Alaska Airlines policy re disaster relief
Posted by Carol Lopez on October 28, 2015, 4:21 pm 24.85.155.245
I am coming in on Nov. 14...can bring extra supplies that make sense to pack in suitcases; suggestions/requests, anyone? Alaska Airlines here in Canada say that they have already sent down 2 planeloads of relief supplies, and it is not their policy to allow people to bring an extra suitcase free. The first 2 pieces of luggage (under 50 pounds) are $25 each; any extra ones are charged $75. Is anyone bringing a bicycle again? Remember you can use it all season, then donate it to the La Catalina fundraiser to be auctioned off in March. | ------------------------Re: Alaska Airlines policy re disaster relief
Posted by Jeanne on October 28, 2015, 9:07 pm, in reply to "Alaska Airlines policy re disaster relief" 174.30.33.185
Carol, maybe you missed my request asking the same thing. I am negotiating with Alaska right now, and at the advice of a representative there, have sent a letter to be presented at a board review. I'm nudging every day! In the meantime, I have received permission for Dan and I to bring one extra suitcase apiece free of charge. Maybe if everyone called, we could all bring one extra. Now we just need to know what to fill it with! | ------------------------Re: Alaska Airlines policy re disaster relief
Posted by Jim on October 28, 2015, 9:20 pm, in reply to "Re: Alaska Airlines policy re disaster relief" 167.142.30.32
I will contact AK Airlines. I lived 46 years in AK (so used them on a regular basis) - they are a fairly respectable business. And.....it's tremendous PR for them. Everyone should contact them! | ------------------------Re: Alaska Airlines policy re disaster relief
Posted by Daniel H on October 28, 2015, 9:30 pm, in reply to "Re: Alaska Airlines policy re disaster relief" Edited by board administrator October 28, 2015, 10:01 pm
It seems for me something is finally starting to sink in and that is how much people on the outside don't know what the situation is here and I would have to put myself in that category to a certain extent. Most all home are standing but many lost their roof, which is something I do know about as I don't have one either. Its a drag, hot in day but great at night if it doesn't rain (which it did a little last night). Most lost personal things due to the rain that did come with the hurricane and they will loose more if it rains again. But most stuff that one uses on a day to day basis is pretty durable. It would be great if someone were to kind of go around and ask "what do you need now" to get more of a realistic idea of what you should put in that extra bag. The simple answer is just fill it with money. I heard today that there are people at the shelter that don't want to take some of the places offered them because then the aid people say "you got a place to stay, you don't need assistance". Speaking from experience most people need what Paul and Judy's brothers organization are doing, hands on help with whatever they need now. It is pretty draining emotionally to go through something like this. For me when Alma (my maid) came and helped it was a gift from God. On the morning after my door was off, I saw Josito and asked him if his store was open? He said no, what do you need? I showed him the broken hinges, he said he would come back in a couple hours with them. When he did come back he had an electric screwdriver and within 15 minutes that door was up! I gave him a big hug, it was another gift that was so appreciated I will never forget it. I had surveyed the things I had to do and how much energy I had to do them and putting the door back up (once I got the hinges) was allotted the latter 5 hours of the day. I know I am rambling but I am trying to give you an idea of what is needed. | ------------------------Re: Alaska Airlines policy re disaster relief
Posted by Marilyn Sudbeck on October 28, 2015, 9:51 pm, in reply to "Re: Alaska Airlines policy re disaster relief" 70.199.143.65
Two dentists donated toothbrushes for adults and kids plus floss that I will bring down unless someone is driving through Tacamo or Bremerton before Dec 6. | ------------------------Re: Alaska Airlines policy re disaster relief
Posted by Jeanne on October 29, 2015, 10:42 am, in reply to "Re: Alaska Airlines policy re disaster relief" 174.30.33.185
Thanks for your post on what is needed, Daniel. You're right--those of us on the outside have no idea, especially in light of conflicting reports. Many people are trying to do something, as I am, and we just don't know what to do. For sure, my check and my husband's check will go into that fund, but there's something kind of empty about writing a check from a distance. I don't really feel I have contributed, even if I have. I'll continue to try to get Alaska to lighten up on their policy, and I'll try to gather up what stuff I think might be helpful from up here in "stuff land," and if anyone hits on something that I can bring down to help, I'm happy to do it. Thanks again for setting me straight! See you soon! | ------------------------Re: Alaska Airlines policy re disaster relief
Posted by Daniel H on October 29, 2015, 3:47 pm, in reply to "Re: Alaska Airlines policy re disaster relief" 189.164.104.215
