AIRPORT LUGGAGE PROBLEMS WORSEN—

The Washington Post recently reported “More than 1 million pieces of luggage were lost, damaged, delayed or pilfered by the US airlines from May to July....(and) June and July ranked among the 20 worst months for mishandled baggage in 20 years.”

“The shoddy service is the crest of five years of steady deterioration in the ability of major airlines to deliver a checked bag,” they continued.

“In 2002, 3.84 reports of mishandled bags were filed per 1,000 passengers. In July, the figure was 7.93,” more than double.

“Frustration has mounted to the point...even a well traveled congressman...(D-Cal) is alleged to have barged screaming into a United Airlines baggage claim office...at Dulles airport and shoved a clerk”. He was charged with misdemeanor assault.

“Analysts say the industry’s problems are not likely to be resolved soon, setting the stage for more aggravations, especially during the (upcoming) holiday travel season.”

Another aggravated traveler said, “They never lose my bags in other countries...Other countries do this (baggage handling) well, but not here.”

“Representatives of a half-dozen airlines noted...though the rate of lost bags is at an historic high, such bags represent only a fraction of the luggage flowing through the system." They claimed, "More than 99 percent of bags are handled properly....”

Meanwhile, a solution is—ship your bags.

A business traveler from California, for example, said he shipped his clothes ahead of him for at least 25 trips last year.

A Fogeyism would assert; that also eliminates the aggravation of dealing with the aggressive Neanderthals at the baggage claim disaster which usually concludes each flight.

Bingo!

Now, if we can just get the airlines to arrive on time more than their current rate of 69 percent for on-time landings. Stop back. We’ll discuss that topic tomorrow.