LOS ANGELES— A filmmaker accused United Airlines (UA) of losing an $8,000 Blackmagic camera, allegedly stolen by baggage handlers. The airline reportedly offered only a $100 travel credit after the incident.
Despite evidence submissions and a police report, the customer claims United (UA) closed the compensation case, further aggravating the situation by citing “lost” video footage of the baggage area.
United Employee Steals $8K Camera
The dispute centers on a professional-grade Blackmagic 12K camera, valued at approximately $8,000, which went missing from checked luggage after a United Airlines flight. The owner, traveling with another person, alleges the camera was stolen by employees working the baggage claim area.
After confronting United Airlines staff, the passenger claims their behavior was suspicious and unprofessional. Adding to the frustration, video footage from the relevant baggage carousel—potentially key evidence—was reported as missing or “unavailable.”
The passenger provided a bill of sale, and travel documentation, and filed a police report, yet United (UA) closed the claim and offered only a $100 travel voucher. This led to the passenger publicly sharing the issue on social media, where it quickly drew attention.
Under U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) guidelines, airlines are liable for baggage loss or damage up to $4,800 per passenger on domestic flights. Given that two travelers were involved, the coverage could potentially extend up to $9,600, assuming proper documentation and valuation.
The passenger argues that United’s resolution contradicts these regulations, highlighting a gap between airline policy and federal protections. The situation raises broader concerns over baggage security, employee vetting, and airline accountability.
The complainant, tagging the airline directly, warned other travelers of potential theft risks when flying with United. The tweet, which accused the airline’s baggage staff of theft and criticized their investigative transparency, quickly gained traction. When I checked last, it got over 8 million views.
Similar Incident
In 2015, a United Airlines (UA) employee was caught on surveillance footage allegedly stealing $576 in cash from a passenger’s wallet at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).
The theft occurred in the security screening area of Terminal C, prompting an immediate response from Port Authority Police. The employee was arrested, and the cash was returned to the passenger, a 57-year-old New Jersey man.
United Staff Caught Stealing Cash at Newark
The accused, Joseph A. Bruno, was identified on security camera footage pocketing money from a traveler’s wallet placed in a security bin. Bruno, clad in a distinct blue and yellow United Airlines jacket, was promptly arrested at Gate 84 by the Port Authority Police Department.
United Airlines (UA) confirmed Bruno has been removed from active duty. The airline stated:
“We hold our employees to the highest standards and have zero tolerance for any theft. We are assisting the Port Authority Police Department in this investigation and this employee has been held out of service.”
United declined to specify Bruno’s exact job title or tenure. His airport-issued ID badge was confiscated at the time of his arrest.
The victim noticed the money missing shortly after passing through the security checkpoint. He alerted airport security, which led to a review of surveillance footage and Bruno’s swift detainment. Fortunately, the stolen funds were recovered and returned, allowing the passenger to continue his journey without further disruption.
This incident is not isolated. In a separate case at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), an American Airlines (AA) flight attendant, Marco Costa, was arrested in February 2015 after allegedly stealing nearly $5,000 in foreign change meant for UNICEF’s “Change for Good” program.
Police discovered £700 worth of coins in Costa’s vehicle after noticing his car sagging in the JFK employee lot. Upon investigation, Costa admitted to misappropriating roughly 25% of the donations, claiming it was to cover medical expenses. Authorities remain skeptical of the explanation.
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