the night.it could have waitet til morning stupid

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

conni — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 16:28:20 GMT

it was wery disrespectfull to send a woman in the night.it could have waitet til morning stupid

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Hank, Decatur, IN — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 16:29:57 GMT

Recently I traveled to TPE on NWA. However may bag went to Amsterdam. The 747's for these flights were parked next to each other and if you have seen one 747 you seen them all. My bags did arrive three days later though.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Trayc, Swansea, IL — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 16:31:14 GMT

I received one of these early morning deliveries for lost/found baggage as well. They knocked on my door at 4:30 in the morning and scared the living daylights out of me. Sadly however, the baggage was not even mine (I have been lucky to have never lost anything). I spent 20 minutes trying to explain this to the individual who insisted that this 'person lived at this address' and that I should sign for it. (This was just a month after 9/11 and I was a young female living alone)

I called the airline the next day to complain about this and their response was pretty much tough luck. Not even a 'sorry we messed up and woke you up'

Now when I travel, if I can't carry it on, I don't take it with me. I would hate for someone else to wake up to my luggage!

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Jim Podeszwa, South River, New Jersey — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 16:31:26 GMT

Do you remeber the famous race car driver and aviator Eddie Rickenbacker? Mr. Rickenbacker was president of Eastern Airlines in the 1930's. Lost luggage was a problem back then as well. Mr. Rickenbacker called a meeting of all his top executives and had them fly out to the city of his choice. To make a point all the executives were victims of lost luggage. They were forced to wear the same clothes for three days while they waited for Mr. Rickenbacker to call them. When they all finally gathered together Mr. Rickenbacker asked how they felt about living in the same clothes day after day and not having their luggage. Soon after lost luggage became much less of a problem.

Jim

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Tom Graham, San Antonio, TX — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 16:31:44 GMT

I was in a group of 10 people flying from Rome to San Antonio last month on Delta. None of us got our bags when we got to San Antonio. Delta delivered my bag at 2:45 am the next morning. Since I live in a gated comomunity the delivery guy had to call me to get in so I didn't get as big a surprise as you did.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Zac, Cottondale AL — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 16:32:12 GMT

Hey, you could always go to Scottsboro, Alabama. That's where all of the nation's unclaimed baggage goes to be resold. The store probably even has a website.

I go in there sometimes looking for some golf clubs I lost in 1997...

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Fri, 07 Dec 2007 16:32:36 GMT

In July, US Air lost my golf clubs on the way to Orlando from Cincinnati and lost my clubs and my suitcase on the way back. I got a $300 credit though, to bad its with US Air.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

HornDawg, Texas — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 16:32:47 GMT

When you are in a hotel at 3 a.m. and your bag catches up to you it's a welcome delivery. Do you know who delivers these bags - not the airline - these are poor contractors to the airline. that's why you tip. I've had bags delivered out of open pick-ups and old VWs. It seems that if the airlines would total up their costs incurred in the bag finding and delivery, they could spend the same or less in improving bag handling. No wonder the airlines are a business model joke.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Billy, San Francisco, CA — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 16:32:54 GMT

I work in the hotel. I'd seen airlines delivered luggages at 4am or even 5am . of course, the hotel held the luggage. but they do deliver luggages at 3 4 5 am.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

T. Adams — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 16:32:59 GMT

A simple fix would be to deliver ASAP in the middle of the night if the flight was in teh past 1-3 days. After that there is no "Rush" to deliver the luggage that early....

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Sean, Tulsa, Oklahoma — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 16:34:32 GMT

Returning luggage at any hour is perfecty reasonable, and in my mind expected, on the leg of the trip away from home. You may NEED something in that bag. But one the leg back home, chances are you have spares or can come up with spares easily enough. The airline baggage check tag should have two boxes to check: Return at any hour, or Return during business hours.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Nancy, Raleigh NC — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 16:34:33 GMT

Lost luggage, Delta lost my elderly mom by taking her to the wrong gate on a connecting flight in 1991, it was not realized until her flight had departed. I had filled out all the information as requested and she was then placed in the care of the airlines. When she was told what had happened she ask to call me, but the girl at the desk stated she would notify me, she did not, so when her friend tried to meet her at her destination, no mom. Mom found her way to a hotel for the night and bought another airline ticket the next day, (hers was no longer good, because she only had her copy of a boarding pass and not the original ticket). We did not get reimbursed for the ticket she had to purchase or even we are sorry. NOTHING... Sad to say mom died 6 weeks later at home, at least it was not while she was in the care of DELTA, we may have never gotten her back.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

acd, phila, PA — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 16:36:09 GMT

My husband and I went to Alaska on vacation and our bags got lost between L.A. and Fairbanks, Alaska. We had packed some clothes in a carryon so we weren't totally without clothes, but we had no toiletries and had to buy them. 4am, BANG BANG BANG on the hotel room door...there were two of our three bags. Third bag showed up at 11am as we were loading everything to head to our next tour stop. We never did get any reimbursement for the stuff we had to buy because they couldn't tell us when we might get our bags.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

J Anderson, Medford NJ — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 16:37:17 GMT

My luggage was lost on a trip over to Germany. Not only did they find the bag and deliver it to my hotel before I actually arrived there, but they paid me around $80 for the inconvenience, The US should take notes.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

EP, KC — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 16:38:33 GMT

Same thing happened to me - lost luggage was returned at 2 in the morning.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Wally Martin, New Bedford, MA — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 16:39:01 GMT

Well, I must be in the minority here. In the past 3 years, We've flown AA back and forth from Boston to Manchester, UK. twice, Boston to Dallas, twice, Boston to Aruba (connection in Miami going out and Puerto Rico coming back), once back in Jan. 07 and most recently over the Thanksgiving Holiday, we flew Boston to Las Vegas (with a connection in Dallas), Vegas back to Dallas for 3 days and then back to Boston. All of these flights were without any major incidents other than the usual 1/2 to 3/4 hour delays on departure on 2 of the flights. And in both cases, the pilots made up the time in the air. I've actually been trying to use AA exclusively whenever I fly now. I've actually been more aggravated with US Airways and have been avoiding them recently. But "Knock on Wood", over the many years I've been flying within the US (including Hawaii) and Europe (both business and pleasure trips), I've yet to lose any luggage. And I usually check 2 bags. Of course, now that I've publically announce my good luck, it will no doubt go the other way. By the way, I do not work for AA or any other airline or the travel industry.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Eric, Wylie, TX — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 16:39:41 GMT

Just a guess, but I'll bet they do their delivery rounds at all hours because if you're travelling and lost your luggage, you'd probably want it before you have to wake up get ready for whatever the next day. Guess they just deliver stuff as they find them and don't sort out who they think would want it now or later.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Carol, New York City — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 16:42:12 GMT

Actually I do have a Lufthansa story. They lost my husband's bag on an oversees trip. They called me a couple of days later (from the info that was in and on the bag) but proceeded to interrogate me by making me identify, piece by piece, what was in the bag before they would release it! It contained many gifts packed over the course of a year, many of which bought by my husband with hardly a glance from me. I was faced with questions like, "Yes, there's a silver tray there but what kind of design is on it, huh?" or "Yes, there's a white lab coat there, but what color is the ink stain." It was surreal. I eventually got it back but not without several phone calls to Germany.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Mari, Odessa, TX — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 16:42:24 GMT

We live in the BOONIES. we have an "international airport" here(it flies to Mexico)but I would hesitate to say it is big. we have very little choice of airlines to choose from. Usually there are a lot of stops and changing planes and running through airports to make connecting flights. I am truely amazed that the number of lost bags isn't higher.
Southwest has been great with handling our luggage. The one time it was lost about 8 years ago, they brought it to us about midnight and apologized for the late hour. I don't always like the constant stops but hey they service an area like us AND keep up with our bags...

