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In other words, Mr. Altomare is taking another vaction in the Middle East on his "condo ocean liner" on the investors expense. What a joke!
Posts: 359 | From: Minneapolis, MN | Registered: Mar 2006
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MadPackers Announces the Ultimate Holiday Gift Card
Dec 11, 2006 13:12:20 (ET)
NEW YORK, Dec 11, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Universal Express Inc. (USXP, Trade ), division MadPackers announced today the launch of the MadPackers Holiday Gift Card. "The MadPackers gift card is simply the best gift a parent or family member could give to a hard working college student," said MadPackers' President, Brian Altomare.
The MadPackers holiday gift card takes its regular services up a notch and gives two options: one allows a parent or family member to order MadPackers innovative shipping or storage service at a great holiday discount, while the other provides a limo ride back home in addition to the shipping or storage service. "The limo ride is a great way to reward a student's hard work during the semester," Altomare said.
The card is redeemable at any time, but will most likely be used during busy seasons for MadPackers, which include Spring Break and the end of each semester.
MadPackers offers delivery to any school in the U.S. and has been featured on ABC News "Money Matters." The company is also preparing for the highly anticipated "MadPackers Door to Dorm" Tour, which launches in Spring 2007.
For more information on the gift card or upcoming college tour, please visit www.MadPackers.com or call 1-888-MadPackers.
About Universal Express
Universal Express, Inc. is a 22 year old logistics and transportation conglomerate with multiple developing subsidiaries and services. For additional information please visit www.usxp.com
Safe Harbor Statement under the Private securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: The statements contained herein, which are not historical, are forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, certain delays beyond the Company's control with respect to market acceptance of new technologies, products and services, delays in testing and evaluation of products and services, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
SOURCE: Universal Express, Inc.
Buzz Marketing Group Kathleen Capalla, 856-346-3456 Kathleen*Buzzmg.com
-------------------- LIFE IS 10% HOW YOU MAKE IT AND 90% HOW YOU TAKE IT! Posts: 9276 | From: San Diego CA | Registered: Jul 2006
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SELL IT BOYZ LMAO!!!Related Quotes Sym. Price Chg. USXP Trade News 0.003 0.0002 Universal Express Announces Technology Expansion to Meet Increased Service and Division Demands
Dec 11, 2006 14:00:20 (ET)
NEW YORK, Dec 11, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Universal Express Inc. (USXP, Trade ), Universal Express announces its technology and communication expansion to meet its need for greater and more efficient communication and data demands. The scope of Universals' needs was determined by its increase in services and national coverage, including both satellite offices and Luggage Express Found locations.
"Universal Express growth in size and in services has created a demand for increased communications and data distribution solutions. Currently, Universal is meeting this challenge in rapid growth in its Luggage Express Found division by implementing its real time, proprietary tracking system, ELuggistics, which will be used to track luggage transported by Luggage Express Found through wireless tracking and monitoring systems generally found in larger transportation companies," said Richard A. Altomare, Chairman and CEO of Universal Express, Inc.
"We will be implementing a Cingular Wireless system which includes Bar Code scanners and PDA devices to allow efficient information processing between Luggage Express Found drivers and its customer service personnel. This system also includes a multi-user network aware accounting system which ties directly into the luggage tracking and data system and enabling real time accounting functions to help provide increased and up to the minute billing and tracking," said Cecilia Vesnesky, Universal Express COO.
"With the expansion of LE Found nationwide and other divisions and offices working in various areas, we have found it necessary to create a wide area network to help keep communications and data flowing throughout our organization. This includes high bandwidth data and communication lines, increased local and regional phone capabilities, and wireless data solutions," continued Mr. Altomare.
"These upgrades will enable Universal Express data services to communicate in real time between these locations, and each location if necessary can function independently of each other in the event of regional power failures, or hurricanes etc."
"Our next task at hand is to increase our Call Center Capabilities from 50,000 per minute and therefore we are looking into further upgrading our CSR management tools," said Sabine Wehder, Luggage Express Director.
"Obviously these upgrades indicate internal growth and anticipated future business. In my experience, often a company's technology preparation and development can show as much as a quarterly report or press release," concluded Mr. Altomare.
