Some may recall me whining about having my 17" Powerbook and iPhone stolen. I didn't bother to go into detail at the time but the items were pilfered from my bags at the airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico by the baggage handlers. I'm sure you're all ready to blame me for having the stuff in my bags in the first place but I was unable to carry the items with me on the plane so I placed my entire computer bag into my checked luggage. My iPhone was busted (the bottom half of the screen quit working) so I had put it back in the original packaging so I could have it exchanged when I got to Washington, DC.
The only things stolen where the computer (from within the computer bag, which they left) and phone, nothing else was touched. As it turns out, quite a few people on my flight were missing items including a film crew that had their entire set of cameras and equipment stolen.
Long story short, I filed a claim with AA and was informed it would take 8-12 weeks to process. I was told that since I have elite status (I've flown about 2 million miles with AA) they would try to expedite my claim, all the while reminding me that they really have no liability. Amazingly enough, just 1 week after filing the claim, I got a check for $1700. I'm happy with that since I really didn't expect anything.
Throughout the entire process, the AA representatives were courteous and helpful and did everything in their power to assist me.
So all in all, I think I made out better cuz now I can use the cash toward a new MacBook Pro come September.