I went to the UK for a week, just getting back last night, and decided to take my golf clubs with me, so I could have a game with my Dad while I was over there. This was the first time I'd flown with them, so wasn't too sure on the procedure.
Checking in at JFK the desk agent seemed not to differentiate between the golf club case and my regular suitcase, stuck a tag on both, and that was that. At LHR my regular case was off the carousel within a few minutes, but I then had to wait another 25 minutes for my clubs. A tad annoying, but ah well.
Checking back in at LHR last night, the desk agent made me sign a 'limited liability' thing for the clubs, and she explained that VS will only pay out a set amount per kg for the checked item, and they recommend taking out your own additional insurance for such items. I think she said it was either $20 or $25 per KG. Doing some sums in my head, I realised that would nowhere near cover the cost of them (being 6'5' I've had them lengthened too), but at that point there was nothing I could do about it. She slapped an UC tag on the case carrying the clubs, I laughed and asked her if that actually makes a difference, as it took 25 mins for them to come off last time. 'Oh, it shouldn't take that long, this should help them come off sooner'.
I got through immigration at JFK at 7.05pm, my regular case was with me a few minutes later, but it wasn't until 7.55pm that my clubs appeared. Is this usual?! It really was frustrating sitting waiting for 50 minutes, by which time EVERYONE else from the plane had gotten through immigration AND collected all their bags.
Checking in at JFK the desk agent seemed not to differentiate between the golf club case and my regular suitcase, stuck a tag on both, and that was that. At LHR my regular case was off the carousel within a few minutes, but I then had to wait another 25 minutes for my clubs. A tad annoying, but ah well.
Checking back in at LHR last night, the desk agent made me sign a 'limited liability' thing for the clubs, and she explained that VS will only pay out a set amount per kg for the checked item, and they recommend taking out your own additional insurance for such items. I think she said it was either $20 or $25 per KG. Doing some sums in my head, I realised that would nowhere near cover the cost of them (being 6'5' I've had them lengthened too), but at that point there was nothing I could do about it. She slapped an UC tag on the case carrying the clubs, I laughed and asked her if that actually makes a difference, as it took 25 mins for them to come off last time. 'Oh, it shouldn't take that long, this should help them come off sooner'.
I got through immigration at JFK at 7.05pm, my regular case was with me a few minutes later, but it wasn't until 7.55pm that my clubs appeared. Is this usual?! It really was frustrating sitting waiting for 50 minutes, by which time EVERYONE else from the plane had gotten through immigration AND collected all their bags.