Clothes sopping wet. - who pays for laundry Qantas or travel insurance?

[Flying mermaid]

Had one of those trips where everything goes wrong. .... QF 63 to Joburg delayed due to storm in Sydney and masses of water in hold. An hour late in and then no gate so had to get buses. However did manage to make our connection by skin of our teeth. Ramp off highway we needed to take to get to accommodation closed, but finally get to B&B. Huge sigh of relief - think - quick shower and then bed - open Mr FM's case - everything is sopping wet. I think the only thing damaged due to his hat bleeding colour is of course the one he needs for the funeral....So - we can get everything washed tomorrow at the B&B, but who gets a bill for the laundry - Qantas or my travel insurance or is it even claimable?

 

[RooFlyer]

As long as you have taken photos when you opened the case, and can get some supporting evidence of the storm at the time of loading, I would think there is a chance that Qantas might pay - but only a chance.

 

[james4321]

Had one of those trips where everything goes wrong. .... QF 63 to Joburg delayed due to storm in Sydney and masses of water in hold. An hour late in and then no gate so had to get buses. However did manage to make our connection by skin of our teeth. Ramp off highway we needed to take to get to accommodation closed, but finally get to B&B. Huge sigh of relief - think - quick shower and then bed - open Mr FM's case - everything is sopping wet. I think the only thing damaged due to his hat bleeding colour is of course the one he needs for the funeral....So - we can get everything washed tomorrow at the B&B, but who gets a bill for the laundry - Qantas or my travel insurance or is it even claimable?

This actually happens a lot. Best idea I have used is to always get me luggage wrapped, not only keeps everything dry but gives security and peace of mind as well. Cheap and very effective solution.

 

[RooFlyer]

This actually happens a lot. Best idea I have used is to always get me luggage wrapped, not only keeps everything dry but gives security and peace of mind as well. Cheap and very effective solution.

But a PITA to do. For security, maybe, but shouldn't be necessary to keep the suitcase contents dry.

 

[mannej]

You may be able to search through previous threads, but I think you may have more luck with TI as I don't think QF will cover something such as this.

 

[moa999]

I don't think any airport in the world has any weather protection when bags are being loaded.
Particularly for hand loaded bags- they are getting wet if it rains.

Would have thought that on the 747 the container should have provided some protection - but seemingly not.

Other difficulty is not reporting it at time of arrival at airport (eg. like you need to for a damaged bag)

Assume a soft case?

 

[get me outta here]

Note to self, remember to wrap packing cubes tightly in plastic bags. Pack masking tape to effect.

 

[Flying mermaid]

I don't think any airport in the world has any weather protection when bags are being loaded.
Particularly for hand loaded bags- they are getting wet if it rains.

Would have thought that on the 747 the container should have provided some protection - but seemingly not.

Other difficulty is not reporting it at time of arrival at airport (eg. like you need to for a damaged bag)

Assume a soft case?

No a hard case which is bizarre - however we were on ground for an hour waiting for a wet vac to come and get rid of water from hold so it was safe to fly, so maybe case was actually sitting in a pool of water? Will take photos but I am not sure what it all shows ... I think given the state of the case it was not just a bit of rain while being loaded, but actually sitting in water.

 

[Flying mermaid]

This actually happens a lot. Best idea I have used is to always get me luggage wrapped, not only keeps everything dry but gives security and peace of mind as well. Cheap and very effective solution.

I will keep in mind, although I have never noticed a luggage wrap facility in Canberra - will have to investigate. I would have thought a hard shell would give the same water protection in normal cases?

 

[Flying mermaid]

Did a bit of a search and as usual Qantas is consistently inconsistent, with Qantas refusing to pay in one case and offering to pay dry cleaning costs in another. My case was entirely dry so I am glad the gods picked on Mr FM ....

 

[Flying mermaid]

Just had an email from Qantas - Red Roo noticed this thread and has already intervened - thank-you! Qantas will pick up laundry costs in this case, but it is not a normal thing as a reference point for others.

 

[james4321]

I will keep in mind, although I have never noticed a luggage wrap facility in Canberra - will have to investigate. I would have thought a hard shell would give the same water protection in normal cases?

Only MEL and BNE As far as I know.

 

[james4321]

But a PITA to do. For security, maybe, but shouldn't be necessary to keep the suitcase contents dry.

But as per this case it obviously is (at least sometimes) necessary... And the wrap company always place a cutter on the wrap which makes it simple to remove. Small cost to avoid the risk IMO

 

[Flying mermaid]

Only MEL and BNE As far as I know.

So no good for the future given we always fly out of Canberra.....first time it has happened to me in 45 years of flying, so not bad odds. We won't be claiming any money from Qantas - the B&B were very helpful and hung up the wet stuff on the line. There were some things that needed proper laundering, but the end cost is less than $25 so we will just pay that. I did appreciate the very prompt offer though.

 

[love_the_life]

Glad to hear that RR has intervened to assist you FM. The wet case and contents is just what you didn't want to happen. It's of course Murphy's Law. Hope the rest of the trip and the funeral go smoothly. Thinking of you.

 

[Flying mermaid]

Glad to hear that RR has intervened to assist you FM. The wet case and contents is just what you didn't want to happen. It's of course Murphy's Law. Hope the rest of the trip and the funeral go smoothly. Thinking of you.

Thank-you - it was a peaceful ceremony today and then back to the retirement village for a get together. The people attending were family as well as friends from the retirement village where she really enjoyed her final years. Pretty much the same people who attended her 90th. We are going up to Vic Falls for a bit of R&R before going home - I feel we had all our bad luck on the way over, so I am sure the rest is going to be fine

 

[love_the_life]

Glad to hear that the funeral was good (not that one is good but that things went well). My mother is coming up to 93 and still in her own home and her passing will be something we will need to deal with at some stage. Luckily she is only an day's drive as she lives in Gippsland.

I do hope that your bad luck is behind you now - fingers crossed. Enjoy the trip. We are going to Vic Falls in August for a couple of days before we catch the train back to Pretoria then go on to Sabi Sands. I have a feeling though that my photos will not be anywhere near as good as the ones you posted. They were mind boggling!

 

[Flying mermaid]

Happy to hear your mother is well and independent still. My Mum was lucky enough to be able to stay in her own apartment to the end. It is hard isn't it - we all have to go, but the actuality is hard to cope with.

I might do a mini trip report for the Vic Falls

 

[love_the_life]

.....

I might do a mini trip report for the Vic Falls

Yes, please!

 

[amaroo]

Commiserations FM