I Have Rediscovered Customer Service Does Still Exist

The world seems to constantly be in a state of chaos, and many of us often find this noticeable in the customer service we notice from businesses. Gone are the days when you could easily receive a human answering the telephone, or an assistant to help you navigate along the way. Now, you are often greeted with an automated response, failure to receive a return call when requested, sarcasm, and impatience in many cases. Frustration builds easily, and you are often left solo to tackle impending complexities. I have felt this on many occasions, and began to lose faith in many businesses, until a recent experience with Delta Airlines restored it.

Not only has travel become expensive, but you may find yourself witnessing things never seen before when it comes to your luggage. A recent trip to California placed me in the folds with thousands of other travelers eager to get home. Upon landing at our local airport I found myself waiting around the carousel with many others. I knew frigid cold was awaiting beyond the airport doors and I wasn't in a rush initially to step out into it. However, the wait time for luggage seemed lengthy. Forty minutes later I still awaited in the same area encircling the drop off carousel points with other passengers. While I didn't see my luggage, what I saw was stunning.

One by one luggage fell from the shoots landing on top of each other. While this was not unusual, the number of pieces was. In fact, I had never seen that many pieces of luggage landing on top of each other. In fact, it was a mountain of luggage. Passengers fought to find their luggage, remove pieces from the carousel to make room for others attempting to emerge, and for another 15 minutes I remained watching for pieces that looked familiar. Then ours came down, with one major piece looking much different than when we had departed for our trip.

Our large 30 inch spinner wheel luggage piece emerged partially open at the ends because the zipper had been severely torn, sagged loosely, and could no longer conceal items securely. I was stunned. After having these luggage pieces travel within the continental United States, and outside, I had never found any damage like this. Scratches, dust etc. would be expected because we are traveling thousands of miles, but this seemed excessive. Was there anything that could be done about this? I was unsure, but this time I was going to find out, because my luggage had been ruined. It was no longer usable.

Going to the Delta Airlines website, I did a search on damaged baggage and was guided to a page which gave me instructions on proper handling, as well as a simple way to complete the necessary form online. Amazon made it easy for me to go back and pull up my receipt showing the luggage value on initial purchase. I attached this receipt, and pictures showing the obvious damage as well. If you are at the airport and discover mishandling and can report it then it is best to do that. However, for me there was pure chaos within the airport, and I was not going to wait around any longer.

Delta asks that you file your claim within 24 hours if damage has occurred domestically, or within 7 days for international travel. With the form completed, sent off, I waited to see what would happen. A part of me wondered if anything positive would result. Within 7 days from submitting my form, a large box was delivered to my front porch containing a new luggage piece, same size, and fabulous quality.

Delta Airlines remained true to what they said they would do. Caring for their customers, and their willingness to replace damaged luggage if caused by the airline. Sometimes individuals do not know they can report these types of incidents. Quality customer service is still out there, and being shown by businesses. On this day I was fortunate to be able to experience it from Delta.