"Free" baggage check with Southwest

leebee

DIS Legend
Joined
Sep 14, 1999
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:lmao:

I just took DD from MHT to BWI for a 2 week dance intensive at Goucher College, flying Southwest nonstop from Manchester to Baltimore. Three suitcases, all softsided, none weighing more than 40lbs. Southwest destroyed the wheels on all three! The rolling duffle arrived at BWI with the inner, hard liner in a million pieces and the wheels bow out and don't really roll anymore. The matching large suitcase only had part of the lining broken, but one wheel is totally splayed out sideways. These two weren't incredibly expensive, but they were American Tourister and fairly new; the rolling duffle had never been use before! The third suitcase has one wheel half broken, so it's half wheel, half metal axle; the other wheel in just metal axle. Southwest says it's not their responsibility. DD has no functional luggage (we can't carry these suitcases) and in two weeks needs to get to NYC.

I need to buy new luggage, which ISN"T in the budget... and especially don't want new suitcases for the baggage handlers to destroy again!!! Any suggestions on moderately priced luggage with tough, well-built frames and wheels?
 
Sorry that your luggage got messed up. :( The only time we've had that happen, it was on US Air. It's infuriating! Will they pay for replacement?

When it happened to us, we found really nice luggage at Overstock.

I hope your DD enjoys her stay at Goucher. It's a beautiful campus. (I drive by it every day on the way to and from work)
 
Do you have a Tuesday Morning store in your area?

I bought a rolling Samsonite there for about $95. Not the cheapest luggage ever, but I saw the same style and size in the $300 range at a department store and in the $200 range at the outlet mall. I've had it for over 2 years and it's holding up well so far, even on plane trips as checked luggage.

Tuesday Morning didn't have just Samsonite, but several different styles and sizes of luggage in a range of prices. It will be my first stop the next time I am shopping for luggage.
 

That's terrible! We've traveled more times than I can count with SW and have never had a problem. I wonder if they got caught in a scanning machine???? I would also invest in good luggage that carries a warranty against breakage. Was the luggage new? Do your credit cards carry any type of protection on them?
 
SW broke the wheels (one wheel from each suitcase) off of my Disney luggage last time I flew from MCO to BOI. Fortunately the luggage was old and had only cost me $39 to begin with.

I have had both Delta and United also damage luggage in the past as well. At least SW didn't charge me for the pleasure of destroying my luggage ;)
 
/
It happens on every airline eventually. Most damage to wheels is normally considered ordinary wear and tear, but in any case, any time you want to file a damage claim, you need to do it before you leave the airport. (The OP I'm sure knows that, but for anyone else who's watching.)

Now then, the fix. See if any of the shoe repair shops in your area repair luggage. My guy will replace a full set of wheels for $20. Interestingly, he also has a selection of bags for sale in his shop that people have not shown up to claim; he will usually sell them for the price of the repair; normally $15-20.

Also, is there anyone among your circle of family or friends who would be willing to loan or sell you some of their older stuff, since you have an immediate need on your hands?

If you must buy new, try TJMaxx or Marshalls, but bring a measuring tape and go borrow a scale from the back of the store. Many of the bags that turn up here are either a tad too large or rather heavy even when empty. (Heavy isn't really worth replacing a bag for, but it's a definite consideration when buying a new one. Size is a deal-killer; anything over 62" total doesn't fly without a huge surcharge -- and some airlines have a slightly smaller limit. Measure it yourself; don't trust the dimensions printed on the label.)

PS: Since 3 bags belonging to one person were all damaged, my money is on a machinery malfunction, probably one that resulted in the bags dropping from a height, as that is the easiest way to fracture a wheel housing.
 
I'm so sorry for your experience. I think "Not Ursula"'s advice is spot on.
One extra thing I would add is that I only buy "cheap" luggage these days for the exact reason you posted. It just doesn't "pay" anymore....
 
I've found that the cheaper luggage just doesn't hold up. A few years ago the retracting handle was missing off of my suitcase when I retrieved it from baggage pick-up. I went right into the southwest office where they take care of missing luggage problems and showed them my suitcase. The man went in the back room and brought out a brand new suitcase the same size as mine and asked if I was okay with a hunter green suitcase. I gladly took the suitcase and was on my merry way. I didn't even have to fill out one form.

