January 5, 2012

• The Suitcase Case

   Sometimes haggling with companies is like a sport (I get it from my Momma).  Since I don't play real sports, these little battles will have to do.

  When I arrived in blustery Erie, PA on Dec. 24, my suitcase was minus two wheels.  Actually it is Kyohei's suitcase.  I refuse to use mine because 1) his is cooler, we put stickers all over it  2) my suitcases are pretty much on their last leg 3) it is a hassle to get them out of my closet.  I have to move things around.  Wow, I am a pain in the ass to live with.

  

  Anyway, I wrote to carrier of choice USAirways and alerted them to the problem.  I basically got a reply that was like we do not repair external items; wheels, zippers, handles...  [well, what the hell else is there, really?] AND that since I arrived on the 24th and did not email them until the 26th, they had to assume that my bag arrived in good working order. 

  Ah, whaaaaaaaaaat!?  Did USAirways just call me a liar?  Oh HELL NO!  I can understand that they won't fix my stuff, but don't call me a liar.  I wrote them right back explaining that I did go to the counter, but it was closed and then added all this about how I was being charitable in the "spirit of Christmas" and choose not to haggle with their employees on the holiday.  All of that is true, plus I didn't feel like opening my laptop.  I suggested that the person who wrote the email attend cultural sensitivity classes to understand the Christian holiday.   

  Yesterday, a rep. from Rimowa, the suitcase company called me on the phone and told me they would send me new wheels and wheel housing FOR FREE.  Rimowa is pretty awesome.  That will get them a like on Facebook.

  

  God willing, I will be able to repair this myself. 

  If not, I just got another email from USAirways:

  Dear Ms.[justgotspaid]:

  I have reviewed your recent email concerning our disposition of this matter.

  It is never our intention, Ms.[justgotspaid], to return property in a lesser condition than when it was checked-in. While every effort is made to keep our passengers’ property secure and unharmed, at times there are accidents beyond our control such as being caught in the conveyor system or damaged by other luggage. I’m sorry for the inconvenience and frustration this has caused.
  

  Due to the circumstances, we would like to resolve this matter amicably. Please submit the repair receipt to baggage.resolution@usairways.com or to the address below.

  That's what I thought! 

  Rimowa 1 
  justgotspaid 1
  USAirways 0 (+ $50 for checking my luggage, duh!)

  • 9:55 am
  • 5 Comments