Stolen Items from Checked Luggage

December 17, 2004 10:25 PM

Unpacking from a recent flight back to the U.S. from abroad, I just noticed that a few things were missing from my checked baggage (a pair of high-quality outdoor jackets). I'm wondering which avenue of renumeration would be the best to pursue - the airline (Continental), my renter's insurance policy, even the TSA - and how?

I've heard horror stories of runarounds from the airlines on things like this, and although the TSA is supposed to be paying in certain instances, I have no idea how to file a claim, or prove things one way or another (I know they were in there when I packed...).

For that matter, what about things that get damaged during plane flights, like bikes?

posted by gottabefunky to Travel & Transportation (7 answers total)

Was there a notice from the TSA in your bag saying they'd searched your bag?

I once (pre-TSA) had a phone and answering machine combo stolen out of a bag of mine at LaGuardia. I had receipts and everything (I'd just bought it and was taking it to college with me), and eventually got USAir to pay for it, but it took about six or eight weeks and almost as many phone calls and letters. Runaround city.
posted by Vidiot at 10:48 PM on December 17, 2004

You have to pursue CO first. Don't expect it to be easy, unfortunately. This kind of question is best on Flyertalk.

I assume you took a connecting flight back in the U.S.; otherwise the TSA wouldn't enter into it.

For that matter, what about things that get damaged during plane flights, like bikes?

I've shipped my bike via plane twice and had to sign a waiver each time. I'd expect that if it were damaged I'd be up shit creek without a paddle. Of course if it were damaged I'd still expect replacement.
posted by grouse at 3:26 AM on December 18, 2004

You can file a claim with the TSA. As grouse suggests, I'd contact Continental, as well.

The TSA has tracked, since November 2002, the number of claims submitted by airline passengers for alleged theft, loss or damage to personal items.
posted by ericb at 6:53 AM on December 18, 2004

grouse has a valid point regarding your flight having originated overseas. If you made no connection in the States, after having cleared customs/immigration, then you would need to contact the relevant security administration at the airport from which you departed.
posted by ericb at 6:58 AM on December 18, 2004

Osama has those jackets now, my friend.

(note: dumb responses are allowed after a question has been sufficiently answered)
posted by mecran01 at 7:31 AM on December 18, 2004

I'm glad they're tracking the claims - they never got back to me about breaking my iBook latch with a screwdriver.

Fuckers.

Doesn't surprise me that they're thieving fuckers, too.
posted by ikkyu2 at 2:19 PM on December 18, 2004

Response by poster: Probably too late, but here are more details: the flight originated in Quito, Ecuador, where I think the thefts probably occured (check it at 6 am, flight delayed until noon). Connected through Houston for Albuquerque. They disappeared somewhere en route.
posted by gottabefunky at 5:20 PM on December 18, 2004