[Sparkle10]

My dtr packed her netbook in her luggage, tucked in with her clothes. When she got home and started unpacking her suitcase she discovered that her netbook was missing-the case was there, empty and shoved in the corner of her bag. I was told by the airline that it wasn't a "covered item" and therefore i could not file a claim. My complaint is that "someone" at the airline had the opportunity to open her luggage, rummage through her personal items, and take the "un-covered" netbook. I don't see how this would fall under the "not covered" list when it was tucked in with her clothing-not checked in as an individual item. I realize we take a chance by handing our personal belongings to "strangers" but I don't think that gives the "handlers" the right to dig through someone else's belongings. The airline starts with a J and ends with an E... I was extremely dissappointed with the way they handled this. Unfortunately "someone" found an "un-covered" item so they took it-knowing nothing could be done about it-but it opened my eyes to what probably happens to everyone on a daily basis....to know that "someone" has the freedom to rummage through my belongings and get away with it is extremely disturbing.

[The_Judge]

I won't go into the alternatives to what may have happened but you are indeed entitled to have everything in your luggage that was in it when you gave it to the airline. Contact the police and make a report. Then contact the airline, even their legal dept if customer service won't help you.

[jimworcs]

You are about to be inundated with messages telling you:

1. Why do you assume it is the airline and not the TSA.
2. The Terms and Conditions are clear not to pack electronic items
3. It is all your own fault
4. What do you expect.

Ignore them. If you hand your case over the JetBlue and they accept payment for that, they have a duty of care towards you and your belongings. Unfortunately, I don't know what the chances of any recovery are.. but it might be worth filing a claim with the DOT. There is a link on the Quick Links section of this website.

The restrictions on weight and size of hand luggage makes it difficult to carry everything onboard. Why this is used as a license to steal by airline employees or TSA employees I just don't know. It is OUTRAGEOUS.

[Sparkle10]

Thank you "Judge" for your words of wisdom, jimworcs-i appreciate the "heads up" fortunately i realize that opinions are like -you know what- and everyone has one. 8-).

TSA was not involved OR if they were, they neglected to leave a sweet little note behind.

As for terms and conditions about packing electronics, i understand and respect that---however, they should state "we don't screen our applicants so you run the risk of having your personal belongings rummaged through because nobody is held accountable and once you hand us your luggage they have the right to do and take whatever they want as long is it isn't a "covered item"

It is not my own fault, they are not doing me a favor, i am purchasing a service.

What do I expect? To be treated with respect.

[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.