Beverly Lynn, Can You Offer Any Advise on a Theft?

[cindala]

On our flight from LGA to Orlando, we accidentally left our camcorder under the seat in front of us. We realized it quickly, and a gate agent let my DH onto the plane to get it about 30 minutes later. Of course it was gone. The agent said only crew members and maintenance had been on the plane, the new passengers were just getting ready to board. A passenger from our flight wouldn't have been able to see the bag since it was way under the middle seat, and 3/4ths of the passengers had exited the plane by the time we exited.

We went to Delta's Baggage office, filled out a form, and described the item, and gave them a number to reach us at while on vacation. There was a tag with our name and address on the camcorder bag. Although we called both Delta, and Orlando Airports Lost and Found several times during that week, and several times since we have been back, nothing was turned in. Delta finally gave me a 800 number in Atlanta, and a Customer Care address in Atlanta as well to deal with.

Delta's response is that they are not liable for carry on luggage. But aren't they responsible for the caliber of employee they hire? Delta Baggage in Orlando told me that if it was a crew member, or maintenance, (which works for the airport,) that took the bag, it happened on Delta equipment, so they are responsible.

I am now getting ready to write my letter to Atlanta, sending them copies of all the receipts I have for the camcorder, and equipment in the bag, telling them of the circumstances, and that we are frequent flyer members.

I might add that I also checked if the credit card used to purchase the camcorder would cover a theft, (it doesn't), and if my homeowers policy covers this theft, (it does after a $250 deductible).

What do you think my chances are with Delta? Any advise you could offer would be appreciated! Thanks, and sorry this is so long.

 

[Lewisc]

There is absolutely no way to know if a deplaning passenger took your camcorder. A passenger may have either been looking for something left behind or may have seen it when they had to go to the floor for something they dropped or had under a seat near yours.
If you're a very frequent flyer Delta may (for goodwill) do something but (I don't mean to sound rude or heartless) the fault is really yours and not Delta's. I think you may be left with your homeowners claim.

 

[travelcoupons]

You are outta luck. Even if it had been checked, they are not liable....


From Delta's Contract of Carriage,

Domestic - Notice of Baggage Liability Limitations
Travel wholly within the 50 United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands

No liability for electronic equipment, photographic equipment, jewelry, cash, computer equipment or other similar valuable items.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

I am with Lewis on this one. Pretty heavy conjecture here.

 

[cindala]

TravelCoupons,

Thanks for the Baggage Liability Limitations information. Basically what they are saying is that they don't trust any of their employees not to steal electronic equipment or other valuable items, even checked items. That is pretty sad!!

If someone was traveling in my car, and lost something, I would feel a moral obligation to help them recover what was lost, afterall it is MY car. Hopefully Delta will feel some type of obligation as well.

LewisC,

You are right, it is possible another passenger took the bag, but if you had been there, and seen the circumstances, you'd know that possibility was slight. You don't know me, and neither does Delta, and basically it's my word against theirs which is kind of hard to prove. We can't believe how stupid we were not remembering to take the bag with us. It just upsets us so much, especially since my younger DD's middle school graduation was on the tape in the camcorder. I guess it just amazes me that some people have no conscience. Well, whoever took it is being sent a lifetime of bad karma by me!

Regardless, my insurance agent told me to pursue the issue with Delta first before filing a
claim, including copies of all my correspondence and receipts. We'll see what happens.

 

[CarolA]

Also, not all the employees who may have been on your plane after you left worked for Delta. Probably some of them were employees of the catering company and/or other contract labor. That would probably make Delta less likely to take ownership since they really have no control over those companies hiring practices.