<p>Ironically, the year US Air lost my kid's luggage permanently (never found) on the way home from school, they also misplaced his luggage (with all his new stuff) on the way back to school. It showed up a couple of days later.</p>
<p>Annoying.</p>
<p>BTW, all we ever got from them was a $100 voucher (which we never used and it expired) and $1600 for a $2200 claim. And believe me, I put up a STINK.</p>
<p>If an airline lost my son's instruments and case....the cost would far exceed the limit they pay. I wonder if my homeowners would kick in (we carry extra instrument riders)? The case alone is a $650 case. And my son's instruments are inexpensive compared to a viola! No question, he would take any money and buy new trumpets because he would need them immediately and ditch the idea of clothes.</p>
<p>binx- the viola traveled as baggage only for the Little Rock to St. Louis leg. He claimed it immediately, took it to the American counter and made an employee watch as he examined the case and instrument and played it to verify the bridge and paricularly the soundpost hadn't shifted.</p>
<p>Thumper - My other son's cello case ($850) was ruined by Air Canada. The cello was fine. I think they really need those flight bags. We were unable to file a claim with Air Canada (the stupid tour guide had booked the cello on a different airline, my son was on British Air, and checked it through with a different kid) but our trip insurance covered some (maybe $250 - I've forgotten - but it was the max they'd paid on a luggage claim). </p>
<p>We also carry a hefty rider on the cello, but I was reluctant to file a claim for that, due to the possible implications of filing a claim on one's homeowner's insurance - better to save it for the really big stuff (like if the actual cello had been ruined!).</p>
<p>Well, Weenie, at least the case protected the cello. That's what DS would hope for his trumpets as well. And that is what the case he has is supposed to do. Heck...the airlines have ruined more than one of our suitcases (we have duct tape patches on most of them at this point). Here's a tip for "small instrument carryon-ers". DS says he always asks if he can board with the babies (pre boarding) so that there is room to stow his case in the overhead compartment. One time, there wasn't and he pitched a fit (yes...good way to get thrown off a plane) when they told him he had to give them that case. Since that time, he has asked at the gate to preboard, and explained why. He says they have always said fine. That way, he is sure there will be room in the overhead compartments for his instrument case.</p>
<p>thumper- Do you know the combined dimensions of your son's case? The overhead limit is 45" total (length + width + height). My son's best, most protective case is slighter larger than the allotted maximum, but still fits into the overheads. I am just curious as a size comparison. His everyday case he used at school was smaller and lighter, and far cheaper than his "real" case, but this was deliberate to make life easier and not have to worry about the abuse the outside took from the constant in and out of his instrument locker. In the course of five years, he's gone through 2 "throwaway" cases, far cheaper than replacing high end cases or covers. </p>
<p>He's also tried the pre-boarding technique, with so-so success.</p>
<p>Violadad, I have no idea what the dimensions are. My son has a Wiseman triple trumpet case. It specifically states that it meets carry on luggage requirements for both international and domestic flights. In fact, DS bought the case in London and had no trouble carrying it on the flight. He has only had to check it ONE time and that was because he was in the last batch of folks to board the plane and by the time he got on, there was NO room in the overhead bins. That is why he now asks to preboard. The case is also quite durable, and protects the trumpets and can be checked (but DS would not do that unless he HAD to). He has taken it on huge planes and smaller commuter planes with no trouble. DS has several trumpet cases...but the Wiseman is what he uses most often. He has a double case and a single case that get used when needed. Both are hard cases.</p>
<p>Airline sent two seperate vouchers, one for $150, one for $75 for son's luggage being delayed on both the trip out and trip back. Better than nothing.</p>
<p>Violadad - I’m glad you got some compensation for the ordeal…never enough.</p>
<p>Getting my son to Lenox with a double bass has been a learning experience. We mailed a box a week before the start of BUTI with his stool, linens, fan, and pillow ahead of time. Tanglewood said they had no stools available. He packed his large rolling suitcase with clothing, and put his blanket and tux on top of his bass in his flight case. He left just days after the airport incident in Glasgow, so I’m sure security was extra vigilant. They had him unpack the bass then take it out of its regular case. They looked through all of the case pockets, took out music, rosin, bow case, bow… They actually looked inside the f holes with a flashlight. The bass is 160 years old and has some strange looking repairs in there! The bass case has a gazillion straps and bungies to undo and redo. They gave him plenty of room. He took his time putting the bass back in the case, then into the flight trunk, tucking the blanket around it, strapping, latching, then putting the tux back on top. It is a $150. fee each time he checks the bass because it is oversize and overweight. He also had a backpack (carry on) and one rolling suitcase (2nd checked bag).
A nonstop flight saved time and avoided mishaps with the bass or the luggage. The closest non-stop was to Hartford. Since he flew alone, there was really no way he could maneuver the bass and pull the large wheeled suitcase. I found a limo service (large SUV – not limousine!) who met him at baggage claim. They usually don’t handle bags, but for an extra tip, the driver pulled the rolling suitcase. He arrived on time. It was actually cheaper to send him this way than to accompany him…no, cheaper is just not the right word.<br>
We will fly there for the end of camp. I think he will leave the stool there. I plan to call Avis more than once to make sure they have the full sized SUV I requested. It was very hard to find one available with any company, even with a month’s notice. I don’t think it will fit into any other rental vehicle, maybe a van with folding seats. We’ll see how the return trip goes.</p>
<p>following up to binx's comment regarding international travel. We, too, learned this in May when my daughter, who had spent the semester studying abroad in London returned... and her luggage didn't. As I did research, I found the Warsaw Convention information, and panicked... big time. She basically had everything she'd lived off, plus lots of irreplacable souvenirs/gifts, etc. in her luggage, and I think they were both 60-65 lbs each. Thankfully, it showed up three days later.</p>
<p>Importantly... and we will do this from now on when we travel internationally, if what you check is worth more than the $9/lb. the airlines will reimburse you for, you can take out additional insurance when you check your bags. I don't think it was that much money, and would provide a real peace of mind.</p>
<p>Here's to safe traveling and luggage that finds us!</p>