[JetblueTraveler]

Yes, you read correctly. I had a $250 1L bottle of Johnny Walker Blue missing from *inside* my bag upon arrival. It was never "officially" flagged by TSA, because there was no TSA tag inside my bag. (All TSAs are required to place a tag inside your bag, informing that your bag was opened and searched.)


Here are the facts:

• I flew on the first flight out from Buffalo (BUF) to New York City (JFK), Flight 37.

• My flight was from 5:50am to 7:10am, arriving at the carousel by 7:30am, whereby I picked up the luggage and found that the item had been missing. By 7:52am, I had filed all the forms at Jetblue’s customer service center.

• It was a holiday (Memorial Day) and the customer service attendant informed me that there are even less people that work on holidays than on a usual workday, thereby narrowing who had handled the bag.

So you can see my dissatisfaction, especially since this gift was meant for my father.

In my investigation as to what to do, I have found the below links:

-- http://www.airsafe.com/complain/complain.htm
-- http://www.speedbrake.com/sendit.htm
-- http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/
-- http://www.airguideonline.com/airgui...rguide0604.htm
-- http://www.usatoday.com/travel/colum...woodyard_x.htm
-- http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...012901448.html

This is my assessment.

a.) It was stolen by someone that either works for Jetblue or TSA. This remains to be seen.

b.) It was someone who worked the early morning shift and worked the holiday, Memorial Day -- May 25, 2009

c.) It happened in JFK -- which by my reading several posts here, it a haven for thieves and thievery.

*** VERY IMPORTANT ***

If you want something done, contact PR services and get your story out. Send out a PRESS RELEASE.

All the newswires LOVE bad press about major companies, and especially if it's a slow newsday, they LOVE to cover airlines -- just check out the recent news about airplane crashes. It's fodder for any young journalist.

If you have connections to a journalist, make sure to spill your story.

Also, if hiring a PR agent is too much, there are tons of online PR websites that are looking for a good story.

-- www.PRweb.com
-- http://www.businesswire.com
-- http://www.marketwire.com/ (Their release gets out via Google News, too!)
-- http://www.prnewswire.com/

It costs anywhere from $150 - $300 (pretty much the price of a ticket) to get a press release out, but it will be worth it and the company will cater to you, to make sure not to receive any more bad press.

I hope this helps with any future complaints.

Please don't use this method if it's a minor issue. Please be responsible and make sure it's a legitimate claim. (You really can cripple a perfectly legitimate company and service, with a flurry of bad press.)

All the best,
JetblueTraveler

[PHXFlyer]

Originally Posted by JetblueTraveler

Yes, you read correctly. I had a $250 1L bottle of Johnny Walker Blue missing from *inside* my bag upon arrival.

Here are the facts:

• I flew on the first flight out from Buffalo (BUF) to New York City (JFK), Flight 37.

*** VERY IMPORTANT ***

If you want something done, contact PR services and get your story out. Send out a PRESS RELEASE.

It costs anywhere from $150 - $300 (pretty much the price of a ticket) to get a press release out, but it will be worth it and the company will cater to you, to make sure not to receive any more bad press.

I hope this helps with any future complaints.

Please don't use this method if it's a minor issue. Please be responsible and make sure it's a legitimate claim. (You really can cripple a perfectly legitimate company and service, with a flurry of bad press.)

JetblueTraveler

Let me begin by stating my belief that theft of anything from a checked bag is inexcusable. It shouldn't occur but it does. That's just the reality of the world we live in. Even though due to the date you traveled the list of suspects is small, I highly doubt that the responsible party will ever be charged with the theft. Yes, security cameras are everywhere at an airport but you can bet the pilferage took place in a location known to this thief that is out of view of any surveillance.

IMO the theft of a $250 bottle of scotch is, in the grand scheme of things, a minor issue. Why did you pack a bottle of JW Blue scotch to begin with? You flew from Buffalo to New York City. I'm quite sure you would have been able to find a bottle of JWB in NYC for the same price or maybe even less. You never left New York State so the tax would have been the same - unless you bought it in Canada which I know many people in the Buffalo area do.

Suppose the bottle had broken inside your bag? I guess we'd be reading a post about how the gorillas hired by Jetblue abused your bag and busted your expensive scotch. Had that been the case your only recourse to recover your loss would be to wring that JWB out of your socks because JetB wouldn'luet be liable for that either.

[JetblueTraveler]

Oh look, we have a scofflaw amongst us!

Hey, "sympathizer" -- why don't you find a "legitimate" claim for us all to read about.

$250 IMHO is a lot to lose on a 1/2 hour flight -- especially since I had no choice but to check it.

Before 9/11 people would bring valuable gifts with them on the plane (i.e. wine bottles, jewelry, etc.) instead of checking it -- to avoid the item breaking.

