Guy:

1) Information about the dumping of bags and cargo was found out from numerous sources...from BA ground at JFK to Thai airways and two other sources who shall remain nameless for obvious reasons. They are still trying to figure out why my bags were left at JFK? Apparently they were only supposed to leave coach baggage. Factoring in the weight restriction information to this, it is clear that what I was being told by many is correct. though I am sure all will deny....ahh business. You are indeed correct that I am stuck dealing with ground agent Thai airways who has no direct access to Cathays systems.

2) Agreed, airlines lose bags all the time. The I'm a VIP is not a tact I would take with the airline, just a comment as I am surprised. Cathay is Very specific with their tiers and their baggage handling....more so than any other airline I have been on. I am surpised there was not more care taken as this is unlike them with their high dollar passengers.

3) The final piece of my switching to * Alliance is once again a comment as I have asked people for input....nowhere did I say I was putting this in a letter to Cathay...If other travelers have information about the switch, I would be interested....Cathay should know my status and what is at stake, I wont need to drive this home by making any type of threats. These days airlines just don't care. I would switch for my own convenience.

Most of all I am amazed at Cathay.....an Airline that has it so together in the air can have things fall apart so fast on the ground. Yes it happens.....but it shouldn't.

FYI: This non stop from NY # 831....First time I took it we had solar/polar radiation and couldn't take the polar route....we arrived 7 hours late after refueling in Korea....Second time we landed in Canada with Engine trouble.....This time I arrived without my luggage. Travelers beware! Sometimes the big ol 747 with a stop en route aint so bad....

Thanks for your input Guy!