UA refuses to fly "Dead weight"?!
Aug 16, 2010 | 6:54 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: AA Gold/Million Miler,DL dirt,UA1K/Million Miler;Honors Silver,Marriott Gold;Avis Preferred,Hertz Prez Circle, Nat'l Exec Elite
Posts: 1,429
UA refuses to fly "Dead weight"?!
http://denver.craigslist.org/clt/1899091464.html wondering why UA won't fly it not that I'm wanting it.
Aug 16, 2010 | 7:31 am
#2
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Nashua, NH USA
Programs: Seashore Trolley Museum "flight attendant"
Posts: 2,015
I didn't check the contract of carriage for "animal remains" although if you "cleaned it" then it would be no different from chicken or spare ribs from the supermarket.
Or do you have to lose the head (which detracts from the value) because the airline doesn't accept "whole" chickens like you get in Chinatown?
Or do you have to lose the head (which detracts from the value) because the airline doesn't accept "whole" chickens like you get in Chinatown?
Aug 16, 2010 | 8:21 am
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Earth. Residency:HKG formerly:YYZ
Programs: CX, DL, Nexus/GE, APEC
Posts: 11,079
You need to pack it properly in the proper container, then pay oversize bags rate or air-freight which the bear's owner is not willing to pay.
I know from very close firsthand experience that flying a body TPAC for burial is over $10,000 when all the cost are factored in. The bear is at least twice as heavy.
I know from very close firsthand experience that flying a body TPAC for burial is over $10,000 when all the cost are factored in. The bear is at least twice as heavy.
Aug 16, 2010 | 10:36 am
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 38,543
United found it unbearable! 
Aug 16, 2010 | 11:05 am
#5
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: MCI
Programs: AA Gold 1MM, AS MVP, UA Silver, WN A-List, Marriott LT Titanium, HH Diamond
Posts: 53,012
You need to pack it properly in the proper container, then pay oversize bags rate or air-freight which the bear's owner is not willing to pay.
I know from very close firsthand experience that flying a body TPAC for burial is over $10,000 when all the cost are factored in. The bear is at least twice as heavy.
I know from very close firsthand experience that flying a body TPAC for burial is over $10,000 when all the cost are factored in. The bear is at least twice as heavy.
Aug 16, 2010 | 1:06 pm
#6
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SEA
Programs: AS-GoldMVP,Hilton, Hyatt, Hertz
Posts: 915
Ahh, sounds like this guy is trying to sell the skin.
It does have to be properly packed in order to ship. Many years ago, when bringing the same back from Alaska, it had to go to a taxidermist FIRST where they cured and finished the skin and then they packed and shipped. It was several months before it actually arrived, but that is what you have to do.
This guy probably needed to do the same and didn't and is now stuck with a skin.
It does have to be properly packed in order to ship. Many years ago, when bringing the same back from Alaska, it had to go to a taxidermist FIRST where they cured and finished the skin and then they packed and shipped. It was several months before it actually arrived, but that is what you have to do.
This guy probably needed to do the same and didn't and is now stuck with a skin.
Aug 16, 2010 | 1:42 pm
#7
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: gggrrrovvveee (ORD)
Programs: UA Pt, Marriott Ti, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 6,095
"ultra-realistic teddy bear" lolz..
(cue someone posting a link to a real bearskin teddy bear in 3... 2... 1...)
(cue someone posting a link to a real bearskin teddy bear in 3... 2... 1...)
Aug 16, 2010 | 2:14 pm
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Newport Beach, California, USA
Posts: 36,062
Aug 16, 2010 | 2:32 pm
#9
In Memoriam
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: dallas texas usa
Programs: aa plt 4.9MM LTAC
Posts: 14,828
the guy is really getting pelted!
Aug 16, 2010 | 2:38 pm
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Newport Beach, California, USA
Posts: 36,062
Since UA is a common-carrier, he should, at least, have the ability to bring all but the torso on-board. After all, the Second Amendment secures the right to bear arms.
Aug 16, 2010 | 2:45 pm
#11
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: SFO/SJC/SQL
Posts: 1,412
He should have shipped the bear as a "Jim Wilson"
Aug 16, 2010 | 3:29 pm
#12
Senior Moderator
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: San Francisco, CA
Programs: UA Plat/2MM [23-yr. 1K, now emeritus] clawing way back to WN-A List; MR LT Titanium; HY Whateverist.
Posts: 12,458
Now is a good time for this thread to hibernate. Ocn Vw 1K, Moderator.