BAGGAGE: Be kind to deliverers

If you travel by air this holiday season there’s a good chance any luggage you don’t carry on will not get to your destination with you. There are many reasons for delayed/misplaced bags and most times they will show up.

When they do you can pick them up yourself or have them delivered. You probably think the person bringing your bags to you works for the airline. Not true. They are contract employees. They use their own vehicle, buy their own gas, bear the cost of maintaining that vehicle as well as the cost of insurance. They are paid by location, not by the mile or by the hour. They deal with detours, road construction, accidents, all kinds of weather, wildlife on the roadways and the not so good drivers out there. They do this any time of the day or night, any day of the week, even holidays. They miss meals and time with their families.

Remember, it isn’t their fault that you got to your destination without your luggage. You will probably get a call from the driver letting you know that they have your bags and estimating a time of arrival. Please don’t forget to tell them little things like that your driveway is a half mile long, steep and hasn’t yet been plowed. They will appreciate it! If they arrive later than anticipated there is probably a very good reason for the delay. I’ve done what they do. Say “THANK YOU!” (Gratuities are gratefully accepted.)

DOTTIE DINEL

Hayden