Hi, just to let you know that there is hope if your instrument gets broken while in the caring hands of luggage handlers. My old banjo got pretty well damaged last year going through Newark - Washington and I feared the worst. However, there is a way, just make sure you complain! The best method is to be as thorough as possible in your complaint ie times, dates, whys, whos and all that. Get pictures of damage, quotes to repair, valuations.... It did take me a couple of goes but eventually they paid up and I got my banjo repaired. Hopefully none of you will suffer this misfortune but then again I hoped it wouldn't rain this summer!!
Good luck.
When we flew Ryanair we had to sign a limited release form, basically absolving them of any duty to pay compensation for damage - so I insured my instrument (as it was not under my control).
I didn't get damaged as it happens, but it's good peace of mind and very cheap to do - the yearly premium for two items is 1.4% of their combined value, and this includes theft from a vehicle as well as loss / damage anywhere in the world.
I was asked to write a letter for someone whose Taylor was totalled. I build guitars as a hobby, for myself only at this point anyhow, but my lowly "luthier's" opinion counted. It would have cost more to repair than buy a new one, and I think it was American Airlines, I forget, but they coughed up a check for $2700 very fast.
Instrument compensation - there is hope!
Instrument compensation - there is hope!
Hi, just to let you know that there is hope if your instrument gets broken while in the caring hands of luggage handlers. My old banjo got pretty well damaged last year going through Newark - Washington and I feared the worst. However, there is a way, just make sure you complain! The best method is to be as thorough as possible in your complaint ie times, dates, whys, whos and all that. Get pictures of damage, quotes to repair, valuations.... It did take me a couple of goes but eventually they paid up and I got my banjo repaired. Hopefully none of you will suffer this misfortune but then again I hoped it wouldn't rain this summer!!
Good luck.
# Posted on September 3rd 2008 by divilthebit
Re: Instrument compensation - there is hope!
Newark again....It must be the worst in history for instrument damage!! Glad you got it sorted.
# Posted on September 3rd 2008 by seaniemcg
Re: Instrument compensation - there is hope!
When we flew Ryanair we had to sign a limited release form, basically absolving them of any duty to pay compensation for damage - so I insured my instrument (as it was not under my control).
I didn't get damaged as it happens, but it's good peace of mind and very cheap to do - the yearly premium for two items is 1.4% of their combined value, and this includes theft from a vehicle as well as loss / damage anywhere in the world.
# Posted on September 4th 2008 by Mark Harmer
Re: Instrument compensation - there is hope!
I didn't get damaged?? Oops = I was a bit damaged by the stress of flying with that bunch of gobsh1tes!
# Posted on September 4th 2008 by Mark Harmer
Re: Instrument compensation - there is hope!
I was asked to write a letter for someone whose Taylor was totalled. I build guitars as a hobby, for myself only at this point anyhow, but my lowly "luthier's" opinion counted. It would have cost more to repair than buy a new one, and I think it was American Airlines, I forget, but they coughed up a check for $2700 very fast.
# Posted on September 4th 2008 by irisnevins