Originally Posted by DestinationUnknown
When packing to return home to SEA from MIA (AS17 on 10-14), I wrapped my sunglasses (in soft case) inside of a sweatshirt and packed the sweatshirt in the center of my checked bag. I have done this many times and have never had an issue. My bag was TSA inspected after it was checked, and its contents repacked. Whatever TSA dumb A$$ inspected my bag decided that my sun glasses would be safest unwrapped from the sweatshirt and placed on the top of everything else in my bag.
Well, when I unpacked at home my glasses were destroyed, bent completely out of shape with deep scratches across one of the lenses. I called TSA's 1-866 number at the bottom of the "Notice of Baggage Inspection" slip that was inside my suitcase and asked for a claim form to be sent to me.
My question is, Has anyone else had any similar experiences, and does TSA actually make good on damage claims (they dont seem to be good at much else).
Thanks
You're lucky you got your sunglasses back at all. Having said that, you owe it to yourself to file a claim against the TSA. It sounds like the evidance is overwhelming that TSA negligence caused the damage and not the airlines.
Bear in mind that the TSA uses the standard USG damage claim form, which is incredibly long & complicated and is designed for all sorts of claims aginst the government. (I've filled out several of these forms over the years to claim household goods damage during military moves.)
Many people become intimidated and don't follow through. You've got the TSA love note and the physical evidence of a screener's negligence. Press on and be prepared to wait upwards of a year. It's a good idea to include digital pictures of the suitcase, the love note and the damaged sunglasses as well as credible proof of replacement cost. Don't forget to include shipping and sales tax. Give the TSA about four months to respond. If they haven't, copy the whole package with a cover letter to your congressman. Then, the TSA will have to do twice the work: answer the "congressional" and respond favorably to your damage claim.
Good luck and don't give up the fight.