About Universal Express
Universal Express, Inc. is a 22 year old logistics and transportation conglomerate with multiple developing subsidiaries and services. For additional information please visit www.usxp.com
Safe Harbor Statement under the Private securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: The statements contained herein, which are not historical, are forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, certain delays beyond the Company's control with respect to market acceptance of new technologies, products and services, delays in testing and evaluation of products and services, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
SOURCE: Universal Express, Inc.
Universal Express, Inc. Mark Falk, 561-367-6177 publicrelations*usxp.com
-------------------- LIFE IS 10% HOW YOU MAKE IT AND 90% HOW YOU TAKE IT! Posts: 9276 | From: San Diego CA | Registered: Jul 2006
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Coalition for Luggage Security Questions Clear System
Dec 12, 2006 10:14:27 (ET)
NEW YORK, Dec 12, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- The Coalition for Luggage Security, today expresses its concern over the expansion of the "Verified Identity Pass" system which is being expanded and introduced into several airports including New York's John F. Kennedy airport. The Clear system allows passengers to pay a yearly subscription fee, including a portion for a background check and then bypass security checks at participating airports.
Richard Altomare, President and Founder of the Coalition, and CEO of Universal Express, Inc (USXP, Trade ) stated that "while background checks of Clear subscribers seems like a step in the right direction, the ever present danger of a suitcase bomb has not yet been addressed. At a time when the global danger from terrorism is on the rise, security cannot be compromised for convenience."
The Coalition, a collection of organizations and executives providing innovative solutions and an independent voice to airline passenger luggage and cargo security issues, calls for a series of measures to increase passenger convenience without compromising security. Clear actually may jeopardize security for all passengers while only increasing convenience for the few that pay for it.
The Coalition cites a report by CBS showing that security screeners missed 90 percent of the explosives and guns agents attempted to sneak past checkpoints in Miami, Newark, N.J., Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and Honolulu. Additionally, in a report by the San Francisco Chronicle, screening tests were sabotaged because security workers were warned of upcoming attempts by undercover agents.
According to the San Jose Mercury News, the Air Transport Association opposes the implementation of Clear as well, noting that it does not have any security benefits ( http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/ ). An alternative solution would be to reduce the amount of luggage and items screened at the airports to increase detection of potential harms and reduce opportunity for terrorism.
"Separation of the luggage from the passenger is the solution," stated Mr. Altomare. "Products such as Clear cost the American public subscription fees and offer no security precautions. We are being deceived into believing it is a safe alternative. It is simply cosmetic security."
For more information on The Coalition for Luggage Security, please contact Juan Linares at 561-367-6177, or to set up an interview with Mr. Altomare please contact Jennifer England at 412-772-8230 or by email at Jennifer*shoreypr.com.
About The Coalition for Luggage Security
The Coalition for Luggage Security was established to ensure the safety of travelers through alternate means of luggage transportation. The Coalition consists of prominent businesspersons and companies that educate the public, Congress and the Administration on the importance of solving the luggage and cargo safety issues that exist in airlines and airports.
Safe Harbor Statement under the Private securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: The statements contained herein, which are not historical, are forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, certain delays beyond the Company's control with respect to market acceptance of new technologies, products and services, delays in testing and evaluation of products and services, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
SOURCE: The Coalition for Luggage Security
Coalition for Luggage Security Juan Carlos Linares Coalition Director 212-239-2575
posted
#2 FOR TODAY!!MadPackers Launches Campus Rep Program
Dec 12, 2006 11:34:15 (ET)
NEW YORK, Dec 12, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Universal Express Inc. (USXP, Trade ), division MadPackers announced today the launch of a promotional campaign to increase membership in its campus rep program. "Our Campus Rep Program is vital to the success of MadPackers," said Brian Altomare, President of MadPackers. "We are going to put all of the resources we need into further development of this wonderful program."
Students who sign up for the Campus Rep Program will be paid a stipend each semester, and will be responsible for communicating brand initiatives to the students. They will distribute MadPacker's collateral, including the "MadPackers Campus Survival Kit," postcards and stickers.
The reps will also be able to use a common intranet site where they will be able to log in and download MadPackers' wallpapers, AIM icons, and even posters promoting the upcoming "Door to Dorm" tour. They will also have access to exclusive details about the tour and upcoming MadPackers promotions. "We want to provide our reps with the best possible resources to succeed and live the MadPackers brand lifestyle," said Christopher Adamo, the director of the Campus Rep Program.
