US Air Sued for Million-Dollar Xbox

By Mike Schuster Mar 12, 2009 10:55 am

Brief scrutiny of today's headlines.

A film major at Yale University has filed a lawsuit against US Airways (LCC) after his Xbox 360 and its accessories went missing from his checked luggage. According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, the 21-year-old student is demanding $1 million in compensation.

Yes, you read that right: A Yale student checked his Xbox in with his luggage. Apparently, an ivy league education won't buy you common sense.

Ohio resident Jesse Maiman was flying from New Haven to Cincinnati on December 17 of last year. Upon arrival, he realized the bag felt light. Maiman opened the bag to find everything there - except for the Microsoft (MSFT) gaming console and components.

After contacting a US Airways representative at the airport, Maiman claims in his suit that he was given "an unconscionable 'run-around.' " He was directed to 5 different US Airways employees during his attempt to have his Xbox returned, all of whom were unresponsive to his queries.

Ignoring the fact that a brand new Xbox 360 retails for around $299.99, Maiman estimates the value of the missing items to be $1,700. In addition, he's asking for "non-economic distress" compensation of at least $25,000 - but, "in the maximum amount allowable by law or, in the alternative, in the sum of $1 million."

Even those who know how frustrating it is to lose a saved game can agree: That's a tad excessive.

Oddly enough, Valerie Wunder -- a US Airways spokesperson -- said the airline was unaware of the lawsuit. Speaking with the Enquirer, Wunder said, "There are federal loss limits applicable to all airlines on their liability for lost luggage and belongings, which are currently set at $3,300 per bag."

She added, "Our publicly available baggage policies specifically exclude liability for electronics checked in luggage."

I wonder what the baggage handler's high score on Halo 3 is now.