[The_Judge]

Wise words from jim about the DOT but I think airlines are getting immune and they have people that deal with them everyday and probably have lunch together on a regular basis. I still think the police need to be contacted and have to investigate the airline. They'll get referred to the legal dept and with yoiur previous contact with the airline, a DOT complaint and a police report, the airline will have to respond in some manner.

If all else fails, small claims court would have to be a last resort.

Just as an aside.....the TSA is involved with all luggage orginating in the US. Just because they didn't leave their calling card inside doesn't mean they weren't in there. I mean, does a thief always try to leave his fingerprints at a crime? I'm not detouring the blame as truly, the airline is responsible no matter if TSA ripped it off or not. You entrusted your belongings to them and they have to own up to it.