Special contests will be held on the web site for the representatives, allowing them to earn more money and prizes. Altomare adds, "We want to keep our reps happy. This is another step in keeping them excited about our brand."
The web site will also have a social networking element, allowing reps to communicate across campuses and share tips on recruiting students for the service. Reps will also be able to give feedback to MadPackers for improving the service and communication with students.
The MadPackers Campus Rep website will launch in January 2007. For more information on the program, please visit www.madpackers.com .
About Universal Express
Universal Express, Inc. is a 22 year old logistics and transportation conglomerate with multiple developing subsidiaries and services. For additional information please visit www.usxp.com
Safe Harbor Statement under the Private securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: The statements contained herein, which are not historical, are forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, certain delays beyond the Company's control with respect to market acceptance of new technologies, products and services, delays in testing and evaluation of products and services, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission
SOURCE: Universal Express Inc.
Buzz Marketing Group Kathleen Capalla, 856-346-3456 Kathleen*Buzzmg.com
-------------------- LIFE IS 10% HOW YOU MAKE IT AND 90% HOW YOU TAKE IT! Posts: 9276 | From: San Diego CA | Registered: Jul 2006
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Along with being able to purchase holiday cards, one can book services, verify prices and also locate the many strategic partners that offer Luggage Express services and discounts. For a partner listing go to www.travellighter.com/partners .
"Our Holiday gift card kick-off is appropriate and beneficial to travelers at this time of the season when most lost suitcase complaints occur. These gift cards and our services can help address the problem of the present airline and TSA systems that contribute to the loss of over 60 suitcases a minute and the hassle of trying to find your suitcase, or waiting for days after you arrive to finally have your belongings delivered back to you," said Richard A. Altomare, Chairman and CEO of Universal Express, Inc.
"These gift cards can benefit anyone that travels including parents, children or travelers that want to eliminate the most stressful aspect of travel such as carrying their luggage, waiting online, and waiting after the flight for their luggage. It appears our gift card that enables friends and loved ones to have their suitcases picked-up at home and delivered to their end destination effortlessly and seamlessly, is a gift card that just keeps on giving without hurting your back, wasting your time, or creating aggravation," concluded Mr. Altomare.
About Universal Express
Universal Express, Inc. is a 22 year old logistics and transportation conglomerate with multiple developing subsidiaries and services. For additional information please visit www.usxp.com
Safe Harbor Statement under the Private securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: The statements contained herein, which are not historical, are forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, certain delays beyond the Company's control with respect to market acceptance of new technologies, products and services, delays in testing and evaluation of products and services, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
SOURCE: Universal Express, Inc.
Universal Express, Inc. Mark Falk, 561-367-6177 mfalk*usxp.com
-------------------- LIFE IS 10% HOW YOU MAKE IT AND 90% HOW YOU TAKE IT! Posts: 9276 | From: San Diego CA | Registered: Jul 2006
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#1 FOR TODAY SELLING SHARES IMO!Universal Express Division MadPackers Partners With Binghamton University's Entrepreneurship Program
Dec 13, 2006 10:24:27 (ET)
NEW YORK, Dec 13, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Universal Express Inc. (USXP, Trade ), division MadPackers has agreed to participate in the Entrepreneurship Program at the School of Management of Binghamton University. MadPackers will work with a class of 6 to 10 undergraduate and graduate students to build upon their existing infrastructure in the Binghamton area. The students will be exposed to the full inner workings of the company, while getting to implement their ideas in a real world setting.
"It's great to give back to the school that made us into the people we are today. As we all learn, putting what is taught in the classroom into motion is easier said than done. This class will allow the students to get a feel for what it is like to run their own business from start to finish," said Brian Altomare, President of MadPackers.
The class will begin in the spring semester of 2007 and run every semester thereafter. MadPackers will work with Angelo Mastrangelo, former CEO of Adirondack beverages and Administrator of the Binghamton University Entrepreneurship program.
"We are very excited to work with Professor Mastrangelo. His experience and knowledge will help transform the talented Binghamton students' ideas into reality," stated Christopher Adamo, Director of Business Development.
