My soft sided suitcase was damaged on a return flight on Delta Airlines a week and a half ago. It was taped up and zip tied when it came off the baggage carousel! I filed a claim immediately at the airport and Delta gave me a new comparable bag on the spot!
I’m currently looking for a good hard shell, zipper-less suitcase, despite them replacing my damaged luggage. Just seems like it’s hard to find one that’s indestructible. Aluminum cases are nice but too expensive! Especially for a checked bag, or a carry-on that could possibly have to be checked because of overhead bin space.
There's a huge difference between the baggage claim customer service from Spirit and just about every other airline. To your point, Delta and other airlines have a baggage claim office onsite in the luggage claim areas of most major airports. Not only does Spirit Airlines not allow you to make a claim at the airport, but they give you only 24 hours after your flight and make you jump through hoops to file a damaged luggage claim online. And of course, as you can see in this video, they are not just or fair. Spirit Airlines damaged my Samsonite Framelock and rendered it unusable. In addition to crushing that corner, there were other dents and marks all over. That was the first and only trip I ever got to take with that suitcase. Spirit customer service had the gall to call it "normal wear and tear". Jokers! Delta customer service is way better.
So I had spent more hours than I care to admit looking for a hard sided suitcase that fit current airline restrictions (generally the dimensions must not exceed 62 inches). Surprisingly, many of the hard-sided suitcases on the market exceed those suitcase size restrictions. In the end I chose the Samsonite Framelock because amongst hard shell suitcases, poly-carbonate is supposed to be superior and Samsonite has a good reputation. The biggest thing was the waterproof factor. If your luggage is left out on the tarmac and it rains, your hard shell luggage will protect your belongings. It also provides additional security when travelling as it's harder to break into vs. a zipper suitcase. By the way, for the record, I've seen Rimowa aluminum suitcases getting dents and crushes from the airlines. Plus they are heavier. For anyone reading this, I also learned that TJ Maxx, Ross Stores, etc. carry Samsonite luggage made just for those discount stores. That's why you can't find those model names online. I purchased mine from Macys. After Spirit Airlines baggage handling crushed my suitcase and rendered it unusable (it was off its frame, and wobbly, not to mention the huge dent/crushed corner) I went back to the drawing board. I wasn't entirely sold on the clam shell design that all hard-sided luggage use as you need a lot of space in a hotel room to keep them open (I tend to hang some stuff up and live out of the suitcase for the rest). I did some more research and came upon a forum where several current and ex-baggage handlers left comments on their thoughts. They were unanimous in saying that hard sided luggage does not hold up well and are always prone to dents. The cheaper hard sided suitcases will simply crack! The lack of zipperless hard sided suitcases on the market, my experience, and their comments were enough to convince me to go back to soft-sided luggage for the time being. I still have an old Oyster Samsonite in storage. Probably one of the best suitcases ever made, but it's on the heavier side. Not only was the material better, but it was constructed better. It has three outside clasps that give a water tight, perfect seal. The current hard-sided zipperless suitcases from Samsonite that look like the old Oyster seem to get terrible reviews and crack easily. So I know the struggle you are going through trying to find a decent hard-sided zipperless suitcase.
@@efficientway Thanks for the advice. I am interested in the Samsonite Tru-Frame 2 piece set. I like the styling of it because it loosely resembles the Rimowa suitcases. I read some reviews and most seem positive. But I saw some pics of one that had damage to the locks. I don’t like how the locks protrude from the bag. Seems like they would get damaged easily during baggage handling!
@@efficientwayA couple years ago I bought a Delsey hard shell case from Macy’s. Upon my return trip, I noticed that my bag was damaged. At the time, I didn’t know that I had to report the damage before I left the airport. I flew American Airlines that trip. I emailed American Airlines and they said it was too late to file a claim if I remember correctly. But I returned the bag to Macy’s and they gave me a refund because I returned it within the 30 day return period. I think maybe a zipper handle was missing or something. Not sure if they’d accept your return in that condition, but may be worth a try if you haven’t tried already!
