[misc.handicap] Luggage Problems

David.Postler@f778.n115.z1.fidonet.org (David Postler) (11/05/90)

Index Number: 11517

Nadine,
     As  a  frequent flyer I read your message with  both  resignation  
and concern.   My father is disabled and had the same thing happen to  
him.   I apologize in advance if I seem harsh but this apparently 
needs to get  out.  You other folks listen up too:
     Never,  Never,  Never, NEVER, NEVER put equipment essential  for  
your health  or life in your checked luggage.  Please, don't risk 
yourself  this way.   I fly about 1 trip per week and the airlines 
manage to screw up my luggage at least twice a year.  This may be 
galling to some but I would suggest that you get a wheelchair if you 
need it for heavy equipment rather than check it.  Also I'm not sure 
but there may be an exception from carry on rules for your medical 
equipment, call the FAA at 1 800 242-0244 to check  this out.  I'm 
not disabled but hope that if necessary that I  would be sensible 
enough to follow my own advice.  You can yell at me if I don't <grin>.  
     There is one other thing that you can do to get  Delta's 
attention.  You have the right to file a complaint with the 
Department of Transportation for inclusion their complaint records.  
You can send a letter to:
          Department Of Transportation
          Office of Consumer Affairs 
          400 7th Street West
          Washington, DC   20590
     Be sure and ask for their pamphlet Fly-Rights.  It is free and 
has quite a bit of information.  Be sure and let Delta know about this 
when you write.  My guess is that you will get some form of 
compensation, expect to wait about six weeks for a reply.  I'm sorry 
but this is about all you can do.  My personal opinion is that the 
reason guns are banned at airports is because the airlines would lose 
too many people.<grin>  
Regards 
David Postler
P.S. Sorry I'm responding late but I got back from vacation 2 days ago
and am digging out from under 1 Mb of BBS messages and, a stack of mail. 

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