What happened: You boarded a flight with a bag you thought would easily fit in the overhead compartment. But because the flight was so full, the flight attendant insisted that you check it. When you got to your destination, you found that your video camera was broken and that jewelry and other valuables were missing.

What the airline should do for you: What it should do for you is one thing; what it will do for you may be nothing. The same $2,800 liability limit applies to damaged items (subject to depreciation). However airlines routinely deny all responsibility for certain classes of personal effects in checked baggage, including business items, valuable papers, jewelry, cameras, and electronics.

Next time: Pack valuables in a smaller bag within your suitcase so that they’re easy to remove and keep with you if necessary.