02. Airport Luggage Lost and Found 1 (32회 읽음)

1. Audio for 2 0103 2012 Lost and Found 1.mp3

Maybe you're among the millions of Americans who are flying this holiday season and you've encountered the hidden costs and the blatant fees airlines now charge at every turn. But you may not know that that 30$ checked bag fee is just one way airlines can get money out of your luggage. The can also sell it.

Whoever coined the phrase half the fun is getting there clearly hasn't flown in awhile, and certainly not during the holidays. nearly 44 million Americans are expected to crisscross the country by air, in the weeks leading up to Christmas and New Year's.

The price tag for that holiday trip home, an average of more than $400 round trip. Industry experts say airlines have increased fares nine times this year alone. And that doesn't include those dreaded fees.

Last year, Americans shelled out an eye-popping $5.7 billion, most to check bags, some to change reservations. In exchange, you'd expect your luggage to be there when you land. 99% of bags do make it. But every year, millions do not.

Excuse me. Hi. You lost my bag. Am I supposed to spend the entire weekend with just the clothes on my back? It happened to Ben Stiller in "Meet the Parents." He was forced to wear his girlfriend's robe. My pajamas were in the suitcase with everything else.

Now imagine how humiliated he'd be if while he was stoking that pink robe someone else was here, buying his pajamas, his shoes, even his cologne.

Welcome to the unclaimed baggage center in tiny Scottsboro, Alibama. It's someplace special, all right. 

How much stuff is in here? Well, we think we have about a million items that pass through every year. Brenda Cantrell is store's spokesperson. And today, at least, its spokesmodel. Oh, yes, the shoes I have on, the dress I have on, even the wedding band I have on. You're a walking sample of the store? Yes, exactly. Your wedding band? I got it here for a couple of dollars.

It is astounding what you find here. This is a sign of modern travel here as well, huh? We have thousands and thousands of neck pillows. I bet. This is the only store of it's kind in the US. Its owners have an exclusive contract with the airlines.
If a bag is unclaimed for ninety days, it's legal to sell whatever's inside. And we do mean whatever. Cut~. Really? Clothes are a big seller. And what goes under them sells surprisingly well, too. Items here are 20~80% off suggested retail.