I always knew the clientele of spirit. Airlines was subpar a.k.a.ghetto but I didn’t expect their customer service to be just as ghetto. I will continue to fly with them, but I will never check a bag! Absolutely ridiculous!
I don't blame you. I have gone the extra step of declaring to never fly with Spirit Airlines again. Regardless of their pricing or even if the flight times are "better" for my next trip since they seem to delay almost every flight I've been on. Spirit Airlines already sets the tone by making you claim a baggage claim issue such as damaged luggage, online (within 4 hrs of your flight for domestic), but the fact that their procedure is so cumbersome (uploading pictures, a government ID, uploading/proving receipts, waiting to get a response, etc.), but for them to deny this claim on account of "normal wear and tear".. just as you said... "absolutely ridiculous"! I mistakenly said 24 hours in the video- it's within 4 hours of a domestic flight!!! It wasn't legible in the video, but you should see what their fine print "policies", that attempt to protect them against any claims for damaged suitcases, and luggage are. Here is the Spirit Airlines procedure to file a damaged luggage claim: To initiate the claims process: 1. Create an incident report at the airport of arrival within 4 hours for domestic travel, 7 days for international damage reports, and 21 days for international loss, delayed, and pilferage reports. Some domestic airport locations offer a self-serve, virtual Baggage Service Office, an option that is available from a mobile device. If you experience issues, select the “Need Help” option. Please note: If a report is not made within the timeframes stipulated above, claims will be denied. 2. Once the incident report is created, you will receive a Baggage Irregularity Receipt by email, with details about the claims process and a File ID. Please note: Incident reports (File IDs) are not claims but rather a record of your mishandled baggage event. Once your incident report is created, you will need to continue the process by filing a claim. 3. Review and complete the online claim form, as instructed below. Please note: All claim forms, with required documents, must be submitted within 30 days of arrival Directions for submitting a mishandled baggage claim: 1. Visit our Baggage Service web portal at www.spirit.com/bagclaim. 2. Enter your last name and File ID. 3. Click on “Create Online Claim.” 4. Follow the instructions shown and enter your information in the required fields. 5. Provide all supporting documents (e.g., proof of purchase for claimed items, Government photo identification, such as driver’s license or passport. 6. Click the “Submit” button. NOTE: If all required documents are submitted, most claims will be processed within 30 days.
Spirit Airlines baggage claim customer service is especially a joke since for starters, you can't even file a claim at the airport in person (where they'd actually be able to inspect and access the damage first hand). Instead they give you 24 hours to file a claim online and upload pictures, write out a description, etc. Imagine your luggage is damaged on your way to your destination, as opposed to your return home flight. That's a great start to your vacation! Or just what you need before your big business meeting. From there it just gets worse in terms of having to use their portal, wait days for their replies, and of course their ridiculous disclaimers (which may have been hard to read in the video). You can see how badly Spirit damaged my brand new Samsonite hard sided suitcase. There's no way you can call that "normal wear and tear" and there's no way they should be able to get away with not taking responsibility. Yet that is exactly what occurred. No apology, no compensation, nothing but a waste of time. At the end of the day, Spirit Airlines tickets are no longer so inexpensive and what you give up in terms of less luggage allowed (only 40 pounds instead of the normal 50 pounds checked luggage that other airlines allow), no tv's in the seats, poorly padded seats (less comfortable), no snacks, etc. etc. they're not worth flying. They are renowned for delays. I learned the hard way about Spirit. Hopefully others can learn from my experience and not go through this themselves.
When I called Samsonite they were not helpful at all in terms of willingness to help my situation. On one hand I understand that they can't be responsible for how others (including the owners) treat their products. But at the same time, maybe their material or their design isn't up to par? I'm more upset with Spirit Airlines and their failure to not only take responsibility, but to claim that this is "normal" wear and tear. Plus Spirit's ridiculous process to file a claim.
Ha! That's exactly what it looks like. Spirit Airlines put a beat down on my Samsonite suitcase! Spirit Airlines gave my Samsonite a "tune-up" by crushing it, beating, and scratching it!
My soft sided suitcase was damaged on a return flight on Delta Airlines a week and a half ago. It was taped up and zip tied when it came off the baggage carousel! I filed a claim immediately at the airport and Delta gave me a new comparable bag on the spot!
