United Airlines has already stepped up to the plate and very quickly reimbursed us $400 for forgetting our suitcases. And now, a cheque from Visa for over $900!!! Yes, they did come through, much to my surprise.
So here's what I've learned when packing for a trip, especially one to the USA (which had tighter restrictions for International flights thanks to that idiot who tried to torch his underwear a couple of months ago). Because of that same nutcase (who I hope at the very least burned his balls off!), we were not allowed carry ons when we flew for 17 hours to Hawaii. Since then, security has loosened up a bit but just in case, here is my top-five list for the next time I board any airplane:
1. Next trip, I will make sure that every suitcase has a change of clothes for each of us. Last trip, only our daughter's suitcase made the flight so my husband and I had N-O-T-H-I-N-G for almost two days.
2. Next trip, I will stuff a clean pair of undies into each of my bra cups. N-E-V-E-R again will I have to wear underwear for 17 hours of flying and then wait until THE NEXT DAY to get a clean pair because there are no stores open.
3. Next trip, I will have a toothbrush in my purse. The 10 cent toothbrush they gave us as a substitute for our suitcases had bristles that were stronger than a toilet brush.
4. Next trip, I will have the biggest bag of lollipops that security will allow so there is at least one for every child on that flight should any of them develop ear trouble. (you can read why Here)
5. But most importantly, I will ALWAYS buy our airline tickets on the Visa Card that has the $500 Allowance for each of us should our luggage get lost!
As for the lost luggage during my husband's business trip a few days later, we are still waiting to hear back! (details are Here)
Got advice for anyone traveling or want to share a story of your own? Tell us in the comments!
48 comments:
Love your list, esp. the underwear in your bra! Great idea to put a change of clothes for each of you in each suitcase! Glad your Visa cam through, good to know they do what they say. Thanks for the tips.
Everytime we fly to States they loose our luggage. Glad they came through for ya.
I've had my luggage delayed a couple of times but never lost. I leave for Mazatlan in 6 weeks so was wondering what I could take for carry on as I knew it had changed.
I like your words of advice and I think I will make sure I follow them especially the packing clothes for each of us in both suitcases.
Thanks!
And very glad Visa came through for you....
Never had that happen...however on my carry on, I always bring extra....dirty undies, bad! Bad breath, worse!~ Glad they at least reimbursed quickly! Have a great Monday!
Good travel tips, especially about using Visa for tickets, or any credit card with such travel perks. Unfortunately, I wouldn't be able to stuff extra panties in my bra, if I wasn't wearing one...
I want to look good in the full body scan!
Secretia
So the pain of having to sleep in the same shirt for two days aside...you made out pretty good on this one! I had no idea Visa had this policy...good to know.
Wow!!! That's very cool that you got reimbursed so much back. Very cool.
You gave some really great advice for traveling.
Cool that Visa did what it said it would. Great travel tips, I'm definately remembering the lollipops one.
The underwear in the bra is brilliant. I have plenty of room in mine, lol. I could pack for the whole family cause there aint much else up there.
I have to check my luggage because I already have a work boot bag and laptop bag as carry ons. I have been very forunate traveling and have they never lost my luggage. SO FAR. As for sticking extra underwear in my underwear, Do I wad it up in the front or in the back??
I can not imagine a 17 hour flight! That is crazy. I always pack 2 outfits that can interchange easily and a pair of spandex running shorts in my carry on. If I need it I buy a new outfit at my destination. I am a total minimalist on vacation (especially to warm places). I love Title Nine and Athleta for wrinkle resistant soft fibers and easy clean fabric.
My luggage got lost on a business trip once and did not turn up for three days - during which time owing to the conference schedule and remoteness of our location I was unable to shop for replacement clothing. I found myself continually explaining to people, including complete strangers, why I was wearing the same outfit yet again, and suffering the embarrassment of some really nice people offering to lend me underwear......I declined their offers but can attest to the fact that there is something awful about washing your undies out in the hotel room sink at night and putting them back on the next morning still damp.........
So since I try to travel with carry on bags only, but if I have to check luggage then I always travel with a couple of spare pairs of undies in my carry on luggage and an emergency supply of other things I consider essentials.
I've only had my luggage lost once...and always pack accordingly now! I agree ALWAYS purchase your tickets on credit. It's always easier that way. And I can do without most things, except my eye cream and lipstick. The rest I can replace.
:-)
Glad they didn't give you a hassle!
Thanks for the advice! I have never been one to plan for the airline losing our luggage, I guess I better start, haha :)
Stuffing underwear in bra cups is such a beautiful idea....although it will require me to remove the tissue first....
