The problem is, it's not something you can just pick up at Best Buy, so the trip would've been a total loss (it was for business).
The problem is, it's not something you can just pick up at Best Buy, so the trip would've been a total loss (it was for business).
They do. A group of them play in the local co-ed sports leagues, including one in upper management. I had an issue at a different airport, filed a minor claim, and when I next saw them mentioned it wondering if it will just get filed away in the bin. They said I most likely just got someone fired. Later I heard that manager mentioned the story in a meeting reminding them of diligence and professionalism. Though, I've never had issues at my home airport where they work -- and they take issue with agents at airports like the other one that make their job more difficult/unpleasant. They take a lot of abuse.
Yeah, Best Buy is right out. So are most local camera shops (if you can even find one where you're going), since many won't stock a $3k lens.
But there are camera shops in the world that will deliver things very fast -- for a price.
Might there be insurance available that softens that kind of blow to an adequate level? Maybe not erasing your loss, but making it able to be absorbed and still get some work done in 16-24 hours or something?