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Sheila Arestad, Federal Way, WA — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 16:42:42 GMT

OKAY, it's been 21 years, but I STILL have a grudge against Hawaiian Airlines and haven't flown with them since they lost my suitcase on a non-stop flight from Seattle to Honolulu. They didn't apologize and they didn't offer any compensation, not so much as a toothbrush. It was returned four months later. My one consolation is that we had nothing of particular value in it. Nevertheless, some items had been taken. Hawaiian's attitude? "If you want to sue, you'll have to file in Hawaii or California; we don't have an office in Washington."
I don't check bags any more.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Jim Cole Houston, TX — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 16:46:24 GMT

On an AA flight to Buenos Aries we had a mechanical problem diversion to Santa Cruz, Bolivia. AA got us on other airline flights to Buenos Aries, but were unable to unload baggage due to uncompatiable equipment. We missed our connection to Corrientes, Argentina and AA paid for our hotel stay. the baggage arrived after our next day departure and then sent the baggage by deliver driver (18 hours on bad roads)to a lodge in the Chaco provience of northern Argentina. We arrive one day late and the baggage arrived a day and a half after that. Not good, but considering the situation they did as much as possible. Additionally, we extended our stay one day to make up the missed first day and AA changed our return tickets for no charge and gave us double frequent flyer miles credit on the frist leg. If you travel frequently you learn to have a carry on with at least one change of clothes and all essentials for several days no matter the trip if you check baggage.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Tom, Greensboro NC — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 16:48:17 GMT

I work for a major airline. We do hire courier services for found luggage.

Lost luggage (and how to fix the problem)is a daily/weekly topic! We honestly do want the problem fixed! Technology is going to help but the costs are major. But the money is being soent!!

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

md, texas — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 16:49:02 GMT

3 bad experiences, 2 with 'aa' 1 with nw-airlines (the gray-hound bus of the sky).. aa called me at my
brothers house in homestead fla and "asked" me at 700p to drive up to miami intl airport in a driving
rainstorm to get my bag that they lost.... that didn't happen.. since i don't fly aa. nwa twice lost
my bag.. the last time, they not only lost mine but my brother's and his daughter's at the same time same
arrival air-port.. since those experiences, i have left need items at both relatives homes and i fly as little as possible and never on aa...

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Steve Spencer — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 16:50:17 GMT

Years back, I spent some time working as a bonded
courier for a courier company(not an airline)that had the contract for delivering recovered luggage at the San Francisco airport(SFO).
I delivered mostly at night-had a cell to warn folks I was on the way-and treated the items as I would have wanted my lost property handled. I delivered from Santa Rosa(N), Modesto(E) & Carmel(S). Sometimes,
owners did ask that I 'drop ship' the luggage. Of the
99+ of those signing for the bags,etc. were gracious.
Many were surprised, of our efforts late night and/or in miserable weather to return their property.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

William Ricketts, Coalmont, Tn. — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 16:50:26 GMT

At 3 AM,? Why didn't you just reach down, grab your bag, and close the door in her face, without signing?

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Angela, Dallas, TX — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 16:50:38 GMT

Ha! They did the same thing to us almost 12 years ago - cancelled our direct flight from Alberta Canada to Dallas, took us through Chicago and lost our luggage in the process. We got a 3 a.m. delivery also with no warning - scared the bejeevers out of us! We were happy to see our luggage, though! Doesn't appear they've made any improvements in their service over the last decade :-)

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Ed, MO — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 16:51:30 GMT

Wow, if baggage was my only problem. Delta lost my kid, 12 years old and lost. They went 4 hours with no way to tell me where she was. I called corporate in Atlanta, was told due to privacy regs they couldn't tell me where the passenger was. I asked them to hold and got my lawyer on a 3 way call with them. Needless to say, I am not one of their favorite people.
When they finally found her they told us to pick her up in Cincinatti, I am in MO and rest of family in MI. Oh yeah, they called about 10 min before the filght was supposed to land, real nice.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Marv. Detroit Mi. — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 16:52:54 GMT

Will some one please invent the transporters like Star Treke!! Then we can forget the airlines

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Carolyn, Cedar Glen, California — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 16:53:14 GMT

We used a baggage service to send our luggage ahead after a cruise to avoid schleppig all our stuff over NYC. Not cheap, either. DHL was the shipper and our luggage arrive looking like it was dropped from a plane as it flew overhead? No one cares anymore. Consumers have no rights, and if you try to exercise any rights you get thrown off a plane, out of a terminal, or maybe into jail. It is not just AA. It is everywhere. Our freedom is gone, our rights are gone and we have no one to blame but ourselves.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Brian, St Petersburg, FL — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 16:53:26 GMT

Luckily I have not lost luggage. Most of my travels are short trips, no change of planes. My only comment is to Mr. Schechter, have the Republicans done any better? Thank You Mr Teague, you really can tell a story no matter the subject.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Tom, Maryland — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 16:53:28 GMT

I was flying back to Dulles from Oslo for business with United when somehow my bags and those of my coworker were both lost. We filled out forms for them to deliver the luggage and parted ways to get to our homes. The next day, I received a call around 3pm saying they had my bags and would deliver them soon. I waited around the house and received a couple more calls at about 6 and 9pm saying the same thing. When asked, I was assured by them that they were just getting into my area. I tried calling back at about midnight to ask when they would actually be there since they hadn't arrived yet and noone answered. I went to bed at about 1am and just as I was about to nod off, my cell phone rang. In climbing out of bed and making it over to my bureau, I missed the call but listened to the message which was something like: "We left your luggage on your doorstep since noone answered. We aren't supposed to do that, but we figured it would be ok." Knowing my neighborhood, I knew it wouldn't be alright so I rushed downstairs. Sitting on my doorstep was not only my luggage but my coworkers which had been lumped into my pile somehow. I called her the next day and she was so relieved because she never heard one word from the airlines. When I called and complained, they laid the blame on the contractor but wouldn't give me contact info to call them.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Howard, Sacramento CA — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 16:55:03 GMT

My wife and I flew to my brother's house in Florida prior to boarding a cruise ship, and our luggage (and about twenty others') were accidently sent elsewhere. We really needed our luggage, and were quite glad that they delivered it in the middle of the night, since we had to leave for the ship by 6am. They rang the doorbell, too, but immediately drove off. I suspect they don't want to just leave the luggage on the porch, due to the possibility of theft. So, personally, I'm glad they came at 2am and rang the bell. You might want to cut them a *little* slack. Oh, and try not to shoot someone who rings the bell at night. It could be your teenage daughter who was planning on sneaking back in late, but forgot her keys. :-)

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Scott - Crystal City, Virgina — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 16:56:13 GMT

Ah... American Airlines... What fun...
The best recourse is to indicate that the componens lost were crucial to the success of the trip, for which you contracted with the airline to support.

I Lost my golf bag enroute to Hawaii in 2001. The bag held my shoes, golf clothings, and of course, my clubs. As it was a golf trip that brought my business to American, without my clubs, I didn't need to incur the cost of the tickets. Ergo - loss of clubs deemed the ticket irrelevent. Spent two hours looking for my bag at the arrival / departure airport, as well as within their system. To no avail. Upon failing to find my clubs, the representative told me to buy new clubs, and submit the receipt for payment. Of course, I asked for a signed Letter of Authorization prior to leaving the airport and purchasing the clubs.

I don't know if this is standandard procedure of the act of a committed customer service rep, but customer satisfaction was achieved that day. American paid Hawaii resort prices for a new bag, Calloway Clubs, rain gear and shoes.... and I recall the origin of my new clubs every time I play. Still haven't hit the hole in one, and I'm not sure if I'm happy or angry with American Airlines, but hey, that representative went above and beyond, without hesitation, to ensure my satisfaction

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Mark Anthony — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 16:57:03 GMT

Not exactly front page story, but it was written well enough to be entertaining. How can I find more work from this writer?

