midliferider
Guru
- Location
- Northampton
On Friday, I returned from USA after a cycling tour. I flew with Aer Lingus. This was my third tour in USA and I am very familiar with the issues. On both previous occasions, the bike bag was delayed, it was delivered home later on the day. I found a note in the bag to say that USA security services has taken the bag, they have opened it and go through everything and returned it. I gathered this is not an uncommon incident.
I have completed the form at the airport. That is what I did on last two occasions. But on this occasion it is different. Both USA and UK airports are having a serious issues with baggage. Baggage collection area is full of left luggage etc. Now 48 hours later, there is no information about the bike bag.
I will follow the process of completing another form on the airline website. But quick Google search tells me that situation is so bad that I am unlikely find my bike. Airlines are notorious for not providing compensation. Even if they do it is a maximum of £1000 and one rarely receives that much. Even Citizen Advice service says that I will be better off claiming it from travel insurance.
I am posting it here as it is a cautionary tale for those of us who travel with our bikes. I always do. I can not imagine the consequences if it happens on the way to USA to start the tour.
Have you ever had this experience?
Any advice?
I have completed the form at the airport. That is what I did on last two occasions. But on this occasion it is different. Both USA and UK airports are having a serious issues with baggage. Baggage collection area is full of left luggage etc. Now 48 hours later, there is no information about the bike bag.
I will follow the process of completing another form on the airline website. But quick Google search tells me that situation is so bad that I am unlikely find my bike. Airlines are notorious for not providing compensation. Even if they do it is a maximum of £1000 and one rarely receives that much. Even Citizen Advice service says that I will be better off claiming it from travel insurance.
I am posting it here as it is a cautionary tale for those of us who travel with our bikes. I always do. I can not imagine the consequences if it happens on the way to USA to start the tour.
Have you ever had this experience?
Any advice?