Airline Luggage Damage Update- $4000 is Equal to $500?

in #technology7 years ago

The trials with the custom built dream computer damaged by the airlines continues.


This morning the new motherboard arrived and we could begin to disassemble the computer in an attempt to use the new motherboard to learn the true extent of the damage done.

motherboard.jpg

Swapping the motherboards. Sadly, we currently lack a desk and the only strong light source left us working on the floor.

If you missed the previous post, this computer was packed in a steel-lined suitcase, in an extremely tough case (tripled layered steel), wrapped in three blankets, internally braced with cotton clothing and zip ties. This suitcase was hit with such force that not only was the steel inside the suitcase doglegged, but the three layers of steel backplate were bent inward.

As we disassembled it we found even more damage. Aside from the high-end graphics card is completely bent, the wifi card knocked loose and bouncing around, chunks taken out of the card, and the pins in the motherboard being bent... the hard drive also took a massive hit.

hard drive.jpg

The case bracket was completely bent on one side, meaning that it had taken immeasurable shock. If you don't know Solid State Hard Drives rarely survive impacts. $750 2TB with years of data.. gone. Luckily, we did grab my second backup before leaving Australia.

Also, the motherboard was bent and when a small amount of pressure was applied, it crackled. This indicates an actual crack or break in the motherboard, itself.

And so the disheartened disassembly began.

computer.jpg

It was a mess.

cooler.jpg

motherboard2.jpg

motherboard3.jpg

You can see how the plate is sitting proud in areas.

motherboardcase.jpg

The impact strike.

impact.jpg

What the hell even hit this thing? THE PLANE?

motherboardreplace.jpg

After having to bend the entire motherboard plate back into a uniform shape by hand, the new motherboard was able to be installed.

bent.jpg

However, the entire case was warped so now the outputs are slightly unaligned. Sweet, another thing to have to literally hammer back into shape.

reinstall2.jpg

The haphazard reinstall into the broken and busted case is complete.

At this point, I am unsure if it will boot at all. Everything was merely put into place as best as it could be for testing, secured with whatever we have on hand, and set aside for the evening.

We are still in contact with the airline and should have a ruling on our claim by tomorrow, but it doesn't look good. They have said that the absolute highest they will go is $500 for airline credit and they are doing us a "courtesy", but will see "what can be done".
Apparently, when you purchase an airline ticket, simply by just purchasing, you waive their responsibility to any damage to electronics. FUN FACT. Something that you, a consumer, should know.

Honestly, it has been an incredibly long day and we are going to sit down, have a drink, and try to relax after such an ordeal.

We will give you an update tomorrow as to the status of the boot and what the airline has to say, but for now, we are too exhausted to do much more.

Thanks for sticking around for the post. If you can, upvote this for visibility and to help myself and others out. People need to know what they could face when trusting an airline with their beloved items.






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Wow.. Sailboat it is then. That's shitty. I hope it boots and is able to be a hard worker.

Hello @sammosk
I thought that only this could happen in third world countries; but I see that it is not like that.
Additionally, they try to cover the damages caused by a misery.
I wish you good luck and everything will be arranged

Nothing I can add to that.

FcK the institutions !! That's why i walk everywhere ..
Hang in there
Sammo !!!!!!

Ahhh man that would be a painful repair to go through. Stay cool and calm you two... Wishing you all the best

That’s insane!!! Which airline was this? I truly hope you get compensation for this! I’m angry for you, I’d be livid if that happened to me. Keep us updated on whether they pay for the damage or not.

You got a 11.37% upvote from @upmewhale courtesy of @sammosk!

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oh dear God... i have a computer being sent to me from the USA to South America... I pray this does not happen to it... :(

OMG OMG OMG

What situation! I hope you can repair the damaged parts with a little help from Steemit ... Unfortunately, most airlines provide few efficient services. Here my vote!

Honestly sounds like this is a case that could warrant getting a lawyer. The contents would have needed to be declared at customs and should be insured for a certain amount of damage.

Also check with your credit card company as some of them have complementary damage insurance when traveling as long as the travel was paid for using their credit card.