I travel more than many, I suspect. I have extreme wanderlust, so I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to see the world. And I have been pretty lucky with all my adventures; my luggage has only gone on a walk-about 3 1/2 times. And I have always gotten it back—eventually.
The first time was the most upsetting. I was traveling to Edinburgh to do my one women show “I didn’t mean to be a Virgin in the 80s” at the Fringe Festival. (It’s still an adorable show that would make a great RomCom—hint hint investors). I packed my very important not easily replaced costume in my carry-on luggage – since it was vital to the whole show. The very unpleasant gate agent at American Airlines made me gate check my bag—stating it was too big. (I know for a fact having been on their website it met the regulation size) But if you have ever tired to argue with anyone at the gate—you will lose and get invited not to be on the flight. I arrived in Edinburgh without my very important piece of luggage. Apparently my costume wanted to go to Germany. I cried to the lost luggage agent. My month long show run was going to start with a canceled opening night if that green dress didn’t find its way back to me in less than 10 hours. The lovely lady at British Airlines not only VIP’ed my lost bag, she attended the opening show and bought 3 friends. The Scottish are lovely people.
The second time my luggage went on holiday without me was my first Middle East Military tour. I arrived in Djibouti (Africa in case your are not sure of the geography), after about a 47-hour travel day with nothing but the clothes on my back. To give you some insight. Djibouti in August is about 130 degrees and it was in the middle of a sandstorm. Weather that exfoliates- fantastic. Thankfully the base had plenty of T-shirts to share but I had to perform in my travel shoes. (I don’t fly wearing my CFM shoes, more on that later). Djibouti is a 3rd world country. There are no Nordstrom or DSWs to pick up a new pair of “Laura shoes”. I was actually nervous about performing in my ‘travel shoes’ silly I know, but it is the first and only time in over 3000+ shows I was not in fancy shoes. FYI my bag went to Germany again, without me. My suitcase and I were reunited 3 days later at the airport as I left Djibouti.
Ok, back to travel shoes. Since I fly more than most, I have done some reading on safety. Flying is still the safest mode of transportation. FYI.
Travel tips: You are supposed to wear long pants, closed toe shoes, with rubber soles, and sadly no high heels. Incase of an emergency the rubber sole will protect your feet from heat, ice, fire and/or debris. Long pants and enclosed footwear again protection from the elements if needed. I hope never to be in a plane emergency but I also don’t think it hurts to be prepared.
I stated my luggage has been lost 3 ½ times, because about 2 years ago on a trip home from NYC my bag was plucked up by accident by a big shot Hollywood agent type at baggage claim. (Check the tags people) To his credit the bag is high end and in a distinctive color. I had never seen another one like it either. Which is why he absconded with my bag without looking at the tag. When his bag was left and mine was gone– I knew the problem. I could of involved the airline baggage authorities, but I think that would have complicated the issue. So I just called the number on the tag (a good reason to do this- FYI) and explained the situation. At first he did not believe me. “ No one ever has a bag like mine.” “Well I do and you have my stuff.’ He made his limo driver pull over and he checked. Sure enough—voila- he had taken the wrong suitcase. Since he was already 20 minutes from LAX and on his way to an ‘important’ meeting he asked if I could wait 30 minutes and his driver would come back, return my bag and give me a ride home. Thirty minutes is a much quicker turn around time than dealing with lost luggage personnel and I got a ride home in limo—so I consider it a win.
This last week my luggage and I parted ways in London. I barely made the connecting flight from Amsterdam, so I knew my luggage had no chance. If you have ever traveled through Heathrow, you know that connecting flights and customs requires at LEAST an hour, and more if you have to switch terminals, I had 35 minutes. I ran, I mean RAN like in the movies to get to my connecting flight. Barely made it—I was the second to the last person to board before closing the doors. I knew then that my luggage would be hanging out in London for the night while I flew to Seattle. Sure enough I arrived sans luggage. My case would be on the next flight from London arriving the next day about 5pm. Problem- I was performing 3-4 hours from the airport and I only have the clothes I have been wearing the last two days and no show/ CFM shoes. I explained this to the lost luggage lady and she was unsure if the airline would cover what they considered to be a non-necessary expense. So on my drive north of Seattle I purchased what I thought were essentials for the next 24-hour plus hours, which included a pair of CFM/ Laura shoes. When my luggage and I reunited 36 hours later, with a wheel missing—my luggage went on a wild ride. Thankfully, I was graciously reimbursed for all my ‘ nessasary ’ purchases including my new shoes. So thank you British Airlines for losing my luggage? That doesn’t seem right, but I do love my new shoes. So thank you for that. 
Laura
