Checking In

Don't check the laptop!

Thu Aug 10, 3:10 AM ET

Serious road warriors have got to be tired people. I'm not just talking about jet lag issues, but also the fatigue that comes from shuffling in and out of various airports, spending little time in the open air and sun on travel days, and nights in unfamiliar hotel beds.

Sometimes, that fatigue can cause a traveler to overlook something critical. 

Frequent flier Irene Fanelli found herself in that situation recently. On a morning United Airlines flight from Los Angeles to Oakland, she inadvertently checked her Apple laptop at the gate. "I was overtired and not paying attention,'' she says. "I turned to board and realized I forgot the laptop. I immediately turned back to retrieve the computer in time to watch a baggage handler literally throw my bag onto the chute.''

At that point, there was nothing to be done except hope the computer survived the trip without major damage. No such luck.

Fanelli, again, too tired to remember that she had seen the laptop thrown, made it to her hotel room before realizing she had not checked the machine yet. Sure enough, the computer was dented and the disk drive mangled. She called United, which advised her to return to the Oakland airport to file a claim. Then she went to an Apple store to find out how much it would cost to repair the Apple: $1,025.

Fanelli launched an email campaign. After a lengthy back and forth with the airline, United gave her two systemwide upgrades valued at greater than $1,500. She admits she is at fault for checking her precious computer, but still thinks the airline should be responsible for replacing it.

What do you think? Does Irene deserve some compensation for damage to her laptop? I want to hear your opinion.

Also: Have you ever done something you regretted on a business trip because you were too tired?

Write to: Barbara Correa at bboydstoncorrea@yahoo.com

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Comments

Join the discussion. Here you'll see the comments in the order they were posted.

1
I had a laptop stolen once at an airport security checkpoint. I was in a hurry, not paying attention, turned away and it was gone. So I can sympathize with Irene but she was stupid - just like I was. Never once did I consider asking the airport to compensate me for my own actions. Granted, our circumstances were a bit different but the principle is the same - taking responsibility for your own actions.
Posted by vantive_guy on Thu, Aug 10, 2006 6:27 PM ET
2
Given today's events where passengers in London are forced to check their laptops, what would the compensation be for them if the laptop was damaged? What about those poor folks who are last to board the plane and have a bulk head seat with no place to put their bags and forced to check the bag? I guess I feel that regardless of the reason, there is no reason for checked baggage to be exempt from damage. The airlines have a $1500 limit per bag for replacement of items lost or damaged. They should pay to repair or replace the laptop.
Posted by vdmsmom on Thu, Aug 10, 2006 11:05 PM ET
3
Fatigue is no excuse for Irene's mistake - if you're that tired, maybe you shouldn't be out in public. She checked a bag that wasn't sturdy enough to withstand normal airport treatment - they throw everything. I don't think the airline owes her a penny for her mistake.
Posted by marcianar on Thu, Aug 10, 2006 11:55 PM ET
4
I strongly disacree with how they treat everyone's luggage, but that is no excuse it was her and not the airlines but the airport it self.
Posted by chrispossum99 on Fri, Aug 11, 2006 12:05 AM ET
5
My laptop gets a lot of extra wear and tear from taking it out for inspection.Baggage handlers are notorious for throwing bags around (those of us old enough to remember the old Samsonite Commercials) The airlines being held accountable may make them be more apt to demand their baggage handlers to be more careful. I'm glad she got compensation.
Posted by ronnythetee on Fri, Aug 11, 2006 1:44 AM ET
6
Don't bring your laptop or cell phone if you don't have to.Rent cell phone.Most countries have internet cafe.Unless you need it for business or work.I seen people take their laptop with them for game.Leave it at home,unless you on your driving vacation.
Posted by sharonbennett93446 on Fri, Aug 11, 2006 2:30 AM ET
7
With the current situations in today's airport, I am glad the airlines replaced her laptop. The media and signs at the airport gave everyone enough time to make provisions. Next time she can ship to her location and have better protection. If she had reservations the hotel would accept her package until arrive.
Posted by smith718@swbell.net on Fri, Aug 11, 2006 7:11 AM ET
8
Well, i think that she should have payed more attention, espeically to a expensive laptop like that. Everyone these days literly throws checked baggage, although its nice the airlines did give her some money for the damage!
Posted by missjamo2 on Fri, Aug 11, 2006 9:16 AM ET
9
Ideally anything you check through should be returned to you in the same condition it left you. Realistically it seems totally different. Why should the PAYING traveler be responsible for the mistreatment of your property left in the hands of the airline?
Posted by pematwork on Fri, Aug 11, 2006 2:50 PM ET
10
the airline should pay. the checked bags should be returned in the exact condition that they were checked in as.
Posted by ingie123 on Fri, Aug 11, 2006 9:39 PM ET