I agree with SPNlifer here...the airline is indeed the bailee of the luggage, (further evidenced by the issuing of a claim check) the airline is assuming the posession under contract of carriage. The implication in issuing pnrs with unique claim check numbers would seem to be that only someone who holds the equivanet claimcheck is entitled to recieve the bag.

Interesting....

I wonder if there *really* is a reasonable expectation within the contents of the contract that the airline will execrise due diligence to ensure that the baggage is secure in accordance with the conditions of travel , or is that an unreassonable expectation nowdays?

well...back to the Co seatmaps...

FMiY