[Inkedadeal]

I am a Premier member on United, having flown them for years without issue. I have even had luggage lost on prior occasions, returned to me without any problem whatsoever...until last Wednesday.
I was forced to gate check a bag on Wednesday at PHL due to a lack of overhead space. My bag was checked planeside, and we departed for ORD within minutes. Upon my return home, I found that my medication, purse (consolidated per TSA regulations- but thankfully my wallet and cell were not in there) were gone. The thief that UA employs was kind enough to remove my work ID, though, from my purse and leave it in my suitcase.
Yes, I called. Filed a claim via fax (which they claim to not have received), even went back to ORD and met with Baggage Services personally. Everyone tells me that Customer Relations will be reaching out, but I have yet to hear from anyone.
I will say, though, that the theft is only part of my concern. If United's areas are so insecure that rampant theft can occur, then why can't someone with intent plant something like an explosive devise in a checked bag and put it onto an aircraft? Does the union protect its membership to the degree that it won't allow locker checks or demands of clear plastic purses of its employees to protect against such theft?
As passengers, we deserve a level of protection- for ourselves and our belongings. My loses with United ended with this flight. I won't risk my life to fly an unsecured airline. I feel horrible about sending my parents on a United flight to Italy with some of my miles this spring. Had I only known that I could have placed their lives in jeopardy, I would have never done it.
I will tell you, though, that I am not done...no one on this board should be done. We deserve better. I filed a police report with the Chicago Police Dept., a security issues report with the TSA, and a complaint with the DOT. And no...I am not done yet. Just today I read an article about a delayed UA passenger that was impressed he had received an automated email from United apologizing for the delay...with a choice of three apology gifts!! I will tell you, United, because I know someone in your Marketing group reads these boards from time to time, that if you have the resources for these sorts of touchy-feely proactive service initiatives, you certainly have the resources to place cameras in all of your baggage handling facilities and expedite claims from your customers who made the mistake of trusting you with their belongings (sometimes, as in my case, against our will).
I have flown United for years and would proactively recommend (even defend) you. None of that mattered to you...I am still waiting on a call from Customer Relations that I was supposed to get the very next day from you. If you do read this, please don't bother calling me after June 5. I will be enjoying a nice beach vacation that I decided to book...ON ANOTHER AIRLINE.