Now I realize this might be a crazy question, but has anyone ever gotten anything after complaining about a damaged bag?

Here's the backstory. Flying AUS-IAH-MSP on Sunday and checked golf clubs and a small rollaboard bag. Wouldn't have checked the rollaboard, but I had to check the clubs anyway so I figured what the hell.

Anyway, the clubs came through fine (I have a very good case), but the handle for my six-month old Travelpro rollaboard was gone -- flat-out ripped off of the bag.

I realize that the fine print says they're not responsible for handles, wheels, etc. -- as the agent reminded me in typical CO fashion (in other words grunted at me and wouldn't even offer a 'sorry').

So has this happened to anyone? And if so, has CO been willing to compensate with anything more than a go-away-and-leave-us-alone?

Thanks in advance.

Oh, one more thing in case it matters. I'm a silver who'll do somewhere around 50 OnePass segments (though more are on NW metal than CO)

If you were still in the airport you might have had a shot if you asked to speak with a supervisor. Also, it might make a difference whether the bag was left with no other handles or ways for it to be picked up or rolled. Maybe you could write a letter and try to make that distinction. I recently had a business trip to Europe where I took many flights during the course of the month. I had no problems on any carrier. I then flew LGW EWR LAX. In EWR since they make you claim your bags upon arriving internationally, when I rechecked the bag to LAX it was in perfect shape. Upon arrival in LAX, I saw that the bag had a large gash in it and a torn off frame/wheel. So much so--- that CO would NEVER let me check it again without it being fixed. I made a big fuss (I am sure that flying from LGW EWR to LAX made me a little punch drunk). They tried to tell me that they were not responsible for "minor scratches, blemishes, evidence of use, etc" and handed me a photocopy of that wording. I then asked to see the complete contract of carriage. I then asked for a supervisor. I asked him whether I would be allowed to check this bag again? The answer was most likely no--- so I tried to reason with him that it was not "minor damage" if I had to buy a new bag each time I flew CO. I then said, let's call the We Care line together and see what they say. They then asked me what it would take to get me out of there. I ended up negotiating a $200 voucher toward a future flight and bought a new bag for that amount.

2 years ago, I flew into LAS. One bag in my party (not mine) got really messed up - the front zippers got ripped off and one of the handles was missing.

We went to the baggage office and within seconds of explaining what happened; they disappeared for a few seconds and then came back with almost the exact same bag. They even let him keep his old one!