Your welcome Jeannie and thank you for taking my post so graciously. I only know one way to write and that is how it comes out of my head, which can be far from tactful most times. | ------------------------Re: Alaska Airlines policy re disaster relief
Posted by Rennie on November 1, 2015, 2:15 pm, in reply to "Re: Alaska Airlines policy re disaster relief" 216.232.248.81
I called Alaska Air Customer Service on Wed with a similar request and was directed to a Reservations agent. I asked if Alaska had any disaster relief fee-free suitcase service like WestJet and explained a bit about LM. She went off to ask her associates and came back on line to say they would waive a second bag bee for that reason. She said you had to check in in person and tell them. I believe she also made a note on my res saying that I had enquired. You may want to ask the same question in advance of your airport arrival. Clothes seems a doable thing (I've been asked to) and maybe DEETed insect repellent (I hear they are baaad though sprayed for already). The agent said, if it is aerosol, no container larger than 17 fl oz to a max of 68 fl oz. No limit on lotion or spritz types. And, of course, bring money. | ------------------------Re: Alaska Airlines policy re disaster relief
Posted by Carol Lopez on November 1, 2015, 3:26 pm, in reply to "Re: Alaska Airlines policy re disaster relief" 24.85.155.245
Thanks, Rennie! The squeaky wheel is getting through!...so does that mean, then, that the second bag is free, rather than the $25 that is the usual 2nd. bag rate, or is it the third bag that will be free, rather than the usual $75 for a third bag...think I'll call them again myself...it's getting complicated! In any case, I noticed that laundry detergent is needed, and now this product is available in the USA, too. It was developed in Canada. http://mydizolve.com/us/ If you scroll down, you will see a little flat box - it holds 64 of those movie-ticket sized strips, so that's 64 loads of laundry. Maybe that's a good use of the valuable space in our suitcases.
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Posted by Gary Jones on December 17, 2015, 1:09 am, in reply to "Re: Alaska Airlines policy re disaster relief"
Daniel As you know we helped Alma (who was the housekeeper for the house we rented) but we have not heard from her or her family in the last 3.5 weeks after leaving La Manzanilla. We have sent several emails to the email we were using to communicate with them while we were there. Please could you ask them to email us or give us an update on them. Thanks Gary and Kerry | ------------------------Re: Alaska Airlines policy re disaster relief
Posted by Daniel H on December 17, 2015, 3:18 am, in reply to "Re: Alaska Airlines policy re disaster relief" 189.164.115.5
Hi Gary, Alma and family are fine. I will give her your message when I see her Saturday. | ------------------------Re: Alaska Airlines policy re disaster relief
Posted by Gary Jones on December 17, 2015, 12:35 pm, in reply to "Re: Alaska Airlines policy re disaster relief"
Thanks Daniel Please ask if they can send photos as we would love to see the progress. Regards Gary | ------------------------Re: Alaska Airlines policy re disaster relief
Posted by Ron Smith on October 28, 2015, 10:26 pm, in reply to "Re: Alaska Airlines policy re disaster relief" 24.113.237.249
Jeanne Can I add some weight to your request to Alaska Airlines. Anne and I have a bit of their stock and have used that when things have gone sideways in our travels with them. Let me know who you are working with and if we can help with your efforts. Thanks for what you are doing. Ron | ------------------------Re: Alaska Airlines policy re disaster relief
Posted by Carol Lopez on October 29, 2015, 11:33 am, in reply to "Re: Alaska Airlines policy re disaster relief" 24.85.155.245
I think whatever we bring in our extra bags should be: - valuable in relation to its weight (to justify its space in the suitcase) - hard to find in Mexico, and yet needed by people trying to rebuild their homes and businesses. So, yes, money is the most practical thing to donate, but maybe in addition - a good bike? - should cost $75 extra, if Alaska Air does not relent...the quality of our bikes from the north is so much better that it is worth the expense a big container of rechargeable batteries? new or used hand tools used lego pieces (I've seen kids playing with lego for hours down there...and if you can persuade your grandchildren to give up a bag full of their used lego pieces, it is light, can fit into a corner of a suitcase, and will provide a lot of creative play value.) vitamins, supplements, that have a lot of nutrition/unit of space and weight By the way, I think wheelchairs are free to bring down - you can ride through the airport in it, and then donate it!
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Posted by Jill on November 5, 2015, 9:42 am, in reply to "Re: Alaska Airlines policy re disaster relief" 64.141.6.174
Yes wheelchairs are free, I always. Bring them to Mexico or guatemala but I just call it my wheelchair, which it is until I give it away. I limp when I check in, you can also take cutches, boot casts etc. they have never asked why I need these things, not politically correct. Jill
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