Opening Day at Fenway Day #2 “Where’s My Luggage?”

Yesterday we had a very pleasant flight to Boston.  On arrival we could see snow on the ground from the plane but when we exited the airport it was cold but not overbearing.  I didn’t even take my coat out of my backpack but felt comfortable in my long sleeve shirt.

On planning this trip Patrice and I decided to splurge.  The airline advertised a service where they pick up your bags from baggage claim and deliver them to your hotel.  If the delivery destination is within 40 miles they guarantee arrival within 4 hours.  The service was not very expensive and we decided to treat ourselves.  So shortly after leaving the plane we bypassed baggage claim and were in a taxi on our way to the hotel.  Still being on LA time we were not ready for dinner so we decided to just chill out and do some reading.  We also watched a movie on the hotel “Smart TV” using our Netflix account (I just love the new technology).  About 3 hours after arrival I decided to email the bag service to get an update.  I got a reassuring reply that our bags have been picked up and we should expect delivery soon (the airport is less than 6 miles from our hotel).  We were starting to get hungry so we started to investigate places to eat.  As the 4 hour mark rolled around there was still no sign of our bags so we decided to call.

At first I was told that the 4 hour guarantee started from the time the order was assigned to a driver.  So I questioned “So if they pick up the bags the day after arrival we can expect them 4 hours from that time?”   The agent back-peddled and said she would get us an update on arrival of our luggage.  After being on hold she asked me to check with the front desk (who said the bags had not arrived) and then the agent told me they would arrive in 3 minutes.  While keeping her on the line we waited.  Ten minutes later she checked again.  She gave me the driver’s cell phone number and the hotel called for me.  The driver told the hotel staff that he would be arriving in 1-2 hours.  Meanwhile the bag agent got back on the line and she told me that the company said the bags “Had already been delivered”.   At this point I was about to lose my composure (This is Patrice now, I am editing his post and want you to know the truth, “about to lose his composure” is an understatement.  Don’t tell him I told you but tears were streaming down his face, he was kicking the wall and rolling on the ground).

The agent said the company will be refunding our money because of this inconvenience. The last thing I was concerned about was my money, I needed my clothes.  Most important I needed my Pirates shirt.  How could I go to the game wearing anything else?

The bag agent was very sympathetic and said she would call me as soon as she heard something else.  We decided to go across the street to dinner and pray that our bags would show up.  While at dinner we told our server why we looked so disturbed (Patrice again here, I was fine, what he means by we, was actually him).  Shortly after our food arrived I could hardly eat a bite but then the phone rang.  The bag agent called and said our bags had been delivered.  I immediately left the restaurant (told the server I’d be right back) to confirm arrival of our luggage.  I entered the hotel and the front desk clerk confirmed that the bags had arrived and were now in our room.  I returned to the restaurant relieved only to have Patrice ask, “Are you sure they delivered OUR bags”.  Again anxiety struck home.  Patrice insisted that she check and shortly thereafter she reported that all was good.

Our server seeing our relief and hearing of our trauma served us a little get well surprise (see below).

I will leave our day at Fenway until tomorrow.