And guess what, if it broke, I admit, it would be my fault. But being the experienced flyer I am, I know how to pack things. I expect things to get thrown around.

You're such a putz. You have nothing better to do than to prance upon other people's demise.

Go find a hole to stick your head in and cry about how you and favorite airline failed in the competitive post 9/11 market.

[PHXFlyer]

Originally Posted by JetblueTraveler

Oh look, we have a scofflaw amongst us!

Definition of "scofflaw"

(n) scofflaw One who habitually ignores the law and does not answer court summonses. A contemptuous law violator.
Etymology

Coined simultaneously by Mr Henry Irving Dale and Miss Kate L. Butler for a contest held in Boston in 1923 in which a word for "a lawless drinker of illegally made or illegally obtained liquor" was sought during the Prohibition era.

Originally Posted by JetblueTraveler

Hey, "sympathizer" -- why don't you find a "legitimate" claim for us all to read about.

I never said your claim wasn't legitimate.

Originally Posted by JetblueTraveler

$250 IMHO is a lot to lose on a 1/2 hour flight -- especially since I had no choice but to check it.

But you did have a choice which I pointed out. My suggestion, which I posted for the benefit of others, was that if the item can be purchased at one's destination then by all means simply buy it when you get there.

Originally Posted by JetblueTraveler

You're such a putz. You have nothing better to do than to prance upon other people's demise.

I'm osrry if you felt that way. It wasn't my intent. I was just adding some constructive criticism. The personal attack by you, however, was uncalled for.

Originally Posted by JetblueTraveler

Go find a hole to stick your head in and cry about how you and favorite airline failed in the competitive post 9/11 market.

My favorite airline hasn't failed and if they did I doubt I'd shed a tear over the situation. I'd merely find another airline who meets my needs. No airline is perfect 100% of the time.

[JetblueTraveler]

Why are you here? Honestly? What is your point? Just to play devil's advocate? Just to pour salt on a wound? Just kick someone while they're down?

I left a post giving people constructive methods of contacting the proper authorities to get something done-- and I said, "Use it wisely." Because I'm aware of how many people whine over "minor" issues, as you say.

Right now, you're playing this "sh*t happens" card, as if I should just sit there and "let it happen"...

Atrocities should not be tolerated... In fact, if you've been wronged, I hope you find a legal method to make wrongs right.

This -- $250 --- is an atrocity. It is unfair and NO ONE should have to deal with what I'm dealing with. And so I left a constructive post, detailing how to take action.

For you to come off as "well, (duh), what do you expect?" is sad because you are willing to "take it" from the backend any time someone p*sses on you. In fact, you like it and perhaps seek it out.

If that's the case, go take a hike. Go find an airline that can give you a proper backend shaft and leave us (the ones not willing to take it) alone.

Yes, I have had many things happen while on trips, things that didn't go my way, results of events where I've had to essentially, "suck it up."

Delayed flights where I've had to sleep on the floor of the airport, lost baggage, rude (and probably overworked) flight attendants, flights flat out canceled...

I'm not a flying novice.

And yes, I'm aware of buying things in your destination. You think you're a genius for pointing that out?

But guess what...?

If you take a trip, you sometimes find things you want to bring back with you --- they're called "souvenirs" -- and sometimes they are sporadic and unplanned. In fact, that's the general nature behind them.

And sometimes you don't plan on heading back to that location or returning on a trip like that again.

Then what? What is your resolve then?

You're such an effin' smartass, who has "everything" figured out, right?

You, with your smug responses...

If you were put in the same position, you wouldn't roll over --- it may not be a $250 bottle of liquor meant for a family member, but it will be something -- and the day it happens, you will feel cheated.

And then whom do you turn to?

I pray that happens to you. I pray you feel the pain I feel after being stolen from -- and no one wants to help you, no one cares enough to.

...and your plea falls on deaf ears.

And I will laugh when the person behind the customer service counter tells you, "You should've expected that. Sh*t happens."

Effin' sympathizer -- go home. Find someone else to "constructively criticize."

And yes, you're a scofflaw. You don't respect basic rights of people. You don't respect justice.

[PHXFlyer]

This is a perfect example of someone who claims "I never raised my voice, never used profanity, yet the airline called the police and I was led out of the airport in handcuffs"

This hot-headed rant doesn't dignify further comment.

[AADFW]

Actually PHX, your initial response was actually quite provocative:

Originally Posted by PHXFlyer

IMO the theft of a $250 bottle of scotch is, in the grand scheme of things, a minor issue. Why did you pack a bottle of JW Blue scotch to begin with?

It's a minor issue because it was someone else's property and not yours.

Originally Posted by PHXFlyer

Suppose the bottle had broken inside your bag? I guess we'd be reading a post about how the gorillas hired by Jetblue abused your bag and busted your expensive scotch.

