Houston, we have a problem

I called CONTINENTAL AIRLINES today and spoke with Shandai about my luggage, the check they sent me, etc.

First, the paltry amount of the check represents payment for all the things that Continental reimburses for.  There is a long long list of things they do not reimburse for including electronics and jewelry and antique and cell phone chargers etc. etc. etc.  There are 29 such items on the CONTINENTAL list of things that do not qualify for reimbursement, so just about anything you pack in your luggage is excluded from liability, according to Continental.

This site has a nice run down of your rights when your baggage is lost.  It mentions that the courts may or may not agree with the airline that those things are not reimbursable, and it has a pretty good list of things that the airlines will refuse to reimburse you for.  Pretty good meaning pretty comprehensive. In reality it is kind of reprehensible.

(Shandai also said that by cashing the check from Continental I am acknowledging to them that I accept settlement of the claim in full.  A judge may or may not agree with that, however.)

I learned from the Internet that after 90 days airlines typically sell "unclaimed" bags (i.e. those that have been separated from their owners and have not been reunited for whatever reason) by the pound to The Unclaimed Baggage Center, a privately-owned retail operation that digs through your stuff, sorts it, and sells it at cut rate prices in their store.  What a racquet.

This place sells the electronics, jewelry, antiques and other items that the airline refuses to reimburse you for, plus the stuff they do reimburse you for. So the airline gets paid for the things they will not pay you for.  However, to be fair, the airline sells the bags by the pound, so there's no appraisal of the items they sell.  A diamond ring for example might not weigh much but will be worth a lot.  A plasma TV will weigh considerably more. (all these things are for sale at discount prices in Alabama!!!) Read the customer testimonials! It's Christmas every day down there! (somebody's making out over other people's losses)

To reconnect the claimant with his or her bag the airline search is totally dependent on the luggage tag.  This is another way that I am screwed.  The tag on the luggage has my husband's name, which is different from mine. And it has our old address and phone number (since this was lost in a move across the country).  Shandai said they will try to call that phone number (now disconnected with the forwarding info expired).  Failing that they will send a postcard to the old address.

I left a message for our realtor asking that she ask our buyers to keep an eye out for this.

Shandai said there is still a chance I may get my bag back.  She said maybe, maybe it's at the warehouse in Houston, which I am welcome to come and look through if I am so inclined.  I told Shandai that logistically that may be difficult because I am like eight months pregnant.  She said "so am I!"  Nonetheless I went to Orbitz and started looking up fares to Houston. When I mentioned this to David he said "There is no way you are going to Houston."

Still, I keep thinking about Houston.  If it's there, it won't be there for very much longer.  And my travel window now is really limited.

I'm so torn over what is the right thing to do.  Do I give up? Or do I keep trying?  (sounds like a classic question from an infertile...)

Comments

[Eva]

When you mentioned Alabama I had wild thoughts of hopping over there to look for you, but Houston is so far. Can you send your husband? Some other rep? I can see how you would want to make the effort. It doesn't sound unreasonable. But it's a long shot, for sure. I'm so sorry you have had to deal with this.

[Aurelia]

Hmmm, do you know anybody in Houston, even someone through work? Does anybody in blogland come from Houston?

I'm way too far away, but I'd do it if I was there. Sugar...

[thalia]

doesnt' amanda at manana banana live in houston? Worth seeing if she'd take adam down there for a look.

They are bastards these guys. BA lost a bag of mine 10 years ago and were COMPLETELY UNHELPFUL. whenever I pass the heathrow sign for the luggage repository I wonder...