Reel Repair by Alan Tani

Fishing => Alan's Fishing Reports and Vacations => Topic started by: alantani on January 24, 2018, 11:18:17 PM

Title: the response from alaska airlines!
Post by: alantani on January 24, 2018, 11:18:17 PM
well, as you know, my reel was damaged by virgin america when i traveled to puerto vallarta earlier this month.   i just got this response!

QuoteCustomer.Care.Reply@AlaskaAir.com <Customer.Care.Reply@AlaskaAir.com>
To:
ALANTANI@YAHOO.COM

Jan 24 at 11:53 AM

January 23, 2018


Dear Stanley,

Thank you for your email. Please accept my apology for the experience you had surrounding the damage to your luggage.

In the rare event that a passenger has an issue during domestic travel with their checked luggage, they must file a claim within 24 hours of the flight at their arrival location. If they traveled internationally, a claim must be filed within seven days of the event. Our records indicate that a claim was not filed within the required timeframe. Therefore, we must respectfully deny your request for compensation.

While I would like to provide additional assistance in this matter, I am afraid that I am unable to assist you further. We value your patronage and our hope is that you will allow us to demonstrate the high level of service we are known for and that you deserve on a future flight.

Sincerely,


Christina Chavez
Central Baggage Service

Reference#: 3451481

the nice lady at the virgin america desk in puerto vallarta was supposed to file a report immediately.  perhaps this did not happen.  here are some photos as a reminder!

(http://alantani.com/gallery/23/1_08_01_18_11_10_41_230101710.jpeg)

(http://alantani.com/gallery/23/1_08_01_18_11_10_45_230111950.jpeg)

(http://alantani.com/gallery/23/1_08_01_18_11_11_07_23017325.jpeg)

(http://alantani.com/gallery/23/1_08_01_18_11_11_11_230191883.jpeg)

we'll see what social media has to say about this!   ;D
Title: Re: the response from alaska airlines!
Post by: Tightlines667 on January 24, 2018, 11:20:49 PM
Rough!

This type of thing happens all too frequently.  I would write a few reviews of your experience with the airline's customer service.
Title: Re: the response from alaska airlines!
Post by: thorhammer on January 24, 2018, 11:49:49 PM
Who is Stanley? 😁
Title: Re: the response from alaska airlines!
Post by: sdlehr on January 24, 2018, 11:51:10 PM
You should be thankful they were able to use your reel as a makeshift brake and stop the plane before it went off the edge of the runway!
Title: Re: the response from alaska airlines!
Post by: Gobi King on January 25, 2018, 12:05:04 AM
Alan, please call the credit card you bought the ticket with. They may be able to help you.

Seems to be the oldest trick in the book, the gal at the counter will send you away saying I will take care of it, then you find out you had follow up with x days.

Delta did the same to me, tore my bag up, and I waited while the lady at the counter filed the report, did not hear back from them, only to find out, I had to call them with that number, she never said a word about it when I was there.

Read your credit card rule, it is a secondary insurance probably (my amex is), meaning you need to file first with airline.

Respond back to them stating that a report was filed the same day by the staff in PV.
Title: Re: the response from alaska airlines!
Post by: steelfish on January 25, 2018, 12:13:45 AM
Quote from: alantani on January 24, 2018, 11:18:17 PM
......We value your patronage and our hope is that you will allow us to demonstrate the high level of service we are known for and that you deserve on a future flight.


dont you love that sentense
Title: Re: the response from alaska airlines!
Post by: Keta on January 25, 2018, 12:15:38 AM
Elastic Airlines (the flexible flyer) sucks.  They damaged 2 of my rods.
Title: Re: the response from alaska airlines!
Post by: alantani on January 25, 2018, 02:33:41 AM
Quote from: Gobi King on January 25, 2018, 12:05:04 AM
Alan, please call the credit card you bought the ticket with. They may be able to help you.

you're gonna laugh.  I BOUGHT THE TICKET WITH AN ALASKA AIRLINES CREDIT CARD!!!!!!!!!  ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: the response from alaska airlines!
Post by: swill88 on January 25, 2018, 02:34:06 AM
Question. What would work to protect the scarred up aluminum in the salt?
Steve
Title: Re: the response from alaska airlines!
Post by: Keta on January 25, 2018, 02:35:54 AM
Duct tape.
Title: Re: the response from alaska airlines!
Post by: Tightlines667 on January 25, 2018, 02:41:59 AM
Quote from: swill88 on January 25, 2018, 02:34:06 AM
Question. What would work to protect the scarred up aluminum in the salt?
Steve

One could attempt a crude repair with a metal flake-infused epoxy (like Devcon), and then paint.  It probably will still look terrible, but it may get rid of the sharp edges, and protect against corrosion.
Title: Re: the response from alaska airlines!
Post by: Shark Hunter on January 25, 2018, 02:51:49 AM
Gotta Love it!
I would fish that reel to the end of time.
Its already been put through the meat grinder.
Service it well and keep on going.
Maybe engrave "Compliments of Alaska Airlines" on the side plate. ;)
Title: Re: the response from alaska airlines!
Post by: David Hall on January 25, 2018, 02:56:48 AM

