Artistic items
Articles tied, taped, wired, or strapped to the exterior of any piece of baggage
Boxes, sacks, and bags that do not provide sufficient protection from damage to the container and its contents
Chinaware, ceramics, or pottery
Electronic and mechanical items
Garment bags
Glass and glassware, including telescopes, binoculars, and barometers
Household articles
Liquor cartons
Musical instruments and equipment
Paper items
Perishable items, including floral and nursery items
Photographic and cinematographic equipment
Precision items, including medical items and calibrated measuring devices
Recreational and sporting goods
Toys
Uncrated/unprotected items whose shapes, material, or characteristics render them susceptible to damage.
medicine,
keys,
important papers,
travel documents (passport),
jewelry,
cash,
computers,
computer equipment,
cameras, and other items of high
personal value
As if a passenger could carry those items on board. Yet another example of airlines making the travel conditions on the passenger so onerous it is almost impossible to comply.
In the US the only way to get compensated is to make a high quality music video, put it on youtube, and then the airline suddenly finds that the fair thing to do is to take responsibility for their actions.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-UoERHaSQg
With regard to who did it.. TSA or airline employees.. who cares? The bag was placed into the care of Delta (always a precarious thing to do) and you were robbed.
If you feel very strongly you might provide receipts and try small claims, but you need to understand... airlines reserved the right to steal from you and if you agreed to those conditions, then it is your own fault. That is the attitude..
Apparently, victims of crime on airlines are to blame for their own misfortune...