AA ships skis via FedEx instead of with passengers
Mar 20, 2024, 7:38 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2021
Posts: 8
AA ships skis via FedEx instead of with passengers
I flew AA from Aspen-DFW-LGA and paid for skis in advance. At ASE the airline said they were FedExing all skis via to make weight. I was told 2 days and not given a Fedex reciept. When I got worrid about this in DFW no one at AA would or could assist me despite repeated phone calls, tweets and requests to gate agent. I can't find anything about Fedex in the Contract of Carriage. AA completely dismissed my concerns and refused to help me when I told them I would not be home and having Fedex leave a package on my steps on the street in a major city is an invitation for theft. I have flown United with skis for 20 years and never had an issue. First time flying AA with skis and last.
Mar 20, 2024, 7:57 pm
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,483
Did they ship them directly to your house or just to LGA where the AA baggage service would perform the final delivery?
Also while I understand your frustration, it's not surprising at all that just 2 hours into your trip no one knew anything or was able to provide you any information yet. Reservations, X, or gate agents in Dallas aren't going to have a clue what kind of luggage issues were going on in Aspen earlier in the day so it's a waste of time to even bother.
Did your skis ultimately get delivered or did this happen today?
Also while I understand your frustration, it's not surprising at all that just 2 hours into your trip no one knew anything or was able to provide you any information yet. Reservations, X, or gate agents in Dallas aren't going to have a clue what kind of luggage issues were going on in Aspen earlier in the day so it's a waste of time to even bother.
Did your skis ultimately get delivered or did this happen today?
Mar 20, 2024, 8:19 pm
#4
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: AA, UA, Marriott
Posts: 1,114
Wow. Well, I guess at least they were transparent?
Personally I would demand a baggage claim check (as ordinary checked luggage) and file a missing baggage report upon arrival, just to force the paper trail. Then, if the skis dont get to me for whatever reason, like package theft, I can go back to AA (or credit card insurance) as they could not ensure my luggage got to me
Personally I would demand a baggage claim check (as ordinary checked luggage) and file a missing baggage report upon arrival, just to force the paper trail. Then, if the skis dont get to me for whatever reason, like package theft, I can go back to AA (or credit card insurance) as they could not ensure my luggage got to me
Mar 20, 2024, 8:58 pm
#5
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 42,041
Going out on a limb, I'm guessing the OP isn't doing much skiing in NYC. If so, FedEx to his destination seems like a pretty sweet deal to me. Also, with or without a receipt, it's usually possible to track shipments.
Mar 21, 2024, 7:23 am
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2010
Programs: AA
Posts: 14,741
If this happened yesterday, you still have time to sign up for FedEx delivery manager, which would notify you of any shipments to your address and allow you to track them. You don't need a receipt or a tracking number. Then if you won't be home, you can manage what happens to the delivery. For example, I have a delivery I am expecting today that I rerouted to pickup at a FedEx location near my home, instead of having them leave it on my doorstep.
Mar 21, 2024, 8:37 am
#8
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 42,041
Mar 21, 2024, 8:47 am
#9
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Chicago
Programs: AA Plt, FB Silver
Posts: 848
Mar 21, 2024, 8:53 am
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,483
That's why I asked above exactly where the bags were shipped to, LGA or the OP's residence.
I could be wrong, but I can't imagine the 2 or 3 check-in agents at ASE manually verifying addresses and printing individual FedEx labels on the spot for any pax with skis, which at ASE is a lot. That would take forever and cause all sorts of check-in delays.
Mar 21, 2024, 8:55 am
#11
Join Date: Oct 2019
Posts: 253
I flew AA from Aspen-DFW-LGA and paid for skis in advance. At ASE the airline said they were FedExing all skis via to make weight. I was told 2 days and not given a Fedex reciept. When I got worrid about this in DFW no one at AA would or could assist me despite repeated phone calls, tweets and requests to gate agent. I can't find anything about Fedex in the Contract of Carriage. AA completely dismissed my concerns and refused to help me when I told them I would not be home and having Fedex leave a package on my steps on the street in a major city is an invitation for theft. I have flown United with skis for 20 years and never had an issue. First time flying AA with skis and last.
Mar 21, 2024, 9:00 am
#13
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: AA Executive Platinum/Million Miler, Marriott Titanium Elite-Lifetime, Hilton Gold
Posts: 3,212
Assuming the skis were packed according to AA's guidelines, then I believe AA's standard liability coverage would apply here. See https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...and-sports.jsp.
Last edited by USFlyerUS; Mar 21, 2024 at 9:49 am
Mar 21, 2024, 9:05 am
#14
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 42,041
Mar 21, 2024, 9:50 am
#15
Join Date: Jun 2002
Posts: 552
I think the overall point remains valid. By issuing baggage tags, AA has accepted responsibility under the contract of carriage, including the provisions on baggage liability. So if there is damage or delay, one would likely need to work directly with AA on addressing the issue even if fedex caused the damage.