Missing a laptop? Baggage handlers arrested with stolen goods

by Jamie Rhein on

As far as I can tell, I haven’t had anything stolen from baggage in my travels. I’ve had it opened with an official notice left inside that it’s been searched. As we’ve found out by messages about baggage handlers posted on Gadling–this post has 276 comments–others have not been so fortunate. Some people, though, may get their stolen goods back–not necessarily those who have told us of their woes, but other people.

According to this article at abcActionNews.com, three baggage handlers, employees of Delta Global Services that were contracted by Continental Airlines, were arrested at the Tampa International Airport for stealing goods. From my understanding, it sounds like the police suspected baggage handling funny business because a laptop in bag that was to go to Houston was rigged. The computer didn’t make it to Houston. Instead it was sold. When the new owner turned the computer on, it transmitted a signal so it could be traced. By back-tracking from the woman who bought the computer, the police were able to find out who stole it. Good deal!

Now comes the business of finding the people so they can be reunited with their belongings. Some belongings were still in the thieves’ possession. In case you’re wonder what your electronics are worth to the person who steals them:

  • laptops: $60
  • digital cameras: $50
  • iPods: $10

Flying on Continental later this week? Stop by Newark for free hot dogs

by Grant Martin on

If you’re traveling through Newark on Continental Airlines this Thursday or Friday, stop by one of the Phoenix bound gates — you might be able to score some free goodies.

In a bid to support their team as the “official airline of the New York Giants”, Continental is celebrating by hosting a cornucopia of festivities at the Liberty Airport. In addition to the euphoric feeling of seeing Eli in the Superbowl, passengers will be subject to “Giants alumni appearances by Sean Landeta, Karl Nelson, Bill Ard and Stephen Baker, complimentary hot dogs and refreshments, decorated terminals and Giants season highlights.”

Sure, it’s lame corporate sponsorship, but you can’t beat getting free hot dogs while you’re at the airport.

In case you’re wondering, direct flights from Newark to Phoenix depart at 11:30, 12:00, 3:40, 5:30 and 7:25. Steal some extra hot dogs for me.

Common Cold Curses Continental Customer

by Dave Luna on

Hawaiian student Rachel Collier caught a cold while on holiday in New York. She thought nothing of it until she began coughing aboard her return flight shortly before take off. The spell was so violent that she lost her voice. A doctor passenger looked Collier over and certified that the girl would be fine to fly home.

However, the captain disagreed. The plane returned to the terminal, and the crew dropped the ill ingenue and a chaperoning teacher back at the gate. They were forced to book lodging for the night and a flight for the following day. Thankfully, the carrier, Continental Airlines, apologized to the girl and reimbursed her for those expenses.

When I see sick people on airplanes, I immediately think of Patrick Dempsey in that movie Outbreak. I picture him coughing all over the plane passing on that deadly monkey virus to everyone. I wouldn’t have minded if I saw the young girl ejected because I wouldn’t want to end up in a quarantined town with Donald Sutherland threatening me with his Jeeps and helicopters. No, thank you.

ExpressJet Flies Off On Its Own

by Iva Skoch on

You might think they’re new, but you may have already flown them. They’re ExpressJet, the Houston-based regional contract carrier for Continental, often branded Continental Express (since they were spun off of Continental back in 2002).

Following in the footsteps of the now-defunct Independence Air (the former contract carrier that lasted 19 months on its own after losing its United Airlines’ contract), they’re starting service on their own, since Continental’s shifted some of their business over to their other contract carrier, Chautauqua Airlines.

Flying forty-four of the familiar 50-seat Embraer jets, they plan to serve 24 smaller regional airports, avoiding airports where the big airlines have hubs. Look for them in smaller cities like Sacramento, Spokane, Boise, El Paso, Raleigh, San Diego, and others.