[dissappointedtraveller]

On 17 December I boarded flight NW4515 from Johannesburg South Africa to Atlanta. I then carried on my journey to Cancun Mexico. My luggage was booked in transit all the way to Cancun. When I arrived on 18 December in Cancun, my luggage was no where to be seen. I then received my bag on 21 December 2009 (3 days DELAYED). The lock on my bag had been removed. When I opened my bag, I found that all my clothing was soaking WET and all my shoes, a camcorder and GHD hair straightener had been stolen! They even opened all my Christmas cards (I can only suspect that they thought they would find cash in them). I find this disgusting and am horrified that my bag was ransacked. I have now had to spend my holiday laying claims and sitting on hold while trying to get through to Delta. DELTA AIRLINES HAVE RUINED MY HOLIDAY AND MY CHRISTMAS! I will never fly that airline again.

[Silent Bob]

We see this almost always and the thing is you can't right away blame Delta for the items stolen in the bag. If the bag was locked (and it was delayed getting to you) then my first guess would first be a customs agent as they have the tools to not not only see inside your bag without opening it, but if they have to they will break the locks. Plus your going to Mexico, and Mexican custom agents take what they like. Even the locals know when they arrive, they expect items to be missing (I've been to Mexico City a few times). Now I'm not totally dismissing the airlines of fault, because airline baggage agents have been known to have sticky fingers, but i would not instantly place blame on them, knowing just how many entities who have access to my bag.

Just a tip folks, when travelling to Latin America, try not to place items of value in your check luggage, because you may not find it on the other side. Two places in particular would be Mexico and Brazil.

[jimworcs]

Bob, I might agree with you about the sticky fingers of security staff and baggage handlers in Latin America, but frankly there are enough horror stories on here to suggest the problem is not exactly unknown in the US either.

[Silent Bob]

True Jim, but we're not talking about the U.S. which was why i kept my comment very specific to Latin America, for this particular complaint. Sticky fingers are everywhere, but Latin America is notorious, and going to mexico towards places like Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco, you know touristy spots, yea they'll get ya.

[The_Judge]

This passenger transited in ATL so the TSA can also be thrown in the blame game. 3 countries involved, numerous companies handling the bag but it boils down to the fact that apparently DL took his money so they take the responsibility of making it right. Hope it works out. Keep us posted.