It seems a musician named Dave Carroll has recently experienced some difficulty with United Airlines. He has spent over 9 months trying to get United to pay for damages caused by baggage handlers to his custom Taylor guitar. During his final exchange with the United Customer Relations Manager, he stated that he was left with no choice other than to create a music video for YouTube exposing their lack of cooperation. The Manager responded: "Good luck with that one, pal." So Dave posted a retaliatory video on YouTube . . . so far it has received over 6 million hits. United Airlines contacted Dave and attempted settlement in exchange for pulling the video. Dave’s response was: "Good luck with that one, pal." And . . . Taylor Guitars have supplied Dave with 2 new custom guitars in appreciation for the product recognition from the video that has led to a sharp increase in orders. Here is the video . . .
as an ex airport bagage handler a bit of advice.....make sure your travel insurance covers the contents of your baggage. some insurance is worded so that only the actual bags are insured not the contents. also a guitar may have to have seperate insurance as it imay be considered ""oddsize" like sportsware.
Since the incident, Carroll has been in great demand as a speaker on customer service. Ironically, on one of his trips as a speaker, United Airlines lost his luggage.
Why check an expensive and valuable item when its allowed on as hand luggage and you can keep it nearby and safe?
They're a band, they're not going to let you bring all the gear required for a gig on board a plane, not unless you hire the entire plane. Even if you have a single guitar, most airlines won't let you carry it on unless you're in Business/First.
United Airlines do because I've done it. Granted that was about 5 years ago and they may have changed their policy by now.