PHX, you're not fooling anyone here. Either you work for a U.S. airline in some capacity or you are mentally ill. You seem to take the initial approach that this person is unreasonable for being upset that he was wronged by someone who may have been an airline employee. Your cavalier attitude is precisely what enrages consumers about your industry. You first taunted this crime victim by poking him with a virtual stick and then sat back smugly and said "I'm not going to respond to this crazy guy's rant." That's just sick, and someone who does something like that "IMO" should seek professional help. Please do us all a favor - quit your job immediately and encourage others who are as bitter as you are to do the same.

[Butch Cassidy Slept Here]

To the "O.P:" Well I guess if ANOTHER $200+ bottle of scotch is ever bought, and you're travelling by air, it will be part of your carry-on baggage. I'm sure you'll find a suitcase filled with dirty underwear will reach you completely intact. OK, PhxFlyer is right, you're enraged over this incident. Unlike PhxFlyer I would say your rage is almost appropriate considering the dollar value of the item stolen. People SHOULD have the right to expect their luggage won't be rifled. Sadly the truth of the matter is that anything of value, in checked baggage, stands, perhaps, at least a 50% chance of "walking." This is another example of where using Amtrak would have produced less tragic results. From Buffalo to New York (Penn Station) Amtrak operates a few "Empire Service" runs in addition to the "Maple Leaf." The "carry-on" baggage allowance, on Amtrak, is substantially more liberal than with the airlines.

To AADFW: To his credit PhxFlyer has, actually, been restrained in the last few weeks. Hopefully we are not witnessing the results of Phx's temperment succumbing to the Phoenix heat!

[airhead]

To JetblueTraveler: I am sorry to hear about your bottle. I am sure that sucks. I would be ****** too. However, I have experience with airlines and I know they and the other entities (such as the TSA) will defend themselves with every fine print of the contract ever created and create some more for the sake of defense so deal with it or go all the way. I wish you all the luck in the world if you decide to go all the way. It is very difficult to catch the thieving bastards of such operations and in reality you are trying to find a needle in a haystack. I hate thieves so I pray for you. I am on our side. I hope they are caught and hung by their nevermind.

To PHXFler: I agree with you too. I understand that sometimes a lesson has to spelled out so the rest of the boys and girls can understand. I know you are teaching a lesson and some people sometimes don't understand that. I have learned a great deal at this site and I am sure many other silent people who have dealt the traveling public know first hand the problems that comes with traveling with a commercial bus..err I mean airplane.

I hope others learn from reading the examples here. Funny how common sense offends some. Perhaps in the long run more people will be aware how shady flying can be. Or giving personal possessions to strangers can be. It would be nice if people did not steal wouldn't it?

[PHXFlyer]

Originally Posted by AADFW

Actually PHX, your initial response was actually quite provocative:

It's a minor issue because it was someone else's property and not yours.

Provocative? How so? Let me refresh your memory of my EXACT words:

Originally Posted by PHXFlyer

IMO the theft of a $250 bottle of scotch is, in the grand scheme of things, a minor issue.

(emphasis mine)

Don't pick and choose the words you want to read out of context.

Originally Posted by AADFW

PHX, you're not fooling anyone here. Either you work for a U.S. airline in some capacity or you are mentally ill. You seem to take the initial approach that this person is unreasonable for being upset that he was wronged by someone who may have been an airline employee. Your cavalier attitude is precisely what enrages consumers about your industry. You first taunted this crime victim by poking him with a virtual stick and then sat back smugly and said "I'm not going to respond to this crazy guy's rant." That's just sick, and someone who does something like that "IMO" should seek professional help. Please do us all a favor - quit your job immediately and encourage others who are as bitter as you are to do the same.

I'm mentally ill? Sick? I should seek professional help? Are you an MD who can render such a diagnosis? If not, then keep it to yourself. If you are then your license to practice should be revoked.

[AADFW]

Thanks for further proving my point that you are delusional. Please go take your medication now.

[Jetliner]

Back to the original post - you are wrong on one point - the TSA DOES NOT always put a letter in your bag. I've seen plenty of times they searched a back and didn't put one in. When asked why--- "We ran out."

The question I have is, how much total liquor did you have in the bag? There is a limit of 5 liters of hard liquor (anything other than beer or wine) per passenger. One thing I have had happen was the TSA would bring us the excess since there were 8 or 9 liters in the bottle, not knowing if there were two or more people on the reservation.

If it was in fact outright stolen from the bag, I will never defend that. However you need to consider what I've posted.

[stephen]

The sad reality is that valuables are stolen from checked luggage all the time. This is an unacceptable situation and one that the airports, airlines and TSA should crack down on much harder than they appear to be doing. However, it is unfortunately the way things are and therefore valuables should never be placed in checked luggage. If you cannot carry your valuables on with you, you need to make some other arrangement such as having them fed-exed or in fact anything rather than leaving them to the mercy of the seemingly professional theives who have access to checked baggage.