"The class is a great way to get students thinking in the MadPackers frame of mind, outside the box," stated Altomare.
Binghamton and MadPackers have been working closely together for the past year with the goal of intertwining the MadPackers business model with the University. MadPackers has recently sponsored the 2006 homecoming for Binghamton, their biggest to date and has plans to sponsor the upcoming spring fling.
Universal Express, Inc. is a 22 year old logistics and transportation conglomerate with multiple developing subsidiaries and services. For additional information please visit www.usxp.com .
Safe Harbor Statement under the Private securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: The statements contained herein, which are not historical, are forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, certain delays beyond the Company's control with respect to market acceptance of new technologies, products and services, delays in testing and evaluation of products and services, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
SOURCE: Universal Express
Buzz Marketing Group Kathleen Capalla, 856-346-3456 Kathleen*Buzzmg.com
-------------------- LIFE IS 10% HOW YOU MAKE IT AND 90% HOW YOU TAKE IT! Posts: 9276 | From: San Diego CA | Registered: Jul 2006
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#2 FOR TODAY,LOL Universal Express Delivers for the Biggest and Best
Dec 13, 2006 11:30:44 (ET)
NEW YORK, Dec 13, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Universal Express, Inc. (USXP, Trade ), reported today that its premier subdivision Luggage Express has recently completed the pick-up and delivery for the United States Chamber of Commerce, and their Association of 100 meeting at the Bellagio in Las Vegas.
"Universal Express and Luggage Express were honored to have received the vote of confidence that the US Chamber of Commerce delivered to us by choosing our company to handle the shipping of luggage for their Association of 100, which includes CEO's of some of the largest and most prestigious companies and associations in this country," stated Richard A. Altomare, Chairman and CEO of Universal Express, Inc.
"This opportunity and association with the US Chamber was long sought, and we truly appreciate this opportunity. Our Customer Service staff, and the local couriers performed impeccably, and we have received glowing reports from the members who used the service," said Marisa Munro, Sales Director for Luggage Express.
"As we finish out a successful 2006, we think this recent affiliation with a powerful organization like the US Chamber of Commerce and its members, will help us close some impressive new clients in 2007," concluded Mr. Altomare.
About Universal Express
Universal Express, Inc. is a 22 year old logistics and transportation conglomerate with multiple developing subsidiaries and services. For additional information please visit www.usxp.com
Safe Harbor Statement under the Private securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: The statements contained herein, which are not historical, are forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, certain delays beyond the Company's control with respect to market acceptance of new technologies, products and services, delays in testing and evaluation of products and services, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
SOURCE: Universal Express, Inc.
Universal Express, Inc. Mark Falk, 561-367-6177 mfalk*usxp.com
-------------------- LIFE IS 10% HOW YOU MAKE IT AND 90% HOW YOU TAKE IT! Posts: 9276 | From: San Diego CA | Registered: Jul 2006
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Universal Express Expands and Grows in the Lost Luggage Segment Wednesday December 13, 1:30 pm ET
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Universal Express Inc. (OTCBB:USXP - News) announced today, its subsidiary, Luggage Express Found announced today improved sales compared to the same month of 2005.
Once again Luggage Express Found has doubled its revenues this past November 2006 compared to November 2005.
"And that is not what really excites us," said Juan Gonzalez, President of Luggage Express Found. "What really is exciting is that we are entering the busy season, with an expected 25% increase in lost luggage. This could represent a great end of the quarter," continued Juan Gonzalez.
"Besides the tremendous growth that we have had, we are looking forward to rolling out our new call center that will soon be available through 877-BAG FOUND, this represents a completely new level of service not only for the passengers but also for the airlines. Through the call center service we will be able to provide passengers and airlines status information on a specific delivery," said Mariano Guerrero, General Manager of Luggage Express Found.
"Once our new bag tracking system and call center are completely operational, we will have taken this niche market to the 21 century, providing an unprecedented level of service to the thousands of passengers that will go through the aggravation of having one of their bags lost this holiday season," said Richard A. Altomare, Chairman and CEO of Universal Express.
About Universal Express
Universal Express, Inc. is a 22 year old logistics and transportation conglomerate with multiple developing subsidiaries and services. For additional information please visit www.usxp.com.
