American Airlines strikes again.

Two months ago, I swore that I would not be flying American Airlines in the future, due to their deplorable behavior during our lost luggage debacle.

I knew I would have to use them at least once more when I used the $175 travel voucher they tried to placate us with, but I also knew I would be booking direct flights... Well, the time came to book with them again yesterday, when Kellie and I bought tickets for Ashleigh's wedding (and our road trip) in October.

We decided to fly into Boston, and then out of Washington DC, and found the flights we wanted. $369 round trip, including all taxes and fees and everything. But when I tried to book, what happened?

I couldn't use my voucher online. You have to make your reservations over the phone in order to use the voucher.

And what happens when you make your reservation over the phone? They charge you an additional $15 "service" fee.

What the shit is that???? You lose my luggage. Then you're total and complete assholes about the fact that you lost my luggage. Then, after months of complaints and being tossed around, you try to "make good" by giving me a voucher for less than half of what I paid for you to lose my luggage in the first place! Then, when I try to use that voucher, I have to PAY TO USE THE VOUCHER!

I am sooo pissed off about this, I can't even tell you. I shake my fist (repeatedly) at American Airlines, their stupid bleeding of their customers, and their absolutely awful customer service. Once this flight is over, I will be doing everything in my power to not support them.

Who'd have thunk it?

So, THAT'S what happens to all of your stuff when it's permanently lost by airlines! They freakin' hold onto it, then SELL IT! Since American Airlines lost my bag on the way to my vacation in February, I've been overly interested in what happens to the lost/missing bags. I finally have my answer! Here's an article from Budget Travel about how and where you can buy "leftover loot" from the TSA. Ok, so it's mostly stuff confinscated by the TSA, but still. After reading it, I discovered the Oregon State Surplus site, as well as the Oregon State eBay store.

And, just to keep me entertained, I read this article called "Confessions of a Baggage Handler." I blame miscommunication and stupid American Airlines for the "misplacement" of our bags. Yeah, for seven weeks? Suck it.

I shake my fist at you, baggage handlers and TSA!