Luggageless in Ljubljana
May 29, 2018 8:29 AM Subscribe
Where can a tall, thin female get somewhat professional clothing in downtown Ljubljana right now? Also, how does one motivate an airline to find one's luggage?
My spouse is currently in Ljubljana, Slovenia, with only the clothes she stands up in, thanks to Air France losing her checked bags. Thankfully, she has ID, credit cards, phone, internet, all the vital things, but... where to get at least some clothes? She needs something vaguely professional - what's the closest thing to Banana Republic in downtown Ljubljana?
For bonus points: Any suggestions about how to get Air France to actually do something? As far as I can tell, luggage is just "delayed" until 21 says have passed and yelling at the airline isn't likely to achieve much, but suggestions are welcome.
My spouse is currently in Ljubljana, Slovenia, with only the clothes she stands up in, thanks to Air France losing her checked bags. Thankfully, she has ID, credit cards, phone, internet, all the vital things, but... where to get at least some clothes? She needs something vaguely professional - what's the closest thing to Banana Republic in downtown Ljubljana?
For bonus points: Any suggestions about how to get Air France to actually do something? As far as I can tell, luggage is just "delayed" until 21 says have passed and yelling at the airline isn't likely to achieve much, but suggestions are welcome.
Is she staying in a hotel? Or surely any business hotel in downtown is happy to direct someone to stores with American sizes?
posted by nakedmolerats at 8:36 AM on May 29, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by nakedmolerats at 8:36 AM on May 29, 2018 [1 favorite]
Best answer: A google search turned up The Emporium, a department store that closes at 9pm her time. It's on Airport Road (Letališka cesta, BTC). Phone: 3 · +386 1 584 48 00
Map and description: "This huge fashion house in the southwest corner of BTC has aisle after aisle of name-brand designer clothes for men, women and children at discount prices. With well over 100 different luxury brands to peruse they've been thoughtful enough to also include a café to rest weary legs and reload on caffeine.
Good luck to her. I hope she find something!
posted by zarq at 8:41 AM on May 29, 2018 [2 favorites]
Map and description: "This huge fashion house in the southwest corner of BTC has aisle after aisle of name-brand designer clothes for men, women and children at discount prices. With well over 100 different luxury brands to peruse they've been thoughtful enough to also include a café to rest weary legs and reload on caffeine.
Good luck to her. I hope she find something!
posted by zarq at 8:41 AM on May 29, 2018 [2 favorites]
Best answer: Her best bet is the BTC Shopping Center as Zarq mentioned. It is a big mall full of upscale clothing stores. I've shopped there before (although for art supplies, not clothes). It's an easy bus ride from downtown Ljubljana.
posted by all the light we cannot see at 9:21 AM on May 29, 2018
posted by all the light we cannot see at 9:21 AM on May 29, 2018
The inyourpocket guide for Ljubljana lists a number of large shopping centres; 'BTC' apparently has 450 shops. Here's the shop listing - they have H&M and Zara as well as smaller European chains like Bershka.
posted by mdonley at 9:22 AM on May 29, 2018
posted by mdonley at 9:22 AM on May 29, 2018
> Any suggestions about how to get Air France to actually do something?
Not suggesting you abandon hope, but if Air France is anything like British Airways, they will provide zero help (and make it hard to even find that out). If the luggage doesn't turn you your spouse will eventually get some the minimum financial recompense, but in the meantime expect nothing. With BA in my daughter's case it took months to get the lost luggage compensation. May your experience be better!
posted by anadem at 9:22 AM on May 29, 2018
Not suggesting you abandon hope, but if Air France is anything like British Airways, they will provide zero help (and make it hard to even find that out). If the luggage doesn't turn you your spouse will eventually get some the minimum financial recompense, but in the meantime expect nothing. With BA in my daughter's case it took months to get the lost luggage compensation. May your experience be better!
posted by anadem at 9:22 AM on May 29, 2018
You might want to ask the folks over at Flyertalk's Air France forum for advice on the luggage - they're almost always helpful and will have a good knowledge of who to speak to and what the conditions on the ground in France this/next week (a number of aviation-related strikes!) might mean for the likelihood of this bag making it to Slovenia.