Safe Harbor Statement under the Private securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: The statements contained herein, which are not historical, are forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, certain delays beyond the Company's control with respect to market acceptance of new technologies, products and services, delays in testing and evaluation of products and services, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Contact: Universal Express, Inc. Mark Falk, 561-367-6177 mfalk*usxp.com
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Source: Universal Express, Inc.
Posts: 4112 | Registered: Jun 2006
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JUST MIGHT BE TIME FOR A FLIP HERE! PPS .0029 OTC BB Real time Quote Last Trade as of 3:56 PM ET 1/19/07
Universal Express Reports Revenue Growth BusinessWire - January 17, 2007 12:24 PM ET
Related Quotes Symbol Last Chg USXP Trade 0.0029 -0.0001 Quotes delayed at least 15 minutes
Universal Express Inc. , announced today that three of its subsidiaries, Luggage Express Found, Universal Jet and Luggage Express have reported extraordinary earnings growth numbers prior to its formal quarterly report.
"Luggage Express Found reports its monthly revenues have increased 80% and its January 2007 revenues are increasing 90% over its January 2006 revenues. Its overall profitability has increased 50%," said Mariano Guerrero, General Manager of Luggage Express Found.
"Universal Jet has increased its monthly revenues from $655,000 to $1,000,000, an increase of approximately 40%," said Michael McCauley, President of Universal Jet.
"Luggage Express remarkably has increased its monthly sales 100% but its profitability has increased 1582%. Yes, that's one thousand five hundred and eighty two percent," said Sabine Wehder, Director of Luggage Express Customer Service.
Pending our quarterly report, and as our subsidiaries grow and our fundamentals improve; Universal Express and its financial partners poise for 2007 to be a year for our shareholders to observe our growth and corporate maturation," concluded Richard A. Altomare, Chairman and CEO of Universal Express, Inc.
About Universal Express
Universal Express, Inc. is a 23 year old logistics and transportation conglomerate with multiple developing subsidiaries and services. For additional information please visit www.usxp.com
Safe Harbor Statement under the Private securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: The statements contained herein, which are not historical, are forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, certain delays beyond the Company's control with respect to market acceptance of new technologies, products and services, delays in testing and evaluation of products and services, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
SOURCE: Universal Express Inc.
Universal Express, Inc. Mark Falk, 561-367-6177 publicrelations*usxp.com Airlines Why Airlines Keep Losing Your Luggage The Wall Street Journal Online By Scott McCartney
And When They Do, the Size of the Payout Will Depend on the Carrier and Destination
When Delta Air Lines Inc. lost Andrew Shipman's Tumi leather rolling bag, he had no idea how costly it would be. Even though he had receipts for recently purchased clothing totaling $1,433, Delta still chopped $645 off his claim, citing "depreciation for prior use."
The hassle was eye-opening. "I was not aware of all the issues that you run into in these situations," says Mr. Shipman, a mutual-fund portfolio manager.
With air travel rebounding, and more fliers checking luggage because of security limits on liquids, airline baggage service is suffering. The lost-bag rate has increased every year since 2002. About one U.S. passenger in every 150 had a mishandled bag last year, up 11% from 2005. Financial woes have led to layoffs for thousands of baggage handlers and skimpy replacement of breakdown-prone equipment. Worst among major airlines last year: US Airways Group Inc., followed by Delta and AMR Corp.'s American Airlines.
When it happens, most people don't know what they're in for. You may think the airline will reimburse you for buying clothes for your big presentation the next day, but some offer only a bathroom-amenity kit for the first 24 hours you're without your luggage, then $25 a day for three or four days.
Among the more generous airlines, Northwest Airlines Corp. and Southwest Airlines Co. offer an amenity kit plus $50 on the first day of a lost bag. Continental Airlines Inc. offers up to $250 for emergency purchases if a bag is lost for more than a day; Northwest goes up to $150. At the other end, Frontier Airlines Holdings Inc. offers a kit for the first 24 hours then pays up to $25 a day for four days of temporary needs. US Airways and AirTran Holdings Inc. have a limit of $25 a day for three days.