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

H. Wray, Newport News, Virginia — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 16:57:44 GMT

I've had my luggage lost on two separate occasions on two of the big airlines...American and US Air. The american air bags took 3 and half weeks to get back to me, which was a terrible thing to happen because it was a big bag that had all of my nice clothes in it from a business trip. It was a lot of 'fun' trying to explain to my boss why I was wearing a pear of jeans with my dress tops, that's for sure.

The second time with US AIR (on a non-stop flight no less, actually was able to tell me where the bag was. And every day that location changed. This bag went from California to Chicago, Bangor Maine, Charlotte, and finally ended up on my porch one morning as a surprise to me as I was leaving for work.

I fly a lot, and I know unforseen circumstances happen...but I never quite got how they LOSE the luggage completely. They put barcodes on it and scan it right? At least that's what I've seen the handlers doing with it...it has to be somewhere, right? Right?

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

bill stephenson — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 16:59:21 GMT

You ain't heard nothing yet!!! On a return flight from alaska we changed planes in atlanta(delta). three times they changed our departure gate while we waited.finally we arrive in melbourne fl. only to learn our bags couldn't change gates as fast as we did, no baggage on the merry-go-round. Three days later bags delivered to our home in Vero, I guess they went sightseeing without me.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Howard — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 17:02:26 GMT

Just 2 more reasons why I do not fly American Airlines. At least the loss of luggage is not life threatning and the passenger was not abandoned.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Dana L. Bruce, Tulsa — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 17:02:46 GMT

I am complementing the 2nd paragraph of the message by Brett Schechter, Houston. It is "right on". I have written this in a notebook I keep of "intellectual messages" and famous quotes.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

John- Daytona Beach, FL — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 17:03:34 GMT

We should show more support for the airlines. Be grateful you can fly from Orlando, FL. to Boston, MA. in just over 2 hours. Beats driving anyday. 2AM is silly for baggage delivery but for the most part, the airlines and their employees do a great job. Delay my flight anytime. Thank you for at least trying to make everyone happy.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Jenn, KC MO — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 17:04:39 GMT

Hey Klaus - KLM is not so much better. They lost my bags on my way to Africa - didn't get them until I had to pay my own way back to the airport to pick them up myself. Then on the way home, they stranded me in Amsterdam and would not help me fix my subsequent connecting flights, so then I had to stay the night in Chicago once I finally did arrive back in the US. very civilized.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

eodife, Memphis, TN — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 17:07:26 GMT

I have tried the bright tags, the bold lettering, arriving early, staying at the counter until I see my bags taken to the back and STILL they lost them! So when I was travelling to Nigeria for my wedding, I fought and screamed with the attendants at the counter but my Wedding Dress was with me at ALL times. I can assure you I was quite a sight through the Italian, and Nigerian airports carrying a big weeding dress in a bag but hey, I was not going to walk down the aisle in jeans!

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Don L, Sparta, Michigan — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 17:07:35 GMT

Back in the late 80's, American Airlines lost my luggage on four trips in a row. It was a convenient flight for my recurring visits to a certain Midwest city. On the fourth trip, per procedure, I had to tell them of something identifiable in the suitcase other than dirty laundry. "My new Canon AE-1 is in there". The luggage was delivered about midnight, and so I went back to bed. The next morning, I noticed the zipper was partially open, and lo and behold, the camera was gone. The best they would do is replace it with a USED AE-1. I didn't fly AA again for 12 years after that.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

John, Kresta Corona, CA — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 17:07:50 GMT

AA, they have major personnel problems and really don't care. A large number of flight attendants really need to retire. They HATE their jobs and take it out on the passengers. Filing complaints is useless. They don't care and you never hear anything back -- that's because their union protects them.
A number of years ago, I was sitting on the isle seat in the last row of a Super 80 right in front of the smelly potties. I was playing a video game on my computer my son-in-law had given me for Christmas. (At one time I was a 100K flier with AA) -- A flight attendant came by serving drinks, looked down at me and replied "Sir, you are obnoxious!!” I replied back “So is your airline but unfortunately I still fly them”. The lady in the window seat sat up looked at me and then the rude unprofessional flight attendant. I was sitting in the seat next to a loud jet engine playing the video game minding my own business and having to be abused by a flight attendant that hates her job.
I finally got up the courage to ask the supervisor for her name and when I did the flight attendant came stomping up to me and demanded my name because she said I was threatening her. So I laughed at her and we exchanged names. I sent in a number of complaints and guess what -- yep -- no response. I would rather take Greyhound before ever stepping on an AA flight again. I still fly over 50K miles a year and never, never, never fly on AA.
Try Southwest or United, at least they care and respect their PAYING passengers

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Mark, Annapolis, MN — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 17:09:47 GMT

I went out of country with AA. I was leaving for some time, so I was carrying 26 bags in all (with my family 13 checked, 13 carry-on). They ONLY lost one, which I would say was not that bad, concerning the amount of bags I was carrying. But then I think, why did I get 12 and not that one they lost? And what did MY amount of bags have to do with it anyway? I was not TOO upset, and did get my bag in a few days, but BOY is AA shooting themselves in the foot with such poor quality control.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

C. Ed Wright — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 17:11:13 GMT

Whenever possible, fly Amtrak. Multi-course meals of real food chosen from real menus served on real dishes placed on real tables with real place settings of real tableware on actual tableclothes by real waiters that are really professional -- they'll even pour the wine you choose from the wine list! No abuse by legions of uniformed thugs at the station -- you don't even have to take your shoes off! And ALL your luggage is carry-on, no size restriction as long as it fits through the open door! Nothing ever gets lost, and so nothing ever gets delivered during the KGB shift. Best of all you actually get to see the real America, not a 1/10,000 scale roadmap from 30,000 feet up -- And, no turbulence, no employee attitude, no hassles, no problems. You folks using jet airlines are NUTS!

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Frequent Flyer, Washington, DC — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 17:12:50 GMT

That is possibly the best story I've ever read. If they hadn't committed to get it to you on a given day (why would they after a month), why on earth would they possibly think that you would want a bag at that time of day. Unreal. And, as an aside, if you actually said its "Three freeking o'clock in the morning" you're more controlled than I would have been with that kind of wake up call.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Greg Goss, Lowell, MA — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 17:15:02 GMT

This has happended to me twice this year and both times it was in the wee hours of the morning with the driver calling my phone to wake me up and tell me that my bag was on the front porch.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Judi Harris, Baltimore, MD — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 17:17:08 GMT

Oh WOW. Just what I need to read just before flying out during the holidays. I guess I just hold my breath and hope for the best. A positive attitude helps.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Jim, San Diego, CA — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 17:17:20 GMT

I had a flight to Las Vegas from San Diego. I had a carry-on but had to check my golf clubs. When I arrived, my clubs were nowhere to be found. I went to the lost luggage counter and attempted to speak to the young lady who looked like she was having a really bad day. I explained that my clubs were in a hard travel case. (Never send clubs in a soft case), it was gray, and they were Callaway clubs. Just then I turned to see a luggage handler dropping off a bunch of luggage that had not been claimed and I saw my clubs. The lady walked over with me, and the handle on the case was missing, obviously broken off. Unfortunately the identifying tag was attached to the now missing handle. She was unwilling to release my clubs to me because I couldn't prove they were mine even after I accurately described what they looked like before they arrived. Fortunately, I also had a personal ID tag on the bag inside. I opened the box, showed her the ID tag that matched my drivers license and she reluctantly released the clubs to me saying "I'm really not supposed to do this, but it looks okay to me." So, a word of advice, Always keep some sort of ID inside your luggage too.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Don — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 17:19:26 GMT

