[FrustratedwithAA]

We departed Des Moines Iowa on May 26th and my carry on had to be scanned three times due to mishandling of security. We missed our flight then noticed when we finally got to chicago that two packs of cigarettes were gone. They were either taken by the scanner people or somebody who red tagged the bag in des moines. I am very disappointed in americanairlimes and will use someone else next time.

[globalgrinch]

I recently flew abaord American Airlines from Miami (the worlds worst airport - without a doubt). I had checked my bags, and was about to board the last flight to Freeport. A moment before climbing the steps into the plane I was stopped and told that my carry-on would have to go under the plane as opposed to the overheads. They took my bag a distance of no more than a few feet.
After landing, I imediately retreived my bag and entered the terminal to retrieve my larger, checked luggage. After clearing immigration I went to hail a taxi. As I reached into my wallet, which had been deep iside my carry-on bag, I was shocked to discover that nearly $1500 in cash was missing.
I immediately contacted the Miami Police, and was told to speak with the Airport detatchment. I also contacted American Airlines. In both cases I was advised to simply come to the American Airlines Baggage counter when flying back through Miami just two days later. I followed their advice and was even more shocked when they told me that I was too late to file a claim. I argued long and hard with the attendant, but it got me nowhere.
This is aparently a common scam. It is also apparently a common response from American Airlines. Therefore I will be forced to take matters into my own hands. The next time I fly to Freeport from Miami, I am simply going to claim that I just had a rolex watch, about $3000 in cash and a small collection of rookie baseball cards stolen from my carry-on. And you can bet that I will be making the claim right there, in the airport, on the spot with absolutely no delay. One way or another, I WILL get my money back!
American Airlines Baggage Handlers are theives and the airline isn't at all interested in preventing the crime. Even when people are prepared to press charges.
I have decided to fight fire with fire.

[roc999]

Cancelled flight, delayed luggage, broken bag, lost camera, cancelled flight again. All this in one AA trip to Cancun and AA did not want to pay even the damaged items. STAY AWAY FROM AA. There is a good reason they are close to bankruptcy.

[jimworcs]

There is a serious problem with theft in airlines. Many airline employees are liars and thieves and airline management and airport based police seemed to be "looking the other way". There is particularly a problem with hand luggage which is taken from passengers at the gate and this forum provides hundreds of examples of this abuse.

The employees know that these bags are "rich pickings", because this is the bag that is most likely to contain valuables. Often passengers are shocked that their bag is being taken from them and don't think to take their valuables out or even have time. This badly needs regulation. It should be required that where an airline takes hand luggage from the passenger, they should be given a warning that the airline will not accept liability for valuables and that they should be given sufficient time to remove them from the bag. If the airline does not do this, they should bear full liability for any losses.

globalgrinch, posting your determination to engage in fraud in the future to "get even" is bonkers. Wouldn't you be better to get in touch with your Congressman and push for tougher regulation?

[lagunabeachbum@yahoo.com]

On Sunday was flying home from Reno to Chicago, had to deal with another delayed plane, stressed about the whole traveling that I decided since it was a direct flight to put most of my stuff in the check in bag. Well here it is Tues and no luggage. This had my bi-pap machine my camera and my boyfriend and I got engaged in Lake Tahoe and I had hid my engagement ring in my make up bag because it had to be sized yet. I figured out the cost of stuff in my luggage close to $4,000 I am very frustrated right now... How can a direct flight lose your luggage??? I will never ever fly AA again!!!!

[AirlineSympathizer]

Why would you put $4000 worth of things in your checked luggage and not pay for extra insurance on it? Or buy travel insurance?