Strollers damaged by SW?

[loveysbydesign]

We're flying for the 1st time and it will be on SW. We're taking our new stroller along and I was wondering if I should buy a stroller bag for it or not? It's an umbrella stroller by Baby Thyme and I got a great deal on it, it was only $55 instead of $100 but I'm afraid of it getting damaged. Those of you with experience flying on SW and taking strollers along I would appreciate your opinions on this matter...thanks!

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I would never check a stroller or carseat without giving it some type of protection. If you can get a bag which fits your stroller, grab it. I have seen these items on the luggage carousel with damage which was obviously done by the airlines.

If it is damaged by the airlines, such as a small tear, scrape, scuff, etc. they will do nothing for you. The same goes for luggage by the way. You might be interested in this thread:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1049860

 

[zurgswife]

From what I have read stroller damage is hard to collect on.

we gate checked our stroller for 7 yrs and never had any issues at all. We were fortunate I guess.

Some suggestion I heard was remove any cup or storage areas. Besides just clasping it shut put a bunge cord on to make sure it stays that way. Most damage occurs when it is hit up against something else and the clasp comes undone.

From my personal expereince I would always gate check.

 

[OzFan]

I bought a BRAND NEW stroller for our trip, loved the stroller! Threw out the reciept, since I LOVED the stroller. Well, SW destroyed it! Don't know how, all I know is when I checked it at the gate it was in PERFECT condition, when I got it in Orlando it wouldn't open and stay open. The latch was busted, the tray was scratched, and had a piece missing. I think the wheelcahir that was gate checked must have been tossed on top of it. All I got was "oh so sorry", fill out a claim and we'll get back to you. I was out my $65.00 and and to rent a stroller for our entire trip. Nothing ever came out of it. Never did get my money or a new stroller back. The last couple of times we have gone I bought a cheap umbrella stroller with a canopy and a basket. At least I'm out only 25 bucks if this one has a mysterious accident.

 

[seashoreCM]

I All I got was "oh so sorry", fill out a claim and we'll get back to you. I was out my $65.00 and and to rent a stroller for our entire trip. Nothing ever came out of it. Never did get my money or a new stroller back. .

Did you write a "letter to the president"?

Would you accept airline vouchers? If so specifically ask in your letter.

Oh yes, there is small claims court.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Did you write a "letter to the president"? Would you accept airline vouchers? If so specifically ask in your letter.

Oh yes, there is small claims court.

You probably would not win a small claims court judgement for any baggage damage that an airline wouldn't cover when you first reported the damage. And they usually won't do a thing for you unless there is major damage, such as a crushed item.

If you check SWA's Contract of Carriage (available on their website), they will not be responsible for:

Carrier assumes no responsibility and will not be liable for loss of or damage to protuding parts of luggage and other articles of checked baggage, including, but not limited to wheels, feet, pockets, hanger hooks, pull handles, straps, zippers, locks, and security straps. Furthermore, Carrier assumes no liability for defects in baggage manufacture or for minor damage arising from normal wear and tear, such as cuts, scratches, scuffs, stains, dents, puncture marks, and dirt.

So an airline can tear your bag, break off the wheels, bend the handle, break the zipper, etc. rendering you bag useless and you won't have a claim. Sucks, but true.

 

[Niagara2]

We do a lot of flying and much of it with SW. Why, this last trip they destroyed three pieces of luggage is beyond me. We never have had any problems in past, just minor scuffs and scrapes and dirt. Stuff you expect is been OK, I never complain. Two weeks ago, on a direct flight......Bag one - One wheel broken off, they even sent it down a few bags later on the conveyor belt! Bag 2, Torn with a 9 inch tear on bottom of bag, torn right through to the clothes, Bag number three - Wheel AND handle torn off.
I went into service office and of course got the no fault of ours line and we are not liable. I asked for station mana gers name. She then tried to blame other stops, when I told her nonstop, she said well, it is a problem alot so write to customer service contact found on ticket sleeve.
Now, We left Tampa and used curbside check-in. ( Yes - we did tip well) and 2 hours later at home I had this mess, three out of four suitcases ruined, and SW doing nothing. I have heard nothing from them to date, nor do I expect to. Why after dozens and dozens of flights did this happen, I just do not know. I have always had exceptional customer service from SW and after this, feel a bit less content with them. Is this something new? Never heard many problems before with this issue.
I have just returned from Target with some new luggage for our next get a way. I rather of spent that money on vacation or the tickets. Not fair!!

 

[kaytieeldr]

Well, based on Southwest's Contract of Carriage section posted by lost*in*cyberspace, Southwest should at LEAST be considered responsible for that nine-inch tear - since it doesn't involve any protruding parts and sure as heck seems not to be related to defective manufacturing!

 

[OzFan]

Did you write a "letter to the president"?

Would you accept airline vouchers? If so specifically ask in your letter.

Oh yes, there is small claims court.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

Sometimes it's just not worth the aggravation or the time! I just chalked it up to next time buying a cheap stroller, and not worrying about it. Oh yeah, I forgot the next year they lost our cheapie stroller on our return trip. They did find it 2 days later, and brought it to our door. It decided to stay in Orlando for a few extra days, it must have jumped off the plane at the gate.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Well, based on Southwest's Contract of Carriage section posted by lost*in*cyberspace, Southwest should at LEAST be considered responsible for that nine-inch tear - since it doesn't involve any protruding parts and sure as heck seems not to be related to defective manufacturing!

The way most airlines write these things, they absolve themselves of responsibility for just about all damage. This would probably cover the 9" tear:

Carrier assumes no liability for defects in baggage manufacture or for minor damage arising from normal wear and tear, such as cuts,

My advice would be not to bring your best stroller when you travel and put it in some type of protective cover.