What was the dollar amount you are claiming that was lost? It is very unusual for any airline to get an attorney involved unless you threatened to sue them first. Did you try to initiate a claim with your homeowners insurance first? Believe it or not they sometimes cover losses such as items stolen from your car while parked or valuables taken from your bags while traveling. You should also check with the issuer of the credit card with which you purchased the tickets. Sometimes there is an automatic but often limited travel insurance policy that you might be able to make a claim against.
Why do I get the feeling that once again we're only getting part of the story here? Incidentally, Ms. Heathernicoleb, neither Mrs. Bush is the first lady any longer.