Airline responsibility
 

Yesterday I tried to find AF's response to the recent panic with airline security. I found no mention at all. It's probably too early for them to issue a statement. I just wonder what the airlines responsibility would be if I have to pack all of my photo gear in my suitcase or in a separate Pelican camera case? Would they be responsible for theft, damage and would I be able to verify the contents when my baggage is inspected?
BS

<< I just wonder what the airlines responsibility would be if I have to pack all of my photo gear in my suitcase or in a separate Pelican camera case? >>

None.

<< Would they be responsible for theft, damage and would I be able to verify the contents when my baggage is inspected? >>

No, and no.

Best wishes,

Rex

The BA website specifically notes that they are not responsible and travelers should carry their own insurance.

Thanks Rex & Marija
I guess my next quest would be to find an insurance company that specializes in travel.
BS

The information is on the Air France site..it's just hard to find!

They are allowing carryon with certain restrictions( Liquids, etc). I guess it really depends where you are flying from and to

http://tinyurl.com/z94x4

Hi Jody

I've sent an e-mail to AF and will await their response. I'm flying from Norfolk, Va. to JFk to CDG to Barcelona.
BS

Bob, maybe you can call AF. They may not respond to the email immediately.

Air France? You mean the world's worst airline!?!

As far as AF is concerned I've heard pros & cons. Guess I'll find out. My e-mail was answered and was given an 800 number to talk to someone. I'll probably give it a couple of weeks until this situation settles down.
BS

I'm flying United next week and received an unsolicited three page email today detailing all new procedures as well as some tips. I'm sure these emails are especially helpful for people you don't spend time on Fodor's. Good job United - AF should take note.

I thought airlines always had some liability for checked baggage, it just wasn't as much as many people would like who take expensive things. It would be enough for me, as I don't. I don't remember the limits, but I would assume they are the same now as they have always been. I think they are several hundred dollars, but really don't remember for sure.

I just posted a similar item in another post but since I still have the info in memory, here goes.

The airlines liabilty is something like $20.00 per kilogram or about $2800.00. However, the airlines I checked all had a clause similar to this:
(airline) is not liable for damage to fragile items, spoilage of perishables, loss/damage/delay of money, jewelry, cameras, electronic/video/photographic equipment, computer equipment, heirlooms, antiques, artwork, silverware, precious metals, negotiable papers/securities, commercial effects, valuable papers, or other irreplaceable items and/or any item where a liability release was signed by the passenger.

From what I understand, my PC, cameras, ipod, and other good stuff aren't covered.

in the past we have insured through the departing airline, an expensive item going in the luggage.

it was a very inexpensive policy and gave us peace of mind.

It would seem to me that the lack of responsibility to cameras, jewelry, laptops,etc... should now be different. In the past, it was a person's personal choice to check these items or not. As of right now, if one flies to the UK, there is no choice....Therefore, someone should be responsible for a choice that is made for the passenger.

I know this is a no win situation but can we truly expect everyone to either travel to the UK without cameras or give the baggage handlers a free for all, especially since it is also not allowed to lock your suitcase. Can we all trust the baggage handler? Unfortunately not.

I know that the airlines are in dire economic situation, but if they want business they might need to do something to attract customers. Perhaps insurance can be sold at the airport for electronic equipment such as there used be for life insurance years back - or are those machines still in the airport?

It's a messy situation that hopefully the powers that be will find a resolution to.

AF the world's worst airline? You mean they're worse than United and China Eastern (not to mention Aeroflot)?

There's no "should" in this.

Airlines' total iability for what's stolen from checked bags is limited to about the cost of a decent laptop by international conventions. They explicitly require you to top up your insurance.

I can't find a single policy that accepts liability for checked electronics or jewellery. They all require you to keep them with you. Since insurers aren't public charities, they're very unlikely to waive this rule - especially since some governments force you to keep checked bags unlocked.

The chances of the world's airlines' hiking their compensation levels are about as high as the chances of Britain's Muslims snapping out of their denial (opinion polls show that about half of them believe the September 11 and July 20 bombings were faked).

As long as current carry-on rules are what they are, the passenger carries the can for lost valuables.

Leave them at home. Or buy a cheap digital camera.

however, for some people, like me, photography is a BIG part of the vacation experience. To say use a cheap camera is like telling a foodie...while on vacation in Paris you will only be able to eat at McDonald's and/or out of vending machines....

The next few weeks should be interesting for us all. I'm a professional photographer and plan to contact Professional Photographers of America concerning their "travel insurance" policies. I'll advise.
BS

Lyb, I sympathize with your feeling about photography on vacations- as I have upgraded my cameras every year for the past few years because of a passion for bringing home images instead of souvenirs. But this time, even though I am going to a very special private event where my fancy dance of a camera would really be good to have with me, the fact is, because I'm not a professional photographer or a war journalist, I will take a cheaper camera and not concern myself about it.

I also don't see why the Airlines should shoulder the entire resonsibilty for this. I think we all need to work with a new level of taking personal responsibility. As you said, checking camersa, jewelry, laptops, etc used to be a person's choice. But so is bringing these items along in the first place. If I were taking professional equipment I needed for my job, I would buy plenty of insurance to cover it. But for a vacation, I think many of us need to do some rethinking.

Bob -

I look forward to hearing what you learn. I am not the caliber of photographer that you are but I wouldn't be able to easily financially replace what I have.