luggage didn't arrive/Spain

Hubby was traveling from New York City to a remote top of a mountain location, many miles from Santa Fe, to attend an astronomy event. Due to an emergency situation with an incoming plane in New York, all out-going flights were halted for over an hour. Because of the delay, he missed his connecting flight in Chicago. They rushed him through to another flight about to take off and told him that his luggage would be on that plane. NOT!

In El Paso (his final destination), he was told that his luggage was on a plane due to land in two hours. So he and his four buddies, who had arrived in El Paso on other flights, had dinner at a restaurant in the airport while awaiting the luggage. When the plane arrived, it was discovered that my husband's luggage had mistakenly been put on a plane to Los Angeles. They said it would be delivered to him the next day. He was really nervous about this because the astronomy event was being held in a very remote location with no formal address--just the Jones farm in a town not even listed on a map. There was no cell phone or Internet connection there either. My husband wrote out detailed directions to the farm but was not sure the employee he gave it to would pass it on properly to the delivery person.

The next day the guys went into town and were eating lunch at a Mexian Restaurant when a man came in to use the restroom. He then asked the Manager how to get to the Jones farm. The Manger told him he would never be able to find it w/o detailed directions from a local person. My husband overheard the conversation and jumped up to ask the man if he was coming to the Astronomy event. The man replied that he was trying to deliver luggage to an American Airlines passenger. You guessed it--it was my husband's suitcase. I don't know who was happier--the man who did not have to trek up unnamed mountain roads, or my husband who was reunitied with his waylaid clothes and telescope accessories.

I'm so glad your son had a happy resolution too.

Luanne said:

I imagine these are people who may be traveling the entire time they're gone? For a student who is going to be in one place for several months, I would think they'd need, or want, to bring more than would fit in a carry on. Or maybe I'm just thinking of my dds and knowing what they'd bring for a semester abroad.

My younger dd spent only 2 1/2 weeks in Geneva as part of a class. They were required to bring both professional, and casual, clothing. Definitely more than would fit in a backpack.

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You're right on target Luanne.

Depending on the program and purpose there are a lot of things that students need for study abroad. In many countries they will arrive in August wearing shorts, but leave in December wearing winter coats. Most students will need laptops,video cameras, and other equipment if they're doing any type of research. Sneakers, dress shoes, and sturdy hiking boots are often all a must. Their current language books and good translation dictionary can be difficult to replace (and are really important). There is so much more depending on the program of study. So, fitting everything into a carry-on is pretty unrealistic--backpacking around the globe should not be confused study abroad.

I was really feeling for your son when I read your post. I'm so glad he got his bag.

Thanks again. I have not heard from him since the happy resolution (I am not his Facebook friend even though I "invite" him every so often), so he has clearly moved on. I did get an online survey from Expedia about the flight, not sure what to say since ultimately they did transport him (and his luggage) safely across the Atlantic.

Jennie said:

The next day the guys went into town and were eating lunch at a Mexian Restaurant when a man came in to use the restroom. He then asked the Manager how to get to the Jones farm. The Manger told him he would never be able to find it w/o detailed directions from a local person. My husband overheard the conversation and jumped up to ask the man if he was coming to the Astronomy event. The man replied that he was trying to deliver luggage to an American Airlines passenger. You guessed it--it was my husband's suitcase. I don't know who was happier--the man who did not have to trek up unnamed mountain roads, or my husband who was reunitied with his waylaid clothes and telescope accessories.

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This is one of the coolest stories I have ever heard!