posted by mdonley at 9:33 AM on May 29, 2018
posted by mdonley at 9:33 AM on May 29, 2018
I work in the travel industry and unfortunately, lost luggage is becoming an all too frequent problem. I compiled a list of helpful tips that I give to my clients before they travel. Some of this may not help you now, but might be useful in the aftermath or to other Mefites who plan on packing for trips in the future:
If the airlines lose your luggage, the best case scenario is that the airlines will eventually locate it and deliver it to you within a few days. We understand it’s a terrible inconvenience, so stay patient. Here are some helpful tips to lessen the stress:
Before you leave for your trip:
Pack essentials in your carry-on including your travel documents, all prescribed medications, an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses, toiletries (in TSA-approved sizes), a set of clothes and underwear and, of course, a phone charger.
Another helpful tip: if you are traveling with a partner, pack some of each other’s clothes. That way if only one of your suitcases is lost, then the other person will at least have some of your necessities.
Make sure your suitcase is tagged with your name and contact info – both on the outside with a name tag and your phone number / email address, as well as extra ID inside the suitcase, in case the name tag is ripped off.
If possible, take a picture of your suitcase, or at least remember the brand, size, and color, along with any other identifying markers (i.e. red ribbon tied to a handle or fun souvenir destination stickers). This tip is also helpful if your suitcase is damaged by the airlines.
After checking into your flights:
Always keep your boarding pass and baggage stickers (usually found on the back of your boarding pass). You will need both when filing your luggage claim with the airlines at the luggage counter when you discover it is missing or damaged.
If your luggage doesn’t arrive:
Once it’s clear that your luggage didn’t arrive at your destination, immediately head to your airline counter located near the baggage carousel. Patience is key, as lines may be long and there may be difficulty with language barriers.
Fill out a lost luggage claim and keep a copy, noting the reference, claim or file locator number. Make sure you leave behind your own contact phone number or the name and hotel you will be staying in for the next few days. You will find hotel information in your final itinerary. The airline is responsible for making sure your luggage gets to you through a delivery service. In most cases, the bag is usually re-routed and forwarded on to you within a few days.
Ask if there is a local airline number you can call to follow up at the airport. Some airlines offer a tracking service online – see below.
Exiting the airport:
Upon exiting the airport, notify your local guide about the problem and ask for assistance is tracking the luggage over the next day or so. S/he will be invaluable in communicating in the local language and are often familiar with airport staff.
If you are in immediate need of essentials, your guide can help you purchase some. Keep ALL receipts of purchases in case you need to file a travel insurance claim.
If your services do not include a local guide upon arrival, your hotel may have concierge staff who can assist you.
Ask the hotel for an amenities kit which may include basic toiletries to tide you over for a day or two.
Airlines can typically track your suitcase in the system and can advise you with an estimate of its arrival. Some even will provide a website with status updates.
In many cases, if you paid a luggage fee for checked luggage, you may be entitled to a refund from the airline.
Helpful airline websites for lost / delayed luggage:
https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/baggage/delayed-or-damaged-baggage.jsp
https://www.delta.com/bags/baggageTrackStatus.action
https://www.copaair.com/en/web/ca/baggage-claim-delay
https://www.latam.com/en_us/travel-information/baggage/problems-with-your-baggage/
https://www.avianca.com/sv/en/electronic-services/baggage-locator
http://help.jetblue.com/SRVS/CGI-BIN/webisapi.dll?New,Kb=askBlue,case=obj(2206)
posted by HeyAllie at 11:22 AM on May 29, 2018 [16 favorites]
If the airlines lose your luggage, the best case scenario is that the airlines will eventually locate it and deliver it to you within a few days. We understand it’s a terrible inconvenience, so stay patient. Here are some helpful tips to lessen the stress:
Before you leave for your trip:
Pack essentials in your carry-on including your travel documents, all prescribed medications, an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses, toiletries (in TSA-approved sizes), a set of clothes and underwear and, of course, a phone charger.
