Programs: AA EXP, BA Exec Club, LANPASS, Hilton HHonors
Posts: 709
Quote:
Originally Posted by jfhscott
Just a quick question.
I'm plat and will likely get upgraded on an upcoming DCA-MIA-BZE. (MIA-BZE will be in "business", which is glorified domestic first)
I normally avoid checking baggage, but will likely bring a speargun, which TSA thinks I should check.
Given my status/class of service, any hope for expedited luggage handling?
PLT status on its own doesn't make any difference but you should get the tags on your bags by virtue of being in a premium cabin. As to whether the tags actually make any difference to how the luggage is handled is another matter entirely!
PLT status on its own doesn't make any difference but you should get the tags on your bags by virtue of being in a premium cabin. As to whether the tags actually make any difference to how the luggage is handled is another matter entirely!
It depends on the agent but it is unlikely, and if they do it is a favor. Only flagship routes are supposed to get "premium" flags for the bag tags. Central America and Caribean does not qualify. The funny thing is, when returning from said destinations they slap them on everything, and in the end it does nothing to effect the speed at which your bags are delivered.
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"Knowledge is good" - Emil Faber
Programs: AA EXP 1MM, Silver CO, BA Blue, Silver MR, Gold SPG
Posts: 2,871
even with the tags, it does not ensure speedier or god forbid better luggage handling.
In several markets, the tags actually scream "Valuable items inside. Steal me". So these tags really don't do you much good other than a quick ego boost at check-in, but only if combined with an arrogant, cocky, "My bag is better than your bag" look at the pax at the counter next to you.
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What did AA say when you called them BEFORE you posted?
a airline friend told me that premium tags are rumored to have "premium goods" from the "wealthy customers"... true or not, who knows, but it is a reason to NOT put them on... who wants something stolen. This is strictly anecdotal of course. I have no knowledge of actual targeting of these bags.
Programs: AA EXP 1MM, Silver CO, BA Blue, Silver MR, Gold SPG
Posts: 2,871
Quote:
Originally Posted by sambb
a airline friend told me that premium tags are rumored to have "premium goods" from the "wealthy customers"... true or not, who knows, but it is a reason to NOT put them on... who wants something stolen. This is strictly anecdotal of course. I have no knowledge of actual targeting of these bags.
It is a well known problem in SJU, but AA ignores it and the local staff is aloof to the issue
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What did AA say when you called them BEFORE you posted?
I have paid attention quite a bit on the USA-Europe-USA trips I do, and the premium tagged bags come off mixed in with the regular bags.
I have never seen that it makes a difference at all to have the tag.
When I went to London from LAX we rushed through customs(fasttrack) and are bags were off the conveyer belt in a "Premium Bag area" while others were still coming off so it helped there
Ok I got my EXP tags last week which I will start using with my first 2009 flight next week. Basically to show off as an EXP snob (to be truthful) not because I expect the bag to come out any sooner (for extended travel when I need to check a bag).
At times it certainly appears that my bags have been gone through at JFK with no notice from TSA. I somewhat assume this means baggage handlers looking for goodies. But the only thing in my checked bags are clothes and toiletries. I doubt that my 28 inch waist underwear would fit most of the baggage handlers or TSA agents (although I have had my underwear stolen at the gym, but that is another story) and if one of them really feels the need to rip off my skin cream or deodrant, etc., that is easily and cheaply replaced.
I once had a flight where the only bags that missed the flight were "Preferred" bags, as apparently some boxes that were shipped seemed to have kicked them off, as they had some kind of "urgent" tag on them. Of course, the boxes weren't picked up until AFTER the next flight, when our bags arrived. It seems odd that they chose to delay the Premium passenger bags for this
while others were still coming off so it helped there