Some carriers will pay only half the cost of replacement clothes. Some suggest renting clothes. (Some tuxedo-rental stores will rent business suits.) Alaska Airlines Inc. won't give cash to buy temporary items if your bag was lost due to weather.
"If people go out and replace a wardrobe without prior approval," says a spokesman for American, "that's going to create problems."
The federal cap on airline liability for lost baggage on domestic flights is $2,800 per passenger, not per bag. Beware: Airline ticket rules have lots of exceptions. Jewelry, cameras, business papers, cash, and other valuables aren't covered at all.
Liability for international trips is lower. Most trips overseas are governed by a treaty known as the "Montreal Convention," which caps airline liability at about $1,500 per passenger (the limit fluctuates with currency-conversion rates). But if you travel to or from nations that haven't fully ratified the 1999 Montreal Convention, including Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Bolivia, Honduras, Israel, Singapore and others, then the 1929 "Warsaw Convention" applies at some airlines and liability is capped at $9.07 per pound, or $453 for a 50-pound bag. (Tip: If the Warsaw Convention covers your trip, it pays to pack multiple small bags rather than one big one since liability is per bag.)
When you file a claim, receipts are typically required for items valued at more than $250. AirTran wants a receipt for anything worth more than $100. Then "depreciation" kicks in. Airlines reimburse the actual value of the item, not replacement or original cost.
Mr. Shipman's five-year-old Tumi leather bag? It now costs $645 new, but Delta decided it was worth no more than $250 because he didn't have a receipt for it. The value of clothes also was depreciated. In the end he got $1,613 out of the $2,258 claim he filed. Seeking more explanation, he called Delta and says he was told he couldn't talk to the person who processed his claim, only fax questions to her. (Delta says claims agents do talk to customers all the time.) Mr. Shipman faxed a letter, and the claims agent replied that Delta was sorry he wasn't happy but considered the case closed.
"I'm amazed that the airlines can get away with operating with such little regard for their customers, especially when fault ultimately lies with the airline," Mr. Shipman says.
There are ways to protect yourself. Never check items you have to have within 24 hours -- medicine, for example, or the suit for the presentation in the morning. And when you do have a problem, insist on temporary help -- some airlines won't offer unless asked.
Most important, if the bag ends up permanently lost, remember that you may have more insurance than you realize. Many homeowners' policies offer some coverage for household goods away from home. Your credit card may also offer some protection. When you buy airfare on many cards, some travel insurance is included for baggage that is permanently lost, stolen or damaged. If that's not enough, most travel-insurance policies you buy to protect against trip cancellations or disruptions carry baggage coverage.
Randy Miller and three family members flew British Airways recently from their Oregon home to catch a Mediterranean cruise, missing three bags upon arrival. Six days into the cruise, one bag arrived. Three days later, they got bag No. 2. Bag No. 3 showed up back home in Oregon three days after the cruise ended. A fourth piece of luggage, lost on their flight home, arrived 11 days later marked "RUSH!" "My real beef was BA's failure to make a real or sympathetic person available by phone," says Mr. Miller.
British Airways said it has struggled with baggage at London's Heathrow Airport, its main hub, because an airport-owned baggage system has grown increasingly prone to breakdowns. A New Year's weekend breakdown left 10,000 bags piled up at Heathrow. The airline said reuniting bags with cruise passengers is particularly difficult.
For many travelers, the biggest frustration is that airlines can't tell you where a mishandled bag actually is, and when it might be returned. Airlines say the bar-coded tags put on bags at check-in are used to sort luggage at your departing airport, and for identification purposes. Some carriers scan bags down the line to track bags; many don't. Often they don't have a record of where the bag went.
Some airlines have tried bar-code readers on baggage belts, but the readers miss a high percentage of tags. Hand-held scanners work better, but slow loading. The answer, airlines say, will be radio-frequency ID tags that transmit a code like a car toll-paying tag and allow bags to be identified as they pass a baggage-belt receiver. For now, carriers say the tags and receivers are too expensive for world-wide deployment, but will become more affordable.
-------------------- LIFE IS 10% HOW YOU MAKE IT AND 90% HOW YOU TAKE IT! Posts: 9276 | From: San Diego CA | Registered: Jul 2006
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LOOKS LIKE HE WILL HAVE A GREAT TRIP!LOL