I feel your pain!  Fed ex lost all the action parts and screws for a browning .270.  It was insured but I still got nothing because I refused to give them the barreled action.
Title: Re: the response from alaska airlines!
Post by: mikeysm on January 25, 2018, 03:02:18 AM
What I would do Alan is notify the Air Lines and let them know who you are. And advise them that to prevent you from letting all your friends and all the charter services and everyone you know not to use there Air Line unless they make good on your damaged gear. Then direct them to this Web site to show them your serious about this. Mabe they will think it's in their best interest to pay up. I think that a boycott of that Air Line is in order. It's worth trying you never know.

Mike
Title: Re: the response from alaska airlines!
Post by: Rivverrat on January 25, 2018, 03:15:46 AM
If that reel had been in a hard case  it might have still likely suffered some damage
Title: Re: the response from alaska airlines!
Post by: swill88 on January 25, 2018, 03:30:39 AM
Quote from: Tightlines666 on January 25, 2018, 02:41:59 AM
Quote from: swill88 on January 25, 2018, 02:34:06 AM
Question. What would work to protect the scarred up aluminum in the salt?
Steve

One could attempt a crude repair with a metal flake-infused epoxy (like Devcon), and then paint.  It probably will still look terrible, but it may get rid of the sharp edges, and protect against corrosion.


My question John, and Lee ::), will the unprotected scarred aluminum react poorly over time? Any need to protect the outside of a reel once it's ugly? (Sorry Alan).
Title: Re: the response from alaska airlines!
Post by: Rivverrat on January 25, 2018, 03:35:49 AM
There is more reason to protect any aluminum that has scratched or gouged especially with the anodizeing is gone. The aluminum is opened up & bare to the effects of salt... Jeff
Title: Re: the response from alaska airlines!
Post by: Swami805 on January 25, 2018, 03:46:56 AM
I would give it another shot with someone higher up the food chain at the airline. That response is from someone in the "figure out a way to not pay claims" department.
Title: Re: the response from alaska airlines!
Post by: Keta on January 25, 2018, 03:50:56 AM
Quote from: swill88 on January 25, 2018, 03:30:39 AMMy question John, and Lee ::), will the unprotected scarred aluminum react poorly over time? Any need to protect the outside of a reel once it's ugly? (Sorry Alan).

Aluminum oxidizes quickly but the oxide adheres to the base metal, it will always be a problem though.  Elastic Airline owes Alen a reel.

One good thing, the mechanics did not ignore a trim jack problem and the plane did not fall out of the air on the way north from Cabo like one did in the late 90's  A friend of mine died in that "bobo".
Title: Re: the response from alaska airlines!
Post by: theswimmer on January 25, 2018, 04:17:01 AM
Quote from: swill88 on January 25, 2018, 02:34:06 AM
Question. What would work to protect the scarred up aluminum in the salt?
Steve

Yamaha Blue Grease 😎
Title: Re: the response from alaska airlines!
Post by: Rivverrat on January 25, 2018, 05:23:20 AM
Quote from: theswimmer on January 25, 2018, 04:17:01 AM



Yamaha Blue Grease 😎

;D ;D

I dont understand the being given only one day to respond while traveling thing.

Here, I'll trash your high dollar gear & being the responsible person I am, I'll also go out of my way & give you a whole day to respond, I mean your traveling you dont have any thing else you need to do?  Do you ? Great! So you have one day to respond in the fashion that I set forth... What... Your not OK with that ?      Wheres the problem ?
Title: Re: the response from alaska airlines!
Post by: foakes on January 25, 2018, 05:45:04 AM
I would approach this from the angle that they did not have all of the facts.

No drama, just an opportunity to rectify and do the right thing — contact via email this person:

Brad Tilden, CEO Alaskan Airlines

brad.tilden@alaskaair.com

Just let him know you are a long time Alaskan Airlines flyer, with their Credit Card and you would like them to handle this claim for your damaged equipment.

Mention that you filed a claim immediately, the name of the rep, and the office it was filed with, plus the promise that it "would be taken care of".

Include a copy of the claim, and the photos.

Mention also that you are surprised and frankly disappointed that this was not handled as promised — and you wanted to bring it to the attention of the CEO — since as a fellow professional and business person, you feel it is important for him to be aware of a matter that is just obviously something that was handled poorly by an employee.

Sign it Dr. Alan Tani.

This has always worked for me, unless I was asking for something that was unreasonable.

If by chance, this does not work — our in-house counsel can write him a nice letter.

At the subject line in the email — note the date and time sent.

You should receive a response within 24 to 36 hours.

