In Which Delta Redeems Themselves

So, I mentioned that my suitcase had been broken by Delta Airlines, right?  I didn't notice it immediately, but one of the four wheels was almost completely ripped off of the bottom of the case.  I took a picture, of course:

I was seriously upset about this damage.  The suitcase was almost exactly a year old and this was only its second transatlantic voyage.  It's first trip was much rougher than this one as it not only made it over and back, but was dragged onto several different trains as I wound my way between three different cities in Scotland last year.

I knew it was Delta, as the bag was 100% fine when I had to check it back in through customs in JFK.  Alitalia was not at all responsible.

I thought I was screwed as, when I checked Delta's damaged baggage info on their website, it looked as though I had to report it at the airport at the baggage claim desk.  Not only didn't I notice it until I was out the door, but I'm pretty sure that desk was deserted at 11:40 pm in our teeny airport.

But, I filled out their complaint form anyway and attached the photo.  In a couple of days I had a claim number and was emailed asking how long ago I had purchased the suitcase and how much it had cost.  I was able to find the charge on an old online credit card statement and told them an approximate purchase price (I actually gave them a range and told them it was the amount for the set of two bags I had purchased together).

I got a response almost immediately that my claim was being reviewed.  About a week later, they tried to call me to tell me that my claim was approved and that a check would be sent.  They left a message and there was no mention of an amount...but the message did apologize for my experience and thanked me for flying Delta.

Yesterday I got the check.  It was for the amount at the top of my range for the entire set!  They didn't ask for receipts or anything.  Truthfully, the amount was pretty low as I had purchased it at a discount store, so it wasn't what a set of luggage would normally cost...but I'm still happy with the outcome as I will be able to replace it again at the discount store.

Yay Delta...I will fly you again..

Unlike Austria Air who broke my bag and a lot of the stuff inside it.  I think they really do have gorillas loading their planes. They had so much paperwork and wanted me to ship the case out to get repaired (!).  Too much hassle!

Delta Rocks!!