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Southwest Airlines, Flight # 325

I am deeply disappointed in this airline. We purchased new, quality luggage for this trip that came with a life time guarantee against mfg defects. However, Southwest still managed to strike a suit case so hard against a hard corner (luggage bay?) that the built-in, aluminum, telescoping handle was bent so severely that it could not be used or repaired. We immediately brought it to the airline's attention at the baggage claim and the employee merely pointed at at sign that indicated the airline wasn't responsible for this type of damage! I contacted the airline in writing & was again advised of that they were not liable per their "contract of carrage" (which I challenge the public to find at their home page). FLYERS BEWARE! If you chose to use this airlilne, take your oldest, most torn-up luggage.

[Gromit801]

Here's their contract of carriage: http://www.southwest.com/assets/pdfs...f-carriage.pdf

[azstar]

Normal Wear. Carrier assumes no responsibility and will not be liable for loss of or damage to protruding parts of luggage and other articles of Checked Baggage,including, but not limited to, wheels, feet, pockets, hanger hooks, pull handles,straps, zippers, locks, and security straps. Furthermore, Carrier assumes no liabilityfor defects in Baggage manufacture or for minor damage arising from normal wearand tear, such as cuts, scratches, scuffs, stains, dents, punctures, marks, and dirt.

This is a quote from their contract of carriage. It's pretty standard. No airline accepts liability for damaged wheels, zippers, or handles. If this is quality luggage it should be warranted by the manufacturer. I would file a claim with them.

[Ombudsman]

Have you attempted to contact the manufacturer about the "lifetime guarantee?" It would seem that if there were issues and the bag failed the first time you used it there may have been a manufacturing flaw that caused it to fall apart when subjected to the normal stresses of baggage handling.