Legal Question in Aviation Law in California

Luggage contents stolen

Unpacking my luggage from a recent vacation, I immediately noticed my suitcase had been rummaged through. Soon thereafter I unfortunately discovered souvenir caps, a mobile phone charger, and a recently purchased digital camera were all missing and safe to assume were stolen. The fact of losing a high priced electronic is indeed very upsetting, but not as much as losing week's of pictures/memories that remained with the camera and are now forever lost. Needless to say I was very angry and felt personally violated. I filed a police report with the LAPD at airport LAX but it only seems it will remain as paperwork. Inquired procedures informed me that a report will be submitted to the LAX. What legal options may I pursue against the airline company and/or the airport?


Asked on 6/02/02, 5:25 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Charles Aspinwall Charles S. Aspinwall, J.D., LLC

Re: Luggage contents stolen

Airline liability is governed by the airline's tariff, a copy of which is available at the counter. Luggage which is not previously declared with the airline at a higher value is assigned the tariff value which is usually limited to $300. You will need to check the tariff of your airline to find out what their stated luggage limit is.

You can file a claim with the airline, but only for the tariff value of the luggage assuming you did not declare a higher value with the airline prior to its loss.

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Answered on 6/02/02, 9:23 am


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