[sakella]

I want to share this horror story with anyone planning on traveling with Kuwait Airways:
I traveled on 01/23 from Mumbai to New York. At the Kuwait airport, I was forced to check in one of my cabin bags. It contained an antique ceramic plate which was given by an aunt who recently died in a fire accident. When I explained this to the Kuwait Airways personnel, he said, "Who died is none of my concern. Either check this in or it goes into trash." There was a framed painting too, and I understand he wanted to check that in. I requested him to let me take the antique plate in but he flatly refused. He said security at Shannon will object. I explained it was made in Ireland. He had my passport with him, and he said, "Do you want your passport or not?" So I had to relent. Sure enough, the plate which is at least 24 years old and would fetch $250 in the market, not to mention the priceless memories it had, was fully shattered. I have a picture. I was heartbroken, and wrote to Kuwait Airways. Obviously the compensation cannot bring back my aunt's gift and love, but I will at least feel like some justice has been done for the suffering and loss. But I received no response. Their complete lack of empathy shocks me.
In my experience, Emirates is a much, much better airline with competitive pricing and a hundredfold better service. At least they treat you with dignity.