A friend got a part time job delivering lost luggage. Basically they load up their vehicle with a bunch of bags scattered over a large geographical area(Luggage is not conveniently lost by zip code.) They are then expected to deliver all the bags they are given before calling it a day. Some "days" are extremely long. The driver is underpaid, overworked and the subject of the customer's ire due to the lost bags. Please don't shoot the messenger:)

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Anna, Miami — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 17:19:46 GMT

American Airlines is the worst in every aspect - luggage included. I was on an AA 777 last year and when we backed away from the gate the plane backed over an entire luggage cart, promptly collapsing the back left wheel and throwing the whole plane into chaos (took them 5 hours to jack it back upright and get us off it). Who knows what happened to the luggage squished under a fully loaded 777! Then that same year I flew a hop from Miami to Key West to a wedding on a little AA prop plane with just a small carry on bag with my bridesmaid dress inside. When we walked out on the runway to get into this tiny little plane they took all of our bags away to "put safely underneath" since it was so small inside the plane. When AA handed me back my bag on the runway in Key West, I looked down and there was this strange tuft of yellow fabric coming out the side. Turned out they had somehow in that brief space of time managed to skewer my bag on a 1" pole like a shish kabob! Pierced in one side and out the other - and right thru the middle of my dress. AA refused to pay for it because they said damage to an item inside checked luggage was not their liability. I argued that I did not check it as it was taken from me plane side, and that their shish kabobing my bag was indeed their liability. No luck - they never paid. American sucks.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Jess, Boston, MA — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 17:19:58 GMT

Last Christmas I took a shuttle from Boston to NY and checked in two bags since I'd be traveling from NY after the holiday. I still have to question how the airline "lost" one of my bags when I checked them in together and it was a 45 minute flight? Thankfully, I got everything back the next day....about 45 minutes before I had to leave for the airport again for the next leg of my holiday journey...

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Laura Vienna, VA — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 17:21:27 GMT

The SAME thing happened to me with American Airlines- it was some crazy hour- in the middle of the night- like 2 or 3am- and it was my luggage!! It's just not right.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Kathryn, Charlotte, NC — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 17:22:13 GMT

I had some things stolen out of my bag either in Charlotte, Denver, or Reno. When I called to place a claim the person on the phone asked me if there was anything in the bag that did not belong to me. I thought that was an odd question but she said that it happens all the time. I guess when they are going through our stuff to see what they want to steal they don't always put the things they reject back into the right bags. This year we've vowed to stay on terra firma instead of flying somewhere for vacation.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

RW Houston — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 17:24:21 GMT

Could be worse.

The first time I flew into Mogadishu Somalia (for work), I watched my bag being removed from the airplane cargo hold. However, by the time I got to the baggage claim in the terminal building, it had been "lost", never to be seen again. We later figured out that you had to pay someone to "escort" your bad into the terminal.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Eric, Wilmette, Illinois — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 17:25:41 GMT

That is why you should NEVER EVER check your bags. Do not travel heavy no matter where you go. Then it is only your fault if you loose your luggage. The airlines just cant seem to get it right even with the people who fly the most.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Gerry Korkin, Cincinnati, OH — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 17:28:35 GMT

I take a little harder line. When a company does something stupid, I look at their website and annual report for the name of the person at the highest level and call them directly. I recently wanted to send a note to the new CEO of Delta Airlines. With many different email naming conventions for addressing, I sent it to four different names. Three came back as undeliverable. The fourth got to the guy. A few days later I received an email from their Sr. VP of Revenue (it was a question about fares). No guts, no glory. Go for the top of the food chain and politely state your case. It will work.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

stephen phoenix , az — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 17:30:44 GMT

As a former employee of a major airline in phoenix, I can tell you of just one of the problems of lost or destroyed luggage. I repair cargo pit walls as part of my job.I have seen the damage done by these ramper morons who seem to get great joy by smashing your luggage as tightly(crushed) as possible against the walls. I have picked up hundreds of wheels, tags, personal dayplanners, broken luggage sides, glass. etc. My advice to you is send your luggage ahead of time with Fed Ex or UPS.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Larry Foster, Guadalajara, Mexico — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 17:31:32 GMT

Last month I flew from Guadalajara,Mexico to Atlanta, to Paris to Rome on Delta. I didnt see my luggage from the time I checked in at Guadalajara until the Rome airport and they were the first ones on the baggage carousel! I know its an amaxzing (and unbelievable story). Especially when yesterday I flew from Guadalajra to Cabo San Lucas (an hour flight) and they lost my luggage on a direct flight. Luck of the draw I guess.Travelling isnt easy anymore as we all know.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Brandon K. — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 17:34:28 GMT

I had a similar experience a few years ago on a US Airways flight from Kansas City to Washington, D.C. The airline lost both my bags (thankfully I was flying home and had clothes there), and around 11 that night they called and told me they found one bag that would be delivered within in hour. I stayed up until 2:00 AM before finally deciding to get some sleep before work the next morning. An hour later someone was banging on my door--it was the delivery driver with my bag. What makes it even more ridiculous is that I lived only 15 minutes from the airport!

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

CBR Lahaina Maui HI — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 17:36:01 GMT

The dog made the plane. I was moving to Maui 9 months ago and had 2 checked bags. One was a bright yellow duffel hard to miss and the other was my dog. Having checked the dog thru quarntine in Honolulu and spending an hour and a half doing so I thought nothing of my bag not making the connection to Maui. it didn't. Like in the original story at 2:30 am the next night the door bell rings. there is my yellow duffel and a very tired looking driver. Sign here he says so I do. As I'm closing the door he asks where is the elevator. I point to the right as he suffles off in that direction. I had to chuckle to myself as I realized he lugged my 50lb bag up 7 fights of stairs. I'd bet that he went back to the airport and beat the tar out of an Aloha Baggage handler...

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Lawrence, Dallas — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 17:37:02 GMT

I will never fly America Airlines - ever! I will even change my trip,vacation or destination if the only way to get there is via American. They are absolutely the worst in all aspects - flight delays, customer relations, etc etc. They defian3ely dont trat their customers with any rspect or compassion. The just dont care!

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Cheryl P., Alexandria, LA — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 17:40:08 GMT

My mom is a retired American Airlines employee, and ANY time she flew she never checked her luggage, always had carry-ons, and mailed her travel clothes, etc. via FedEx to whomever she was visiting. It has always been drilled into us to never check our luggage.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Heather, Nashville, TN — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 17:40:43 GMT

Actually, I was surprisingly impressed with American Airlines... My husband and I were flying from LaGuardia to Nashville and our flight was canceled. We spend the night at a friend's house in NJ (whose dad is a pilot for AA) and booked tickets for a flight to Nashville later that evening, which was delayed. I expected that our bags would be in Honolulu or some such by that point, but they were actually waiting for us in Nashville!

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Bill. Ashburn VA — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 17:40:51 GMT

When I traveled overseas a lot I had many a lost bag and the 3 AM delivery was most common. When I asked "why 3 AM" the answer was "we know someone is home".

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Stephanie S., Hermosa Beach, CA — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 17:41:38 GMT

It's not just American! My husband and I went through the same thing a few years ago with United Airlines. They thought it was a good idea to deliver our bags at 2am on a weeknight. We definitely could have waited until later...even 6 or 7am would have been better!

