Blackie got back from his trip to Boston last Wednesday and I went to pick him up, but unfortunately his bags didn't make it. Evidently, when you fly US Airways from Boston's Logan Airport, you are suggested to tip the counter guy (on top of their hourly wage). Not that tipping is a requirement, but it is strongly suggested, as Blackie found out, along with all of the other non-tippers from his flight. Not only did his luggage not arrive, but US Airways told him that it wasn't tagged at Logan International. Personally, I have never done it. I've tipped the baggage guy outside, but never the person working the counter. For the record, Craig said there wasn't a sign or a tip jar and no one else in line was tipping.
Message is full
I digress; Blackie and I went to our softball game since the next connecting flight out of Charlotte would not arrive for another 2 hours. After the game, Blackie called US Airways' baggage claims, but no one picked up the call. The voice messaging system picked up and asked for a name, phone-number and flight number, but the message center was full-"Please try your call again at a later time.
Carpe Luggage
I drove Blackie back to the airport to get his luggage. I pulled up to the baggage claim doors, dropped off Craig and waited in the car. One of the airport security guards gave me the "God's flashlight" beam in the eyes. (Thanks buddy). And then cracked on the window with the butt of his mag-light. (Evidently, his knuckles couldn't knock.)
We had a nice conversation (see below), but WTF is with the luggage being lost in the first place? Craig had a 2-hour lay-over in Charlotte and they couldn't get the luggage to his plane in 2-hours? Why don't airlines use the same system that UPS or FED-EX uses? WTF does your luggage get lost if you don't tip? And WTF can't you park in front of the baggage claim at 11:30 at night when no one else is around, if you are waiting in your car? I know, 9-11 changed everything, but personally, I enjoy the laissez-faire approach that Savannah International Airport has: if you are waiting in the car and not blocking traffic you are fine.
(Full disclosure: Blackie's luggage was delivered the next evening. And airlines wonder why people don't fly.)
Our conversation
Officer: The sign says, no leaving vehicles unattended.
JET: Yes Sir, I saw that. That's why I am waiting here in the car.
Officer: Well, it also says no parking.
JET: I am sorry, my friend just stepped inside to get his luggage and he should be right out. It's been quite a frustrating experience, I'd like to wait for him if you don't mind.
Officer: I do mind. You are disobeying the sign and breaking the law by parking here.
JET: Oh My, what do you suggest I do to not break the law? Should I just circle the wagons in the loop around the airport?
Officer: Yeah, circle the wagons. If you don't, you don't want to know what would the consequences would be.
JET's inner-voice: Actually, I would like to know. Hmm, I wonder if this guy can spell consequences. I think you are an idiot and I just made you say, circle the wagons. I don't see you running off the lady in the Range Rover behind me. I must admit, you just made my night-thanks buddy.
JET: (In my best a** kissing, Citadel respecting the authoriti (sic) of signs and rent a cops) Yes Sir, thank you Sir.
Officer: Get it moving.
JET's inner-voice: Hmmm, I think I should film a video to keep my sanity. Should I sing that "Signs" song or "Rawhide" to keep w/ the "circling the wagons" theme?
Sanity kept alive by "Rawhide"
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