Another helpful tip: if you are traveling with a partner, pack some of each other’s clothes. That way if only one of your suitcases is lost, then the other person will at least have some of your necessities.
Make sure your suitcase is tagged with your name and contact info – both on the outside with a name tag and your phone number / email address, as well as extra ID inside the suitcase, in case the name tag is ripped off.
If possible, take a picture of your suitcase, or at least remember the brand, size, and color, along with any other identifying markers (i.e. red ribbon tied to a handle or fun souvenir destination stickers). This tip is also helpful if your suitcase is damaged by the airlines.
After checking into your flights:
Always keep your boarding pass and baggage stickers (usually found on the back of your boarding pass). You will need both when filing your luggage claim with the airlines at the luggage counter when you discover it is missing or damaged.
If your luggage doesn’t arrive:
Once it’s clear that your luggage didn’t arrive at your destination, immediately head to your airline counter located near the baggage carousel. Patience is key, as lines may be long and there may be difficulty with language barriers.
Fill out a lost luggage claim and keep a copy, noting the reference, claim or file locator number. Make sure you leave behind your own contact phone number or the name and hotel you will be staying in for the next few days. You will find hotel information in your final itinerary. The airline is responsible for making sure your luggage gets to you through a delivery service. In most cases, the bag is usually re-routed and forwarded on to you within a few days.
Ask if there is a local airline number you can call to follow up at the airport. Some airlines offer a tracking service online – see below.
Exiting the airport:
Upon exiting the airport, notify your local guide about the problem and ask for assistance is tracking the luggage over the next day or so. S/he will be invaluable in communicating in the local language and are often familiar with airport staff.
If you are in immediate need of essentials, your guide can help you purchase some. Keep ALL receipts of purchases in case you need to file a travel insurance claim.
If your services do not include a local guide upon arrival, your hotel may have concierge staff who can assist you.
Ask the hotel for an amenities kit which may include basic toiletries to tide you over for a day or two.
Airlines can typically track your suitcase in the system and can advise you with an estimate of its arrival. Some even will provide a website with status updates.
In many cases, if you paid a luggage fee for checked luggage, you may be entitled to a refund from the airline.
Helpful airline websites for lost / delayed luggage:
https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/baggage/delayed-or-damaged-baggage.jsp
https://www.delta.com/bags/baggageTrackStatus.action
https://www.copaair.com/en/web/ca/baggage-claim-delay
https://www.latam.com/en_us/travel-information/baggage/problems-with-your-baggage/
https://www.avianca.com/sv/en/electronic-services/baggage-locator
http://help.jetblue.com/SRVS/CGI-BIN/webisapi.dll?New,Kb=askBlue,case=obj(2206)
posted by HeyAllie at 11:22 AM on May 29, 2018 [16 favorites]
Best answer: If she's downtown, try Zara on Cankarjeva street or H&M on Čopova street. A bit more upscale is NAMA on Slovenska street, Max Mara on Miklošičeva street, Maximarket on Trg Republike. Or if she likes that kind of look, Desigual on Prešernov trg/Miklošičeva street. All of that is a short walk around the center.
If she needs any last-minute info, you can PM me with questions - I live here, but my style is more "cheap and casual" ;) but I'll try to help.
posted by gakiko at 4:49 AM on May 30, 2018 [3 favorites]
If she needs any last-minute info, you can PM me with questions - I live here, but my style is more "cheap and casual" ;) but I'll try to help.
posted by gakiko at 4:49 AM on May 30, 2018 [3 favorites]
Response by poster: The luggage finally appeared after five days. :-( BTC and H&M provided sneakers and enough clothing to get through until then. Next up: Getting Air France to cough up some compensation.
Thanks to everyone for the excellent answers, especially gakiko for the downtown suggestions.
posted by buxtonbluecat at 1:40 PM on June 5, 2018 [1 favorite]
Thanks to everyone for the excellent answers, especially gakiko for the downtown suggestions.
posted by buxtonbluecat at 1:40 PM on June 5, 2018 [1 favorite]
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posted by blob at 8:35 AM on May 29, 2018