I’m currently looking for a good hard shell, zipper-less suitcase, despite them replacing my damaged luggage. Just seems like it’s hard to find one that’s indestructible. Aluminum cases are nice but too expensive! Especially for a checked bag, or a carry-on that could possibly have to be checked because of overhead bin space.
There's a huge difference between the baggage claim customer service from Spirit and just about every other airline. To your point, Delta and other airlines have a baggage claim office onsite in the luggage claim areas of most major airports. Not only does Spirit Airlines not allow you to make a claim at the airport, but they give you only 24 hours after your flight and make you jump through hoops to file a damaged luggage claim online. And of course, as you can see in this video, they are not just or fair. Spirit Airlines damaged my Samsonite Framelock and rendered it unusable. In addition to crushing that corner, there were other dents and marks all over. That was the first and only trip I ever got to take with that suitcase. Spirit customer service had the gall to call it "normal wear and tear". Jokers! Delta customer service is way better.
So I had spent more hours than I care to admit looking for a hard sided suitcase that fit current airline restrictions (generally the dimensions must not exceed 62 inches). Surprisingly, many of the hard-sided suitcases on the market exceed those suitcase size restrictions. In the end I chose the Samsonite Framelock because amongst hard shell suitcases, poly-carbonate is supposed to be superior and Samsonite has a good reputation. The biggest thing was the waterproof factor. If your luggage is left out on the tarmac and it rains, your hard shell luggage will protect your belongings. It also provides additional security when travelling as it's harder to break into vs. a zipper suitcase. By the way, for the record, I've seen Rimowa aluminum suitcases getting dents and crushes from the airlines. Plus they are heavier. For anyone reading this, I also learned that TJ Maxx, Ross Stores, etc. carry Samsonite luggage made just for those discount stores. That's why you can't find those model names online. I purchased mine from Macys. After Spirit Airlines baggage handling crushed my suitcase and rendered it unusable (it was off its frame, and wobbly, not to mention the huge dent/crushed corner) I went back to the drawing board. I wasn't entirely sold on the clam shell design that all hard-sided luggage use as you need a lot of space in a hotel room to keep them open (I tend to hang some stuff up and live out of the suitcase for the rest). I did some more research and came upon a forum where several current and ex-baggage handlers left comments on their thoughts. They were unanimous in saying that hard sided luggage does not hold up well and are always prone to dents. The cheaper hard sided suitcases will simply crack! The lack of zipperless hard sided suitcases on the market, my experience, and their comments were enough to convince me to go back to soft-sided luggage for the time being. I still have an old Oyster Samsonite in storage. Probably one of the best suitcases ever made, but it's on the heavier side. Not only was the material better, but it was constructed better. It has three outside clasps that give a water tight, perfect seal. The current hard-sided zipperless suitcases from Samsonite that look like the old Oyster seem to get terrible reviews and crack easily. So I know the struggle you are going through trying to find a decent hard-sided zipperless suitcase.
@@efficientway Thanks for the advice. I am interested in the Samsonite Tru-Frame 2 piece set. I like the styling of it because it loosely resembles the Rimowa suitcases. I read some reviews and most seem positive. But I saw some pics of one that had damage to the locks. I don’t like how the locks protrude from the bag. Seems like they would get damaged easily during baggage handling!
@@efficientwayA couple years ago I bought a Delsey hard shell case from Macy’s. Upon my return trip, I noticed that my bag was damaged. At the time, I didn’t know that I had to report the damage before I left the airport. I flew American Airlines that trip. I emailed American Airlines and they said it was too late to file a claim if I remember correctly. But I returned the bag to Macy’s and they gave me a refund because I returned it within the 30 day return period. I think maybe a zipper handle was missing or something. Not sure if they’d accept your return in that condition, but may be worth a try if you haven’t tried already!
I always knew the clientele of spirit. Airlines was subpar a.k.a.ghetto but I didn’t expect their customer service to be just as ghetto. I will continue to fly with them, but I will never check a bag! Absolutely ridiculous!