I'm surprised that they told you it wasn't their responsibility if all 4 suitcases were damaged. Maybe they thought you were trying to get a free set of luggage? :rotfl2: I'd call their offices and see what can be done.
 
We bought a not expensive set at Jc Penney a few years ago and it has been to MCO 5 times and back. It was under a hundred dollars for the set.
 
I'm a big fan of the eBags brand Mother Lode Jr semi-hard duffels. We have 2 of them, and they've both been through baggage handling around 25 times. Other than a slight scratch on a piece of hard plastic, they still look brand new. Right now, eBags.com is running a 20% off sale, plus free shipping, so they're $119.99 each.

Some might think that's a little high to pay for one bag, but they really are excellent quality. Plus they have a lifetime guarantee, but I don't see myself ever having to use it. We went through numerous suitcases before we finally purchased these. I even had an expensive Delsey that was destroyed the first time I used it. :confused3

Here's the model we have: http://www.ebags.com/product/ebags/mother-lode-etech-junior-25-wheeled-duffel/54633?productid=622581

They also sell a larger version, but I think it would be hard to stay within the 50 lb max limit with one of those. Fully packed, my Jr version usually weighs in at about 45 lbs.
 
My american tourister luggage is now 11 years old. I bought it for my first flight in 2000, and it's endured quite a bit. So far 5 flights on Southwest, most my other flights, I only carried my carry on.

The inside support bar is bowed in the middle (inward) which makes packing difficult sometimes. The casing over the wheels are broken off. The bottom is bowed out and drags on the ground when pulling it. The large suitcase has a large tear (about 4") along the seam on the outside pocket.

I'm to the point I hate them, but their still functional enough to continue to be used.
 
You did not report this to SWA? They would pay for the damage.

Here is the info from their website

Liability:
Southwest Airlines' liability for lost, damaged, or delayed baggage is limited to $3,300.00 per fare-paying Customer.


Claims:
Damaged or lost baggage must be reported, in person, within four hours of Customer's arrival at destination.
 
I did report this to SW, as soon as I retrieved the bags. They showed me the fine print that says they are not responsible for what is considered "everyday wear and tear," including damage to wheels. Apparently it's your choice to check your bags so you assume some damage may incur.

As a PP said, at least I didn't have to pay for the honor of having the wheels damaged! It's craziness! I think I will order suitcases and have them delivered to DD if there is time... otherwise, perhaps I'll have to go to the mall in MD; there is a HUGE one right next to Goucher. Hey debbi801, wave as you drive by Goucher and say, "Hi Beeswax!" for me! This is harder than I thought it'd be, leaving my 17 year old at college. What WILL I do next fall???
 
We had an American Tourister set too... We still have a few pieces but the largest piece had the same thing happen. The entire inner support shattered between Hawaii and Orlando two years ago. The handle fell off of another one too... so... I will be buying better quality next time around. I bought an inexpensive Samsonite at TJMaxx in March. (DH had the other suitcase from our AT set and I was going out of town with DS and needed something easy to maneuver and big enough for stuff for both of us)
 
i'd be on the phone with southwest costomer service and tell them that 4 BAGS being damaged and not being replaced is simply unacceptable!
 
I would also say go to LL Bean or a site like e Bags?

The llbean rolling duffle bags are the best! We each have one in our family they hold a ton and they have been on several flights and still look brand new. They are super tough and I have watched them load them on the plane and they are not nice to our luggage (it is easy to be seen because of the vibrant color choices they have at llbean). Everytime they come off the plane the same as we gave it to them. Love that luggage:)
 
If you are now in the market for new luggage, I'd go with the in-line recessed roller-blade type wheels wheels. Certainly, being able to turn the bag in any direction with the 360degree wheels is fun and easy, but they're just going to end up getting caught on something and ripped off IMO.

Just something to think about. I don't know what kind OP had, but I've seen a LOT of people with the cool 360 wheels at check-in that don't have them at landing.
 





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