Adventures in Claiming Baggage

In this delightful beginning of the New Year, my holiday has officially ended.  I am thrust back into the hot, humid stench known as Houston, Texas.  For most travelers, there is a  slight anxiety regarding checking in luggage.  Many airlines charge a monetary fee for checking in a bag, with additional charges for exceeding the weight limit.  Today, was not an exception, as I paid a grand total of $65.00 for checking in my 54.5 lb suitcase.  Upon finally arriving in Houston, I made the trek to the baggage claim.  There is usually a crowd surrounding the exact location where the luggage actually falls onto the carousel.  Husbands, boyfriends, and sons guard the slide, to be the first to catch the suitcases that are sent down by the baggage handlers.  There are many occasions when I have waited up to 30 minutes for my baggage to arrive.  On a few occasions, I have been tempted to climb up the slide thing myself, to assure that the handler-guys are actually doing their job and not jacking off.  However, most of those fellows likely spend more time jacking each other off than actually properly handling luggage.  

Luggage is significant to each person in a unique way. Many of us use luggage as a receptacle for their most prized possessions, including new shoes and clothes.  My luggage contained several new clothing purchases, and with great difficulty and effort, I was able to actually close the suitcase.  While we wait at the baggage claim, tension invades our usual contentment, as there is the pervasive fear that our baggage will not arrive.  Passengers stare with great focus and hope at the slide on which the baggage is sent.  All eyes are on the slide.  When one is able to identify and obtain his/her suitcase, car seat, or small piece of furniture, it is the best feeling.  I always notice when people get their luggage, how they strut with those smug expressions, the "Yeah, I got my suitcase and you didn't, sucker!".  Some of the suitcases look alike, and when you see one that you think is yours and it's not, it is the biggest let down.  Of course, being that I flew USAir, my suitcase did not arrive.  They happily charge money for these things, but, fail in executing their actual responsibility.  So, somewhere, my finds from Filene's Basement and H&M are floating in either Washington or Charlotte and hopefully not on the bodies of some airport employees who think that it is still Christmas.