HAVING FUN WITH JET AIRWAYS

On arrival at Delhi International (DEL) the transfer to the domestic terminal requires one to pick up checked bags - doesn't matter if they are checked through onward, usually. I sat by the belt until every last bag was gone and all the passengers too. Neither of my two bags appeared. But I was not worried, as I was ignorant of the facts and was only sitting there as a precaution. After all, my bags were checked through to Srinagar (SXR); I didn't know I had to pick up my bags at that point.

After check in (of your bags) at the domestic terminal all checked bags are subsequently screened and laid out on the tarmac. Passengers have to then individually identify each bag or it will not be loaded on the domestic flight. This is exactly when trouble started, when I first learned that my snowboard bag, and all my snowboard equipment, was missing. My other checked bag was there, and after being ID'd it was loaded for the flight to SXR. (I actually forfeited my connecting flight and took the next flight three hours later on the suggestion that it would give the crew time to find the missing bag).

During this bonus layover I learned that not only was my bag missing, but that the bag I did have should not have made it to the domestic terminal in any case - transfers to the domestic terminal requires the pick up of checked bags - doesn't matter if they are checked through onward. Usually. But nonetheless one of my bags was sitting there, on the tarmac. This remains a mystery that no one can explain.

I arrived in SXR on the 13th December, and I have repeatedly (every business day in Srinagar) visited the offices of Jet Airlines to inquire about my luggage. Between the parties in that office, and the Jet Airlines officials at SXR, and the Jet Airlines officials at DEL, no one can determine the whereabouts of the bag containing all of the gear I need for Gulmarg.

Sh*t! F*ck! Repeat!
Photo credit: MHIP