Best,

Fred
Title: Re: the response from alaska airlines!
Post by: scrinch on January 25, 2018, 06:52:38 AM
I think Fred is spot on. With the right approach, the CEO will see to it that something is done about this, even if it isn't a new reel. Maybe send him a link to the forum, too.
Title: Re: the response from alaska airlines!
Post by: smnaguwa on January 25, 2018, 01:53:03 PM
I agree with Fred. When I went fishing with my cousin who's a lawyer, we had a problem with getting our rooms at a Canadian fishing lodge. My cousin handed the receptionist his business card and the problem was fixed immediately.
Title: Re: the response from alaska airlines!
Post by: Gfish on January 25, 2018, 02:03:55 PM
Looks like it fell offa the baggage cart outside the plane and was run over by the cart.

I've used Ak. Air. for years now. Moved boxes & large suitcases of equipment & household items from Cali. to Hi. without any problems. As airlines go I'd rate Ak. Air. as good, but not great. They sold me their credit card, then took away the sign-up bonus program before the deal was finalized. Dropped the card account.

Will switch over to S.W. Airlines when they come here(hopefully this year).

If you got the time I'd dog 'em. I believe some companies bank on people not wanting, or having the time, to follow-up. Airline companies seem to have alota power when it comes to bad business practices.

Service ratings (based on a too small sample size): American/united-Awful
                                                                          Alaska.              - Good
                                                                           Southwest.        -Great
                                                                           Hawaiian.           -Bad
                                                                            Asiana.              -Best
                                                                             Island.              -Bad
                                                                              Delta.               -Bad
Gfish
Title: Re: the response from alaska airlines!
Post by: Gobi King on January 25, 2018, 02:29:31 PM
Quote from: scrinch on January 25, 2018, 06:52:38 AM
I think Fred is spot on. With the right approach, the CEO will see to it that something is done about this, even if it isn't a new reel. Maybe send him a link to the forum, too.

Agree with what Fred said,

Hey Alan, do you have any singing talent?  you could sing a song about it...  :D

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YGc4zOqozo

That seems the only way for United to take notice!
Title: Re: the response from alaska airlines!
Post by: akfish on January 25, 2018, 03:51:20 PM
When Alaska Airline crushed my rods, I had to contact my elected representatives. Eventually one wrote back -- two others never replied -- and contacted the airline. It took almost a year, but I got 90% of the new value of my rods.
Title: Re: the response from alaska airlines!
Post by: Bill Karr on January 25, 2018, 05:16:50 PM
Alan,
I would do as Fred suggest but would also add that the Board has over 12,000 members from all over the world as well as an average of X number of daily guests. All of whom are aware of this this situation.
Bill
Title: Re: the response from alaska airlines!
Post by: MarkT on January 25, 2018, 05:19:56 PM
On Facebook Alan posted an update after hearing from the woman in PV who took his statement. He might still get this resolved.
Title: Re: the response from alaska airlines!
Post by: Keta on January 25, 2018, 05:34:31 PM
Quote from: akfish on January 25, 2018, 03:51:20 PM
When Alaska Airline crushed my rods, I had to contact my elected representatives. Eventually one wrote back -- two others never replied -- and contacted the airline. It took almost a year, but I got 90% of the new value of my rods.

Juno has a choice of airlines, KTN didn't.  People heading to Anchorage from Seattle paid a lot less for a ticket than people lying from KTN to Anchorage did and on the same flight.  I flew Elastic Air almost every week and the people were great, but AA is not a good company.
Title: Re: the response from alaska airlines!
Post by: Reel 224 on January 25, 2018, 05:44:27 PM
Sorry for your luck Alan.

Joe
Title: Re: the response from alaska airlines!
Post by: Midway Tommy on January 25, 2018, 05:56:51 PM
Quote from: Gobi King on January 25, 2018, 02:29:31 PM
Quote from: scrinch on January 25, 2018, 06:52:38 AM
I think Fred is spot on. With the right approach, the CEO will see to it that something is done about this, even if it isn't a new reel. Maybe send him a link to the forum, too.

Agree with what Fred said,

Hey Alan, do you have any singing talent?  you could sing a song about it...  :D


That seems the only way for United to take notice!



Fred has a nice business like way of handling the situation, but Dave Carroll's idea worked, and helped other's too!

What key do you sing in Alan?  ;D

https://youtu.be/_Hd8XI42i2M
Title: Re: the response from alaska airlines!
Post by: akfish on January 25, 2018, 10:30:26 PM
Actually, Juneau had only one airline, Alaska, when my rods were broken. Now we have Alaska year round and Delta for a few months. Still essentially a monopoly.
Title: Re: the response from alaska airlines!
Post by: David Hall on January 26, 2018, 05:14:35 AM
Everything I pack for air travel now goes in unbreakable hard cases. Soft bags are carry on only.
Title: Re: the response from alaska airlines!
Post by: Keta on January 26, 2018, 05:22:03 AM
Quote from: akfish on January 25, 2018, 10:30:26 PM
Actually, Juneau had only one airline, Alaska, when my rods were broken. Now we have Alaska year round and Delta for a few months. Still essentially a monopoly.

Old brain does not work, I thought I saw other airlines when I flew into Juneau to go to our main office.  You are also held hostage by the Flexible Flyer.