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17th century viola da gamba smashed by Al Italia
Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2018 2:30 pm
by ttf_hyperbolica
17th century viola da gamba smashed by Al Italia
Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2018 7:02 am
by ttf_MikeBMiller
That sucks for her, but if you are flying with a priceless instrument, why not invest in a bullet/bomb proof case that is designed to survive a cargo hold? These stories have been going around the internet so long that I would think that anyone would realize that their axe is not guaranteed to be treated with kid gloves.
17th century viola da gamba smashed by Al Italia
Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2018 7:11 am
by ttf_Le.Tromboniste
A few precisions are necessary.
The instrument was not smashed by Alitalia. Airlines don't handle luggage, airport personnel and security does. This instrument was clearly inspected (it has the Tag that says it was opened and inspected by security) - it's unclear whether it's the security or baggage handlers who did the damage (and if it occurred at departure or arrival).
What Alitalia did wrong, which also explains why the musician didn't have a better case to check the instrument, is that the musician did book a seat for her instrument, which Alitalia decided not to honor (overbooking, full flight). They promised her to hand deliver the instrument to the cargo hold, which they of course didn't do.
17th century viola da gamba smashed by Al Italia
Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2018 7:58 am
by ttf_JohnL
Quote from: Le.Tromboniste on Jan 10, 2018, 07:11AMWhat Alitalia did wrong, which also explains why the musician didn't have a better case to check the instrument, is that the musician did book a seat for her instrument, which Alitalia decided not to honor (overbooking, full flight).Not being a Facebook member, I am unable to see what Dr. Herzog has posted regarding the incident. Does she say that she purchased a second seat for her instrument? Alitalia is claiming that she did not.
Quote According to a preliminary investigation, no such request has been presented by the passenger neither during booking nor at the time of departure from Rio de Janeiro.
During check-in operations, according to the information available at the moment, the passenger was presented with the possibility to buy an extra seat but she refused and signed the limited release form (a disclaimer of liability) after being informed that the best solution for such a delicate item was to bring it with her in the cabin. That said, Alitalia deeply regrets what happened to Mrs. Herzog and will proceed, having established the facts, with the reimbursement in compliance with the international regulations in force.
17th century viola da gamba smashed by Al Italia
Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2018 8:53 am
by ttf_Le.Tromboniste
Quote from: JohnL on Jan 10, 2018, 07:58AMNot being a Facebook member, I am unable to see what Dr. Herzog has posted regarding the incident. Does she say that she purchased a second seat for her instrument? Alitalia is claiming that she did not.
Just had time to read their statement and it does contradict Herzogs comments on Facebook where she did say (not in the actual post but in the comments) something to the effect that either she had booked a seat or was told she could not because of the full flight.
It is of course entirely possible that it wasn't true
17th century viola da gamba smashed by Al Italia
Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2018 8:53 am
by ttf_Le.Tromboniste
Quote from: JohnL on Jan 10, 2018, 07:58AMNot being a Facebook member, I am unable to see what Dr. Herzog has posted regarding the incident. Does she say that she purchased a second seat for her instrument? Alitalia is claiming that she did not.
Just had time to read their statement and it does contradict Herzogs comments on Facebook where she did say (not in the actual post but in the comments) something to the effect that either she had booked a seat or was told she could not because of the full flight.
It is of course entirely possible that it wasn't true