Next time take the boat! Ok so maybe that's more practical here in Europe, but it's more civilised and you can take as much luggage as you like :)
Umm I have no room for my boobs in my cups some days let alone undies lol.. but I am glad you got your money back hun that is wonderful.
ALWAYS pack extra undies!! And we always fly United ... and have had a few mishaps with luggage and, knock on wood, they have always taken care of us- and no, I do not work for the airlines- just get lucky I guess :-)
I love the idea of stuffing underwear into your bra!! Those are all great tips you have...I've never had my luggage lost YET but I can only imagine how tough it must have been..not to mention how stressful it was.
I once spent a week in South Florida without my luggage. The airline was very generous and I came home very nicely clothed.
I too had luggage lost in my trip from San Francisco to Hawaii. I arrived and waited two days for my luggage. Still, the shopping in Honolulu was great so it worked out fine. Turned out a guy had our luggage and we had his. He was staying at our hotel. Weird how that happened! I hate the idea of someone going through my "stuff" but hey, we got it all back anyway!
Hope you still enjoyed the Hawaii trip!
thank you, thank you, thank you!
No plans for flying anytime soon, but when I do, I will come back to this post for reminders. :)
I'll never get on a plane...ever.
My luck...it would crash and burn immediately.
Anyway...
Yay for 900 dollars!
Sorry about the loss, but hey what a snazzy way to make some dough! I love your lists. I myself am an overpacker and always have at least a days supply of everything some how packed into everyones carry on for this very reason. And you know i have never lost my luggage!
That is a great list. I had my luggage lost once for one hour and then traveled a lot and had no problems...got cocky and had it lost for two days last time I was in New Orleans...I saw cocky because I did pack according to your list (almost) but not on this trip...everything including my glasses and contact lenses supplies in the luggage.
SO very glad they came through for you...renews my faith.
The no carry-on part would freak me out; I always have underwear, a bathing suit and meds in there. I'm gonna use your ideas when my daughter and I go to FL to see my mom next month.
So glad you got your money!
I already stuff underwear in my bra...so I'm always ready.
Ugh, I always hear lost luggage stories but have never had it happen to me...knock on wood!
I should stuff underwear in my bra everyday, then my tata's won't be swimming in there!
Great list & tips for us, thanks Deb! I'm glad there's at least a happy ending to this saga, though. I'm sure you'd have rather had your luggage, but...they $$$ is nice. And that they got it to you in a decent amount of time....
I'll have to remember that...I can pack a 6 pack of panties in my brassiere..lol
tootles,
bunny
Fabulous recommendations there. So glad the big companies came through for you--so often it's one huge disappointment. A happy ending! yay!
Can you say Shopping trip????? Sounds like fun to me.
Albeit that it was annoying when you didn't have clean clothes for 2 days.
Wouldn't it be great if the luggage was found too?
Packing an outfit in each suitcase is an excellent idea. The kids and I usually share a suitcase but Hubs gets on to himself. With my luck we would all be wearing his boxers and tees for a week. I'm glad you got some cash for your suffering.
I'm with you on the toothbrush thing. I've had one of those free ones they give you - it's terrible!!
Woo hoo... at least you got compensated. But I'm sure you could have done without the 'compensation' just to avoid the hassle.
Oh, those are good tips! Duly noted (sorry you had to suffer) :(
It seems that there is always a lesson to be learned in everything. But how could you have known ahead of time. Al least it did make for a few funny blog posts.
I try to keep a few important necessities in my carry-on.
So glad you got what they promised. It gives me a little faith in their syatem!
Great tips and kudos to them for coming through with what was promised. I am packing for a trip tonight and will be sure the carry-ons at least have the swimsuits in them.
No story to share, but....
Are you up for a game of photo tag? Your name is on my list!
I hope you'll play along~
Lisa @ All That and a Box of Rocks
Excellent tips! I almost always do carryon anymore, but then I'm usually going on short business trips. But if I ever get a decent vaca again, I'm going to remember your advice!
Last time we went on a cruise I packed half and half. I was so worried ours would get lost! Great idea about VISA!!
These are some great tips. I would have never thought of the underwear in my bra. I might not even wait for a trip to start stuffing (-;
Glad Visa came through and you got your check. Those are some great tips Deb.
Those are some seriously great tips.
Pretty awesome that Visa and United did actually come through.
YAY!! So glad to hear you got the check.
I'm glad they came through for ya.
If I got my math right, with all the money you got for lost luggage, you could probably afford another trip!
I thought you eventually got your luggage and money to buy clothes, so why more money?
Wow. You are testament to the horror of air travel...but VISA should be beaming for that glowing testimonial.
Unbelievable!
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