Claim for damage to checked notebook PC
Nov 30, 2009, 10:42 am
#16
Join Date: Mar 2008
Programs: United 1K, HH Diamond, CBP Global Entry
Posts: 732
make a video...
like UNITED BREAKS GUITARS... you should make a video UNITED/TSA BREAKS LAPTOPS... 
Nov 30, 2009, 12:16 pm
#17
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: gggrrrovvveee (ORD)
Programs: UA Pt, Marriott Ti, Hertz PC
Posts: 6,091
Often, this is one of those things that sometimes you just don't think about until it happens to you. I, too, learned this lesson the hard way when we had a digital camera (mid-range point and shoot) stolen from one of our checked bags years ago. Since then, nothing of any significant value (electronics, jewelry, etc) has ever been checked. Sorry you learned this one the hard way, too.
Agree with others re: compensation from UA and TSA.
Agree with others re: compensation from UA and TSA.
Nov 30, 2009, 12:40 pm
#18
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Tokyo
Programs: DL Diamond, ANA Platinum
Posts: 1,532
The only electronics I ever check in are game consoles during the rare times I actually bring them in (like when moving countries). Does United expect me to carry on a PlayStation 3? 
They're cheap enough that I wouldn't be too heartbroken if they were stolen or broken. That said, I sure won't be doing that again. I'll just use airmail.
This is where the $99 FedEx option comes in handy, I say. Too bad it's domestic only.
They're cheap enough that I wouldn't be too heartbroken if they were stolen or broken. That said, I sure won't be doing that again. I'll just use airmail. This is where the $99 FedEx option comes in handy, I say. Too bad it's domestic only.
Nov 30, 2009, 4:06 pm
#19
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Boston, MA, U.S.A.
Programs: Cathay Pacific Marco Polo, Mileage Plus, WorldPerks
Posts: 29
Thanks everyone who commented. I did learn my lesson. I guess I was just lucky that this didn't happen to me earlier-- I had done this type of laptop packing more than a dozen times before this incident. Oh, and I will read fine prints more closely from now on.
I won't be calling UA for further compensation. I haven't decided whether or not I will file a claim with TSA.
I won't be calling UA for further compensation. I haven't decided whether or not I will file a claim with TSA.
Nov 30, 2009, 6:11 pm
#20
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Crystal City, VA
Programs: United Mileage Plus 1K 2 MM, HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Platinum
Posts: 2,627
Back in the days before laptops, I had an Apple SE-30. I purchased a special Zero-Halliburton case for it, aluminum, combo lock, with custom foam cutouts to hold the computer, keyboard, and mouse. This wouldn't fit into anyone's overhead bin, so it had to be checked.
I checked it on several occasions, as well as UPS'ed it. Never had any issues.
The computer is long gone, but I still have the case!
Agree with folks about not checking laptops or netbooks. I mean, that's the whole point of them; to carry on and use in-flight.
I checked it on several occasions, as well as UPS'ed it. Never had any issues.
The computer is long gone, but I still have the case!
Agree with folks about not checking laptops or netbooks. I mean, that's the whole point of them; to carry on and use in-flight.
Nov 30, 2009, 8:59 pm
#21
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Houston
Programs: AA EXP; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott Titanium, Hilton Diamond, UA 1.56MM (fmr UA1K)
Posts: 5,770
The only laptop that you should pack in checked luggage is the one that you don't want to use anymore. 