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Neal, Portland OR — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 17:42:53 GMT

I fly Frontier. So far, no lost luggage.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Travis Walsh, Federal Way, WA — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 17:45:11 GMT

Jonna,

I have flown on SAS many time. The last time was on a trip to Göteborg, Sweden. While I love to fly SAS, they aren't perfect. They lost my luggage between Copenhagen and Göteborg. I was awakened around 12:30 AM by a knock at the door, it was SAS with my bag.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Steve Parsons, Farmington Hills Michigan — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 17:45:29 GMT

Two years ago, I tried to fly from Detroit to South Carolina 3 days before Christmas. The flight was cancelled and I never left. But, they airline still kept my luggage including all my Chrismas presents to others, for a week! I took a call from the local news and the local NBC affiliate to the airport before I got my bag back, but not before it made the Detroit News.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Tony Beecher, Salt Lake City, Utah — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 17:47:16 GMT

I had the same thing happen on a trip back from London. Our bag didn't make it on our flight and United was tracking it down. I specifically asked them to call me before they tried to deliver the baggage because I might not be home. They nodded their heads and said that they would do that.

My fiancé had picked up a stomach virus and I was at her house nursing her back to health. I received a phone call at 2am and the delivery guy was calling from my front porch. 20 seconds later I get a call from my very frightened sister saying that some guy on the door step claiming to have a bag that she needed to sign for.

This really is very bad customer service. How hard is it to confirm that getting the bags after 7am is better then a 2am wakeup call? At very least they should do what they say they are going to do.

United Airlines is also very much behind the times in all aspects of air travel. It's like a time warp back to the 80's.I would never fly them internationally again.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

LuLu Cleveland, Ohio — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 17:48:25 GMT

The same thing happened to me! Our bag was lost on a red eye flight from Vegas. It was delivered in the middle of the night. I found it outside on the porch the next morning. At least I can be grateful that we weren't waken in the middle of the night. I couldn't believe they delivered it in the dead of night. I am truly amazed by the airlines complete lack of common sense.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Tom, Pittsburgh, PA — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 17:48:56 GMT

Too funny and all too familiar. A non-stop from Denver to Salt Lake City and my luggage arrived at the hotel concierge desk at 2am the next day. I was awoken thinking either the hotel was on fire or my corporate card had been rejected and I was being "asked to leave."

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Emily, Cincinnati, OH — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 17:49:56 GMT

One amazing thing about this story is that the bag was lost on a direct flight. I flew from Charleston, S.C. to Cincinnati last winter, and Delta somehow lost my bag on the direct flight. I waited at the baggage carousel in Cincy for an hour because they told me my bag had been scanned in to the airport. So, they knew my bag was somewhere on the airport premises, but they could not locate it or get it to a carousel. They delivered it the next day. Amazing.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Louise, Vermont — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 17:50:24 GMT

It never ceases to amaze me that the airlines can lose luggage on DIRECT flights!! My husband recently flew from Manchester NH to Austin TX on a flight that stopped in Atlanta on the way. He (and many others) were booked through to Austin (same flight number and aircraft - no plane change!) but, for some reason, his (and some others) luggage didn't make it to Austin. I wonder what they did? Take all the bags off for fun while the plane was sitting at the terminal in Atlanta? He too got a late night delivery at his hotel - but at least he got his luggage back!! Makes me shake my head with wonder...

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

M Pryor, Selinsgrove PA — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 17:51:38 GMT

As for the Euro carriers, my bags have been lost on Iberia and Alitalia. It's not just a USA thing

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Kevin Duffy Sunnyside, New York — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 17:53:22 GMT

Alaska Airlines lost my wife's bag on a non-stop from Seattle to Newark.
Two weeks later American Air called and said they had it in Texas.
In another 3 weeks, AA delivered it to us.
Very strange. AA is giving my wife $400 off on her next ticket on Alaska Air. Generous, but how often to New Yorkers travel on alaska Air?
Kevin (My wife will now mark her bag boldly (as I do to mine) and she will have ID inside her bag (as i have done for 30 years.)

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Eliz. B, Washington, D.C. — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 17:56:02 GMT

Actually, this happened to our family -- more than 10 years ago. I can't remember which airline it was, but they rang the doorbell at 3 a.m., waking everyone and setting off our Doberman Pinscher. So this isn't a new trick the airlines are pulling -- it's normal. At least you got your suitcase back.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Richard Leesburg VA — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 17:57:31 GMT

This is quite common for airlines Washington DC Dulles Airport operation. They never seem to deliver bags to us before 11:30 PM and usually deliver between 12:30 AM and 1:30 AM. Same results for British Airways, Air France, and United. We may get it earlier than others since we are only 20 miles from the airport

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

ke, san diego — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 17:59:12 GMT

Don,
Get over it, at least you got your stuff!!

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

R. Hopkins, Spokane WA — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 18:02:15 GMT

American Airlines, are you listening? Better training for baggage handlers to start with. Use common sense when making deliveries of "Found" luggage. Travelers are listening and will avoid airlines who are sub-standard.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

KCRamper — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 18:04:25 GMT

I can't comment on the time of delivery... I avoid working with people as much as possible. As far as losing your luggage.. One bagroom handles ALL of the bags and puts them in the carts for your flight. The tags are read by a human (human error). Some cities, some airlines might only be working one flight at a time and still manage to lose your bag as it might get stuck or fall off the belt someplace and not be seen until the next flight. Some airlines share bagrooms with other carriers and maybe it will be grabbed by the other carrier and put on one of their planes.

Maybe there will be two flights leaving at about the same time and the agent just misreads the tag. Or if you are connecting to another airline, it will be sent up the upbelt, and then run when the baggage service agent catches it, but miss your connecting flight.

All in all, it runs through about 3 people who are supposed to read the tag, and still some of them will slip through.

I'll agree that airlines are hiring more and more people who are less than intelligent, but for the most part we aren't. It's just a matter of being overworked, understaffed, underpaid.

As far as getting us put out of business... We don't just "baggage handle" we also push out your airplane, make sure that it's fueled, haul freight (which makes us more money than you pay us for a seat), de-ice, along with various other duties. You sending your bag by Fedex won't bother us a bit.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Nada T. King — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 18:05:48 GMT

Few days ago I returned from my native homeland of Croatia where I visited my family. When I was there on the airport, also on airport in Viena Austria it impressed me how profesional the service is through all procedures on airports. And on Austrian airliner across the ocean the profesional attitude of all personel was impressive. The food was actualy good, the meals hot served. When I came to Washington's Dulles airport to catch connecting flight through United Airlines, I've seen how way behind we have fallen here in service and culture. Just to show you how: the anouncers were speaking english that you had to strain to understand, and even then you could only make out few words of it. They changed their delayed departure times, and didn't even put it on the board on time for people to see, creating confussion. Why is it that this country refuses to see the fallen condition of it's culture and resents anyone who points it out?!

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Ron Goss Germantown, TN — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 18:07:14 GMT

It seems from these comments that if the airlines would incorporate the technology that is readily available to them, the technology that FEDEX, UPS, etc. currently use, the lost luggage situation would be at a minimum. Anybody with a computer can track a package on the delivery companies webpages. You would think that the same should work for the airlines.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

bubba 1939 seattle wa — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 18:11:19 GMT

customer service and airlines is a contradiction of terms they dont have a clue and TSA IS BUSHES way of reducing the welfars rolls ,hiring the uneducated with no common sense

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Sir lord bar'on — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 18:12:05 GMT

It was the Hoover Constalation vacumn with attachments that I flew from California to New York via Delta to Atlanta & US Air to New York. The Machine went into the Cockpit as it would not fit under the seat, the Extension attachment into the overhead bin. The parts stowed in the suitcase.
The Pilot's door was open and they handed me to Vacumn, it arrived the same way in New York.
When I got to my destination is when I discovered the Extenstion piece I'd left on the Delta flight.
It was a couple of weeks later when US Air called to say we have your Extension pole here at the airport. Apparently it had traveled around the World showing up still in the same spot now in Televi, where a Flight Attendant who normally did Oversea's flights but filled in that day for another flight attendant on a domestic flight; remembered my bringing it on board and saw to it to be returned to me with a note that bore. Now you can reach those high places.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Sir lord bar'on — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 18:13:34 GMT

