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Laptop Travel Damage - Who's at Fault?
Denagoth asks: "Due to increased security measures, airport personnel are now directly handling everyone's laptop, PDA, and other electronic gizmos. Who is at fault when (not if - but I've been lucky) an airport employee drops, damages, (or even worse) loses one of these devices? Has anyone had any experience in this area and are there any legal precedents to fall back on?"
They are probably liable. If you put the machine into their hands, there is essentially a bailment. They agree to take reasonable care and not damage your stuff.
Now, there are probably all sorts of signs and regulations that disavow their responsibility. This is bullshit. Chances are that even a complete laptop replacement will fall under the statute of limitations on small claims where you are. A suit filed there, against the company, the airline, the employee (all at the same time. Important) should be taken care of quickly. If it even gets that far.
If something happens, I suggest asking to speak to a manager, and asking what kind of 'incident report form' they have to fill out.
You are, of course, having your computer shit hand checked, not run through the x-ray, right? If you put stuff on the x-ray belt, you're going to be liable, most likely. Yet another reason to request a hand check in the unlikely chance you don't get one.
Jesus was all right but his disciples were thick and ordinary. -John Lennon
I just called our insurance agent today regarding this - schedule laptops with a minimal deductible. The rate for us was about $.75 / $100 value / year, covering loss, theft, or basically anything else that removes my ability to make use of it. This is by adding it to my folk's current homeowner's insurance plan.
You'll need the standard stuff - receipts, serial numbers, and all that jazz.
I'm flying tomorrow (today), and I am truly not looking forward to going through security with both my powerbook and two hard drives as well.
... that's all i wrote...