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The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » You Oughta Be In Pictures » » United Airlines lost my luggage before my show!!!! (3 Likes) Printer Friendly Version

Nash
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Hong Kong ~ USA
1105 Posts

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As a traveling performer, the day when your airline lost your luggage is bound to happen!
This is why I always keep as much props as I can in the carry-on bag. But alas, I still got materials that are involved with 40% of my show AND all my clothing gone!!
Here's a 3 mins vlog on what I did: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0rp5vVhk8M

What I learned?

1.) Stay calm and carry on: Stress is the number one killer, no show is worth cutting short your lifespan for
2.) Make an actual list: No matter how rushed you are, make an actual list. I had to go back to a store because I forgot to pick up an item the first time around
3.) GET GOING, IMMEDIATELY: It is easy to get stuck trying to argue with the airline, but once you find out the luggage will not physically get to you before the show. Forget it, GO shopping NOW!
4.) Keep all receipts: If you are tiered with an airline, you probably will get full reimbursement. But if not, most airlines will not reimburse you for the $$ you spent on rebuilding your props. Keep the receipts so if the next day you have a chance to return most of the items you bought and don't need, do it!!

I spent $194.74 for the props and sent those receipts to UA. UA sent me a check for $72.86 cash + $100 travel voucher (so I have to fly them again, great...).
I teach leaders the magic of curiosity and empathetic communication. keynote Speaker | Seattle magician
padre rich
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637 Posts

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NEVER CHECK ANYTHING...why take a chance?...remember the old story about the guy who hijacked an airplane and demanded to be taken to the same place his luggage was going...
God's grace rocks! It makes a good cups and balls routine look pretty boring in comparison.
Nash
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Hong Kong ~ USA
1105 Posts

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Quote:
On Apr 11, 2019, padre rich wrote:
NEVER CHECK ANYTHING...why take a chance?...remember the old story about the guy who hijacked an airplane and demanded to be taken to the same place his luggage was going...


Oh trust me, I tried to keep as much of the most important materials in my shows in my carry on as possible.
But alas, there are a lot of stuff that
1.) Wouldn't fit in a carry on case or
2.) Illegal to fly with (ex. razor blades, staple guns, knives, etc..)
I teach leaders the magic of curiosity and empathetic communication. keynote Speaker | Seattle magician
Kune
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312 Posts

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I’m flying with United soon. Unfortunately I don’t have any choice but to check most of my luggage with them, so all I can do is pray, and read my insurance policy.
Sending them the receipts if they lose anything is a great idea.
Dick Oslund
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In the NAVY, I was stationed in Norfolk, VA. I did club dates for a vest pocket agent, around town. At first, I didn't have a car, but, I could ride the bus to the gig. I carried the props for my 30 minute act in a leather shaving kit about the size of a cigar box.

After I was a civilian, I didn't need a box car (!!!) but, a "fat" attache case was all I needed. I could drive when playing school shows.

Visiting with Jay Marshall, I noted that he had a fat attache case. too. He said, "When I fly, I NEVER check the props. That case is the maximum size that will fit UNDER THE SEAT!!!"

When necessary to fly, I remembered Jay's "advice".
SNEAKY, UNDERHANDED, DEVIOUS,& SURREPTITIOUS ITINERANT MOUNTEBANK
servant
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Texas
101 Posts

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I didn't realize how fragile the baggage process was until my wife started working for an airline. Now I realize how manual and fragile the process really is, especially on connecting flights. When a bag misses a connecting flight, it's called a burned bag.

Thanks for sharing your story!
Decomposed
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Eternal Order
High Desert
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Good gosh, I am flying in a few weeks and have been concerned about this. I too have things I just cannot get through TSA. I read only 4 bags out of 1000 are lost but some are misplaced etc. I have connecting flights also. Expensive props also but not having them for 1.5 hour presentation worse.
Wravyn
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Quote:
On Mar 1, 2022, Decomposed wrote:
Good gosh, I am flying in a few weeks and have been concerned about this. I too have things I just cannot get through TSA. I read only 4 bags out of 1000 are lost but some are misplaced etc. I have connecting flights also. Expensive props also but not having them for 1.5 hour presentation worse.


One thing that can possibly be done is FedEx/UPS some of the needed items ahead of time to where you are staying.
You would have to do the same for when returning. Not sure how costly it would be but the props/items would be there.
Decomposed
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We are now in a new world. Everything may not exist or has been changed—long phone waits, outsourcing most things, shopping, traveling, etc. I returned a three-month-old Dell $500 to Amazon through UPS, and now it's missing. I contacted SW Airlines and talked with a woman from the USA about my chances. Now I am attempting to appease TSA via messaging on FB of what I can bring on carry on. Even with no liquids or sharp objects, I am still at their discretion at that moment in time. You can message them with objects or props and see if they answer etc. I hope I am overthinking all this, but with two years of only part-time work, the floodgates have now opened, and flying is a must.
Wravyn
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Yes, as the old adage goes, 1 rotten apple spoils the whole bunch.

I hope all goes well for you Sir.
Decomposed
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Eternal Order
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Thanks, Wravyn. It's crazy right now for sure.
DragonLore
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Toronto
76 Posts

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Quote:
On Mar 8, 2019, Nash wrote:
As a traveling performer, the day when your airline lost your luggage is bound to happen!
This is why I always keep as much props as I can in the carry-on bag. But alas, I still got materials that are involved with 40% of my show AND all my clothing gone!!


Not surprised, knowing what United does to guitars. Smile
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YGc4zOqozo

Good resilience on your part though!
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