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Lee Watkins, Severna Park, MD — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 18:15:10 GMT

My wife and I just came back from Antigua in the West Indies where we spent the first three days of our one-week vacation without any of our luggage - not just one but all three of our bags, all of our stuff (clothes, toiletries, prescription meds, snorkeling gear, everything). And they had no idea where they were. I emailed and called them and got no help except for one trainee who seemed sympathetic but couldn't find out anything. Couldn't call Charlotte NC (where we made the connection to the international flight) to ask the local USAirways folks if they'd forwarded my bags on another airline (USAir had no more flights direct from Charlotte to Antigua that week) or if they were just sitting there in Charlotte. USAir has the worst lost baggage record, I've since learned - never again. On the third day we gave up and bought new stuff, enough to get thru the week, and when we got back to the resort our bags were delivered. Doesn't it just figure? For two more days USAir kept asking if we'd gotten our bags, which you'd think they would know already since they delivered them, especially since I sent an email to their Central Baggage Resolution center in Phoenix notifying them that the bags had arrived even though their lost bag tracking website still showed them as missing... geesh, so disorganized. For this they offered us up to $25 per day per person after the first 24 hours, IF we can provide receipts for all the stuff we had to buy (which, luckily, we saved). If UPS can track a package right to my door, why can't an airline keep track of barcoded, labelled luggage???

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

raine, austin and tx — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 18:15:36 GMT

This has happened to me several times however I was made aware that they would deliver either late evening or early morning so when they came to my home at 3 something in the morning I was already forewarned. It's kinda of like UPS, they work during the night sorting packages and loading up deliver trucks, because they really can't do that during normal business hours due to the work they have to do at that time. Then they have to go to different locations so depending on where you fall on the delivery list depends on how late in the evening or early in the morning you'll get your luggage. You would think they would find a better method but I doubt this will happen in my lifetime!!!

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Andres, Dallas Texas — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 18:16:51 GMT

This isn't a baggage story...but it's an American Airlines story...
I'm in the army reserves. I was headed from DFW to Frankfurt, Germany back in June. My unit had emailed me a copy of my orders, that I would need to show while traveling, that basically takes the place of a passport...Well when I showed the AA ticket agent in DFW my orders, she explained to me why they were not suitable and incorrect...Well I called my unit, they said to find a fax machine and they'd fax me a good copy. Well needless to say, I walked around DFW for over AN HOUR asking different AA employees if I could use their fax machine to recieve a ONE page fax...after being told about a million times NO...one guy finally agreed. Well I missed my flight to Chicago and had to be put on stand by for a later flight...after getting to Chicago, I found the gate for my connection to Frankfurt, in time to make the flight as well! Well I went to check in and was told at the gate that I couldn't fly on that flight. I asked why, and the AA employee at O'Hare told me that my luggage wouldn't make the flight, so I couldn't either! I told her that my luggage could make the flight, I had been told this by MULTIPLE AA employees both in DFW and O'Hare, there was still almost an hour before that flight left! Well the AA employee at the gate in O'Hare said to me several AMAZING statements...first...
"Look sir, I could care less what someone else told you...I am the one standing here at this gate with you, and I am the one who's deciding that you're NOT getting on this flight...so it doesn't matter what others told you..."
Second crazy statement, which was her response to my statement of "Look, this is ALL happening because AA employees in DFW would NOT, for whatever reason, allow me to receive a piddly ONE PAGE FAX at countless fax machines!! What kind of customer service is that????? Now I am being punished because AA won't take care of the customer?"
Her response? "Sir, first of all, in case you haven't noticed...you're not in DFW anymore, this is Chicago...secondly, I really don't know what part of 'you're not getting on this flight', you don't understand...Next!"
WOW, I was amazed at her LACK of customer service! I complained to a bigwig that I know personally in DFW about this overall experience, and his reaction was like " oh really? wow that kinda sucked, oh well you did make it eventually to Germany so what's the problem?"

Amazing...

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Uncle Lar — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 18:17:57 GMT

Early mornings stink but in defense most people are away from home more hours than they are home. If they only delivered between 6 and 10 pm how long do you think they'd take to get everyone's bags to them?
They can't leave them on the front porch and hope you see it before some thief.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Sarah, OC California — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 18:19:16 GMT

The most disturbing part of this story wasn't the lost luggage but the fact they think it's ok to knock on someone’s door at 3 in the morning when they are at fault in the first place. They could at least be courteous/respectful and not put people at a further inconvenience by waking them and their family up in the middle of the night to hand them a suitcase! Ridiculous.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Bill, Arkansas — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 18:20:07 GMT

I've had bags lost all over the world. I consider it part of traveling these days to have to wear the same pants for a day or two and to return to my appartment in Siena to find my bags leaning inside the door. Southwest was the worst, asking me to wait while 6 more flights from Houston to New Orleans landed while I was trying to head to Florida. I finally convinced them to borrow some space on USAir to fly my luggage to Panama City where I was staying. But yes, American is terrible with the way it returns, especially when I woke up to a note saying I didn't answer the door at 2am, so I would have to wait another day to get my luggage.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

C. Bama — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 18:22:10 GMT

Because of this story I will NEVER fly American Airlines again. I wish they would ring my doorbell at 3 am......they'de most definately have a rottweiler attached to them with a .38 snub nose pointed right in they're face !!!

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Heather T., Flagstaff AZ — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 18:22:20 GMT

2 AM lost luggage delivery from US Airways (3 days later) - lost from Phoenix AZ to Flagstaff AZ. How do you lose luggage on a 35 minute flight to a small airport where only US Airways operates??? My husband had to go to a job interview in Cargo pants, Teva's, and a t-shirt - Got the job anyway!!!Thank God Flagstaff's laid back!

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Jesse, Houston, Tejas — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 18:25:39 GMT

American lost my son's car seat. I went to their luggage counter at baggage claim and they used the claim check numbers to immediately track it down. They gave me a loaner car seat and returned mine that night at around 10:30, when they said they would. They told me to leave the porch light on and the loaner out if I went to sleep. They couldn't have been more helpful.

Lost luggage happens, especially with the amount of luggage and travelers they move. The percentages of lost luggage is low relative to what they move.

Everyone who has never made a mistake in their job, raise your hand. What did Jesus (allegedly) say when he stopped the stoning of Mary Magdaline? I guess all those people complaining here are perfect.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

T.D — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 18:30:29 GMT

This chap is Lucky that the airline didn't charge him a Wake Up fee.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

CEM, Syracuse, NY — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 18:30:48 GMT

This is exactly why we don't check our luggage anymore. We vacuum pack our carry-ons, and haven't had an issue since.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Anonymous — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 18:36:42 GMT

American Airlines does not deliver the baggage, a sub contractor does. This was wrong though, and American should seriously reconsider this companies contract.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Sean - Charlotte, NC — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 18:39:29 GMT

If it's a short trip....carry on
Ifit's a long trip...ship it to your destination/hotel/home. Minor inconvenience but it always works (and actually saves time....unless you just like to wait around in baggage claim)

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Dino Alessio, Fairfield, CA — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 18:40:11 GMT

I was separated from my bag when I had to swtich flights at the last minute to beat an incoming storm at Maui Airport, after having already checked the bag. Hawaiian Air did such a good job handling the situation that when I got off my flight in San Francisco, the bag was there waiting for me! Which was awesome since my car keys were inside! Hawaiian then phoned me the next day just to make sure everything was okay.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Bryan, Lewisville TX — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 18:41:24 GMT

A friend of mine works as a baggage handler for AA. He is disgusted with AA, and all the wages/benefits that hourly workers gave up when AA was financially struggling, just to see executives now rake in the huge bonus checks. He told me that many, many baggage handlers are mad at AA, and are "accidentally" sending people's bags to other cities, states, and even countries, due to their disgust with AA. His advice to me - fly a different airline, or only take carry-on luggage. Otherwise he said my baggage on my next trip might end up in India.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Tom Parkins, Tiburon, CA — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 18:44:40 GMT

To J, Anaheim, Ca who thinks you should quit whining and appreciate the fact the personally delivered your lost luggage at three in the morning. Please note that that everyone was sharing their stories and offering the same amazement. You, J are the whiner/downer. Don't join in blogs with nothing but criticism. You are a jerk. Whew!