I don't blame you. I have gone the extra step of declaring to never fly with Spirit Airlines again. Regardless of their pricing or even if the flight times are "better" for my next trip since they seem to delay almost every flight I've been on. Spirit Airlines already sets the tone by making you claim a baggage claim issue such as damaged luggage, online (within 4 hrs of your flight for domestic), but the fact that their procedure is so cumbersome (uploading pictures, a government ID, uploading/proving receipts, waiting to get a response, etc.), but for them to deny this claim on account of "normal wear and tear".. just as you said... "absolutely ridiculous"! I mistakenly said 24 hours in the video- it's within 4 hours of a domestic flight!!! It wasn't legible in the video, but you should see what their fine print "policies", that attempt to protect them against any claims for damaged suitcases, and luggage are. Here is the Spirit Airlines procedure to file a damaged luggage claim:
To initiate the claims process:
1. Create an incident report at the airport of arrival within 4 hours for domestic travel, 7 days for international damage reports, and 21 days for international loss, delayed, and pilferage reports.
Some domestic airport locations offer a self-serve, virtual Baggage Service Office, an option that is available from a mobile device. If you experience issues, select the “Need Help” option.
Please note: If a report is not made within the timeframes stipulated above, claims will be denied.
2. Once the incident report is created, you will receive a Baggage Irregularity Receipt by email, with details about the claims process and a File ID.
Please note: Incident reports (File IDs) are not claims but rather a record of your mishandled baggage event. Once your incident report is created, you will need to continue the process by filing a claim.
3. Review and complete the online claim form, as instructed below.
Please note: All claim forms, with required documents, must be submitted within 30 days of arrival
Directions for submitting a mishandled baggage claim:
1. Visit our Baggage Service web portal at www.spirit.com/bagclaim.
2. Enter your last name and File ID.
3. Click on “Create Online Claim.”
4. Follow the instructions shown and enter your information in the required fields.
5. Provide all supporting documents (e.g., proof of purchase for claimed items, Government photo identification, such as driver’s license or passport.
6. Click the “Submit” button.
NOTE: If all required documents are submitted, most claims will be processed within 30 days.
spirit airlines always has terrible customer service 😒
Spirit Airlines baggage claim customer service is especially a joke since for starters, you can't even file a claim at the airport in person (where they'd actually be able to inspect and access the damage first hand). Instead they give you 24 hours to file a claim online and upload pictures, write out a description, etc. Imagine your luggage is damaged on your way to your destination, as opposed to your return home flight. That's a great start to your vacation! Or just what you need before your big business meeting. From there it just gets worse in terms of having to use their portal, wait days for their replies, and of course their ridiculous disclaimers (which may have been hard to read in the video). You can see how badly Spirit damaged my brand new Samsonite hard sided suitcase. There's no way you can call that "normal wear and tear" and there's no way they should be able to get away with not taking responsibility. Yet that is exactly what occurred. No apology, no compensation, nothing but a waste of time. At the end of the day, Spirit Airlines tickets are no longer so inexpensive and what you give up in terms of less luggage allowed (only 40 pounds instead of the normal 50 pounds checked luggage that other airlines allow), no tv's in the seats, poorly padded seats (less comfortable), no snacks, etc. etc. they're not worth flying. They are renowned for delays. I learned the hard way about Spirit. Hopefully others can learn from my experience and not go through this themselves.
@@efficientway Hard to believe what they're doing is legal, its a scam at this point in the airport. No wonder why they got such a bad reputation.
@@jidabright Exactly right!
Did you submit a claim with samsonite? I was considering getting this suitcase
When I called Samsonite they were not helpful at all in terms of willingness to help my situation. On one hand I understand that they can't be responsible for how others (including the owners) treat their products. But at the same time, maybe their material or their design isn't up to par? I'm more upset with Spirit Airlines and their failure to not only take responsibility, but to claim that this is "normal" wear and tear. Plus Spirit's ridiculous process to file a claim.
Did your suitcase owe somebody money?
Ha! That's exactly what it looks like. Spirit Airlines put a beat down on my Samsonite suitcase! Spirit Airlines gave my Samsonite a "tune-up" by crushing it, beating, and scratching it!