Unbelievable Experience of Purser Reuniting us With Bag of Gifts Left Onboard.
Jan 21, 2020, 5:58 am
#16
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: DEN
Programs: Free checked in bag on UA & DL. Free icecream at Marriott checkin.
Posts: 2,862
I'm not sure I see the big deal here with taking the bag through customs. Thinking back to my UA F/A days, I would have taken the bag to customs and explained that a passenger on my flight left it on board and I was going to take it to their connecting flight. If the customs agents say I can't do that, fine, I did what I could and it can be treated as a lost bag; if they want to inspect the bag, fine. (I probably would have peaked in it first to make sure there were no obvious no-nos in there like food or drugs, lol.) I don't see how that would have violated any CBP or airline policy, but am happy to be corrected.
I have no beef in what the agent did here. All I am pointing out is what she did is probably not legal.
Jan 21, 2020, 6:15 am
#17
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2000
Location: TPA for now. Hopefully LIS for retirement
Posts: 13,691
How would I have been asking for forgiveness in my scenario (which implies I did something wrong, either knowingly or not, and got caught after the fact), and for what? I would have been asking for permission - disclosing everything to the CBP BEFORE attempting to take the bag through.
Jan 21, 2020, 6:45 am
#18
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: PHL
Programs: UA 1K 1MM, Marriott Gold, IHG Platinum, Raddison Platinum, Avis Presidents Club
Posts: 5,271
When I get bored, I watch the United videos on the IFE. They have a series called "connections matter" I think where they showcase employees who went above and beyond for their customers. Although I've never experienced anything like that, it's nice to see that they exist somewhere.
As for customs, you declare what you bring when you go thru.
Staff brings stuff thru all the time, otherwise it would be a real hassle every time your bag was delayed overseas.
They are still free to inspect your bag.
As for customs, you declare what you bring when you go thru.
Staff brings stuff thru all the time, otherwise it would be a real hassle every time your bag was delayed overseas.
They are still free to inspect your bag.
Jan 21, 2020, 9:28 am
#19
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Boston
Programs: United 1k, Delta Platinum, American Gold, Marriott Titanium and lifetime Platinum
Posts: 53
For the record, the FA handed me her card along with my merchandise. That's how I knew her name. Don't think she was too concerned about the legality of helping someone out. This is one of those "would u save a life, even if you might get sued later?" type of scenario's. I am optimistic most people would take the risk.