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Kathy V, San Diego, CA — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 18:47:48 GMT

I had flown back from Italy to San Diego. My bag was lost and after 20+ hours of travelling, I filed the claim with the baggage dept. It was now around 11pm, I was blury eyed from the early start to the travel day when I left for the airport. It was the next day when I read the paperwork they gave me that stated that I HAD TO ASK THEM AT THAT TIME for an emergency overnight package of toothpaste and such! We're expected to endure long travel times, lost baggage, and then we have to read the fine print on the reverse side of the paperwork to find out what we're entitled to before we leave the airport? What if my reading glasses had been in the lost luggage?

They all deserve to go out of business!

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Noelle, Atlanta, GA — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 18:48:03 GMT

You were a lot nicer than I would've been. Once I recovered from the heart failure a 3 a.m. doorbell would cause, I would've been on the phone to the airline (hey, I'm awake already) to complain. I could understand making arrangements to deliver a bag to the front desk of a hotel in the middle of the night, but who in their right mind would ever consider 3 a.m. a good time to ring the doorbell of a private residence (or knock on a hotel room door, for that matter) without previous permission for ANY reason short of a real emergency??

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

jc Madison, WI — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 18:49:14 GMT

I deliver luggage for the airlines out of my own personal vehicle and assume all the risk associated with it. We have a pickup from the airlines six times a day with the last being at midnight. Contractually we must have the bag delivered within four hours, which means if we pick up your bag at midnight you will be getting it sometime between 12am and 4am. However, you can always request that the airline leave your bag on the porch or not deliver before a certain time in which case it will be held until the next pickup. There are some kind folks that actually tip us because they realize that our job is not easy and they appreciate the service. So remember tip your driver and keep in mind we are not employees of the airline.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Barbara Moore, Phoenix, Az — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 18:49:42 GMT

us airway since they renamed America west, have turned into a money grubbing, airline , no care of the passengers or their luggage.. change to Southwest and you are treated like people, nice attantants, counter people. even have your luggage when you get there.. regards barbara never to fly us airways again.. their maintance is terrible as well.us airways..you might not arrive soon..

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Mary Anne, STL — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 18:50:38 GMT

I was working for Frontier Airlines in the ‘80s and as a flight attendant, knew all too well of people losing their luggage. But one early morning (3 a.m.), I heard a knock on the door and it delivery of lost luggage from United. Funny thing, I did not lose anything!

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Cheryl - Cinti, OH — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 18:51:54 GMT

Your article made me laugh.

We flew (AA) from Dayton, OH to Tampla, FL last year to visit the in-laws. Our luggage somehow missed our flight, but made the next one. The guy delivered it about midnight. I was just happy to get our stuff. I was aware that he would be late though. I tipped him $5 for 2 bags. It was Thanksgiving Day, and I felt bad that he was out working and would be for another 2 hours or so.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Michael Layton UT — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 18:52:17 GMT

Several years ago I traveled to the Mideast for the first time. One of my bags was lost when I arrived, so I completed the necessary paperwork and operated out of the remaining luggage. At about 5:00 a.m. the second morning, as I got out of the shower, I noticed the room door was ajar and held by the chain. I closed it and looked through the peephole. There were several larger local men standing with a smaller, though obviously more significant, man. Nervous, but curious, I opened the door to inquiry what they needed. The important man informed me that they had located my luggage!

It was explained that they tried to call the room, but of course since I was in the shower I didn't hear the phone. Also, when they arrived at the door, I still didn't respond so they tried to come in to be certain that I was okay - so they said - before they heard the shower activity.

Of course, the luggage had been completely searched.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

ian — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 18:55:35 GMT

There is one partial solution to a lot of problems. Start taking penalty money out of executive bonus funds in partial compensation for time wasted, customer inconveniece and expenses.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Randy - Maine — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 18:57:59 GMT

There was a time, before airline de-regulation in the early 80s, when flying was an enjoyable, pleasant experience. Working for an airline was a career that many strived for, but few attained. Airline employees were extremely satisfied with their jobs, and proud of the carrier they worked for. Such loyalty engendered great customer service. And, despite the lack of automation during this time, I would wager that complaints and instances of lost luggage were a fraction of what they are today. It’s time to bring back government oversight of this industry. Perhaps then, we could bring back accountability for service AND baggage!

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Jeff, Frisco, TX — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 18:58:01 GMT

Most of this is not the airlines fault. The baggage systems are part of the airports which are owned by the cities for the most part. Maybe the airlines should force the airports to hire UPS or FedEx to show them how to manage baggage effeciently.

My wife and I have flown to Russia a couple of times. We noticed that most Russians have their bags wrapped in plastic. We thought it was strange until my back came back cut open with several gifts missing. We know that it had to have happened somewhere between Moscow and Vladivostok.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Linda Fort Wayne Indiana — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 19:01:02 GMT

My husband flew about 250,000 miles annually-out on Monday back on Thursday evening or Friday morning. Unfortunately his bags didn't often accompany him on the return trip, so of course we had duplicates of every thing. One Friday he had had it. Long week, no bag. So when they finally came to the house on Saturday, with a trunk they insisted was his,he opened it for the driver and to both of their amusement--it was clown clothes and props. The driver called dispatch and was told the clown was sitting anxiously in the bar at the Hilton desperate for his things. At that point my husband decided to hold the trunk hostage until his bag was returned. Amazingly, his bag showed up for the trade within the hour!!

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

SC — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 19:05:31 GMT

I know this is going to sound really negative, but I think that company in Atlanta that sells the contents of lost luggage must have some baggage handlers on the payroll. How about that for an investigative report? Who's overseeing the process to make sure the bags have been searched for ID before going off the mother of all bargain stores?

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

d.o. — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 19:06:44 GMT

very funny story - so sad that is actually true though. I have been fortunate enough never to have lost baggage but had you been in a hotel instead of sleeping fitfully at home, i'm sure you would have appreciated the doorbell even at that time.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Maria, Philadelphia, PA — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 19:08:46 GMT

For those of you who are scoffing in disbelief that the luggage was delivered so early in the morning, I have a better story.

My sister came home, cross country, for a visit. Out of four pieces of luggage, United managed to lose one. Two days later there was a knock on the door at 4 am. There was her bag. You see, she landed on Dec 23, and the luggage was delivered two days later .... Christmas Day!!! At 4am!!! We proceeded to tell the driver he had the worst job in the world.

To top it off, on the way back home, the original lost piece of luggage made it home....but the other three didn't.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Boyd Ames Salinas Ca — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 19:09:13 GMT

Expect nothing from the underpaid and you will never be disappointed. I have traveled over 2 million miles with American and have only lost 1 bag. Regretfully it did arrive at my door at 2:30 AM.
I get some elevated custumer service being executive platinum, but nothing compared to the base line service of other airlines with lower cost flights. If you go to europe Virgin is the BEST!

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Cheryl, Portland, OR — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 19:10:36 GMT

On a trip to Florida this summer, Delta lost my luggage coming & going. They returned it to me at 12:45Am in Flordia (& woke up everyone in the house) and when I got home they didn't return it until a day & half later. Our flights were delayed repeatedly and even though we had got our tickets way in advance, my husband & I got separated on the plane because they had overbooked the flight. On our next trip we'll just drive!

