A Southwest Airlines passenger, Isabel Price, took to TikTok to show the damage that occurred to her sister’s belongings during a recent flight to Pensacola, Florida. Her sister was shocked when her Apple laptop, which was in her checked bag, was completely destroyed.
Her sister, Lily, was waiting for her checked bag to come out on the carousel. Out dropped a clear bag with Lily’s belongings, but the suitcase was missing.
A plastic bag instead of a suitcase
The first item in the bag was her laptop, which had been severely damaged.
Applecare isn’t going to cover that
Second was her Stanley cup, which had a large chunk taken out of the bottom.
Hydration
Third were her pants, which appeared to be torn or possibly burned.
Ripped jeans
I checked the TSA website for regulations regarding laptops, and surprisingly, they ARE allowed in checked bags.
Laptops
Carry On Bags: Yes
Checked Bags: Yes
Please remove the laptops from your bag and place it in a separate bin for X-ray screening.TSA PreCheck® travelers do not need to remove shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts or light jackets. Please see TSA PreCheck® for more information.
Common sense would say that even if checking your laptop is allowed by TSA, the risk of theft or damage is extremely high, and laptops should always be in your carry-on bag, as Isabel’s sister, Lily, can attest.
Entire video is here
She’s not very bright.
TSA doesn’t control liability on checked bags. They say you can put medications, priceless artwork, and car keys in checked bags too since they aren’t a threat to aviation security. Airlines tell you flat out they aren’t responsible for and do not cover electronics in checked bags.