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Steve, Champaign IL — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 19:11:20 GMT

My mail order company gets blamed and takes the heat when UPS screws something up during delivery. I think it is very fair to hold AAs feet to the fire over how they contract their baggage delivery services.

The last time my wife flew AA, she was travelling with our 11 month old baby. A stewardess (yes, that's right) refused to let the baby ride in her car seat, claiming that the airline certified tag on the seat was incorrect (it wasn't) and refusing to even look at the owner's manual (which the airline told us to bring for just such an occurence when we called beforehand). She made the baby ride in my wife's arms for the duration of the turbulent flight, apparently believing that was safer than riding in her approved child seat.

American Airlines refused to even apologize for this instance when I called afterwards. It's a good thing the baby was not injured, or it would now be called Steve Airlines.

I'll walk before I fly American again.

Very funny story BTW.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Lois Tennessee — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 19:13:18 GMT

They lost my suit case over 39 years ago and yes the airlines was 50 miles from my house and yup at 2am in the morning they brought my bag to me..That was 39 years ago. It must be to the top level of mass confusion with the airlines...So what is the answer to that..Thanks for the laugh..

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Savannahgal — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 19:13:34 GMT

Air France lost a suitcase on a flight from the U.S. to Germany. i found it on the steps the next morning. Luckily, it was Germany and not the U.S.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Dixon Parnell, Dallas, TX — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 19:18:36 GMT

This exact scenario happened to two friends of mine here in Dallas as well, just this past week. I think their guy said something the effect of, 'hey, you said you wanted it the quickest we could get it to you'.

My friends didn't say anything about tipping him.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Kim, Berkley, Michigan — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 19:19:33 GMT

We had our lost luggage delived to our doorstep at 3 am too! It was Northwest Airlines though. Totally scared us to death having the doorbell ring at 3am! What's wrong with these airline companies??

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Gary, Cjharleston SC — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 19:23:22 GMT

Gee, what do you expect? When is the last time you applauded the airlines for seeking higher fares for their fast-rising costs? Come on, something has to give somewhere!

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Tennessee grandma — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 19:25:06 GMT

My son traveled with his 2 young boys home(to Tennessee from Texas) for a holiday and his youngest son still had the chicken pox sores (he got the chicken pox when he was at my house)but was not contagious because he had them already for 2 weeks which my son told the airlines this info)..They made him get off the plane and take him to a hospital to get a doctors ok before they would let him on another plane to go home.Needless to say my son and his children were exhausted and the little one got really sick from the unwanted and needed delay and getting too tired..Took longer for him to fully recoup..Stories just go on and on don't they........

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

ZSH — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 19:26:32 GMT

My mother and flew back to the US after shortly after 9-11. I was already upset with American Airlines for changing our DC-bound return leg to Baltimore-Washington Airport instead of the much closer and more sensible Dulles Airport (National Airport was closed). I was sympathetic with AA when I called them from overseas for help, but got no such courtesy myself. We got onto the plane at JFK for the last leg of the return trip. I looked out my window and watched the handlers load the plane.....with cargo. I counted 6-8 large cargo containers for every 1 piece of luggage. I asked the flight attendant what was going on and she assured me our bags would be onboard. Sure enough, there were no bagsw hen we landed at BWI. No apologies either. The bags did arrive later the next day, but my mom couldn't drive back to PA without her things and had to lose a day's pay. We haven't flown American since. I hope that cargo was worth it to them.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Jimmy Dunn — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 19:28:40 GMT

American Airlines, to my way of thinking, is probably the worst airline in the world in regards to customer service. Horrible, horrible, with no thought of their customers at all.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Holly, Louisville, KY — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 19:29:41 GMT

My husband lost his luggage on a flight from Atlanta and when they found it, they brought it to my house at around 4:00am. They didn't hang around and have us sign anything. They just rang the doorbell and left. It took us several minutes, after we both about had a heart attack and our dogs freaked about, before we realized it wasn't neighborhood kids playing a prank and we saw the luggage on our front porch. I don't remember the airline, although I believe it may have been American. It's just another way for the airline industry to treat it's passengers disrepectfully.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Loren, SF Bay Area, CA — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 19:30:42 GMT

I feel sorry for the poor person who was stuck delivering bags until OhGawd O'Clock in the morning. Imagine what *her* workday must be like.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

M. McLaughlin, New York City — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 19:31:37 GMT

The exact same thing happened to me earlier this year with American Airlines: lost bag delivered at 3 a.m. It may not be corporate policy, but it sure is their corporate practice.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Karen, Los Altos, CA — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 19:35:07 GMT

My husband and I each have accumulated over 1 Million miles on AA, mostly back over the past two decades when it was actually fun to fly. It’s not just AA - airline travel in general has become miserable. Gone or eroded are: cheerful customer service, clean cabins, quality meals, leg room, comfort, and luggage arriving on the same plane. Today we usually take local vacations and try to use services like WebEx for on-line business meetings, but still must fly for business. Our recommendations for business travelers: 1) avoid connecting flights like the plague, even if a direct flight costs more. 2) Travel in what you plan to wear for the weather at your destination and carry on at least one clean shirt / underwear. 3) Avoid checking bags, but at least carry on anything critical for the trip. 4) Sign up for CLEAR. 5) Be polite and courteous to even the grouchiest employees – they have the power to make your trip much worse or upgrade you to First Class.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Neil, Salt Lake City, UT — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 19:35:35 GMT

I used to work for the airlines as a baggage handler in SLC (Salt Lake City) I can remember a few times getting bags that were supposed to go to SCL (Santiago, Chile). It is an honest mistake, and we(baggage handlers) were not trying to mishandle baggage, but when you have a flight with 180-250 bags on it, and a turn around time of 45 mins to an hour mistakes can be made, especially when bags are coming from a connecting flight. The airlines are not out to get the consumer as many people on this blog seem to think.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Rob J., Seattle — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 19:36:29 GMT

i had someone from an airline (forget which one) deliver my lost luggage at midnight. his van was still full of luggage yet to be delivered. apparently this is not an uncommon incident

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

megan, az — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 19:37:18 GMT

My bag was lost on a flight from Chicago to Phoenix. I can't remember which airline it was. When I filed a lost luggage claim, they asked if I wanted my luggage returned as soon as they found it or if I'd rather wait for daytime delivery. I told them anytime was fine, but I asked them call ahead in case I had to rush home from work. My suitcase was left outside my front door--no one called, knocked, or rang the bell--at 10 o'clock the next night.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Brie, Minneapolis, MN — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 19:38:28 GMT

Continental managed to loose 2 LIME GREEN suitcases between Minneapolis and Chicago. I was headed to Ecuador planning to be 3 hours and one hell of a bus ride from the nearest major city. It took the airline a total of 3 weeks to get my bags back to me. AND even longer to get my reimbursement. Let me tell you, having neon suitcases doesn't help. On top of that they lost another one of my bags on the way home and kept "misplacing it" for a solid month and a half before finally returning it to me.

3 a.m. home invasion? No, it’s American Airlines

Barbara McKenna Westport Ct — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 19:41:16 GMT

The airlines should take a page from Restoration Hardware, after a problem with getting things in time for the holiday my husband contacted an executive with Restoration Hardware. He received an immediate response and his problem was resolved in a fashion exceeding his expectations. A wonderful firm reacting in a way we wish the airlines did..They are late, they abuse us, hold us hostage, lie to us and lose our belongings. If this happened in a civil case, they would find themselves in court for abuse, kidnapping, issuing false statements, theft and carelessness, yet we continue to fly and take their abuse with no repercussions to them..They never should have been de-regulated.