[jimworcs]

This seems to be a common occurance, and is particularly a problem in that nest of thieves called Delta. Typically, Delta can walk away from this on the grounds that they exclude "electronic" items from checked luggage, blah, blah. However, in this case, the customer acted to protect their items. The items were packed in their hand luggage and would have remained in their sole care. Delta, mid way through delivery of the service, changed the rules and denied the customer the opportunity to take responsibility for the items. In these circumstances, I think Delta are on very dodgy ground in denying responsibility. Furthermore, Delta has a long history of claims against their theiving employees and have failed to take reasonable care to protect their customers. Write to the DOT, being specific about the circumstances, that Delta offered the customer no choice to retain their valuables and that the refusal to accept responsibility in these circumstances is unreasonable. If that doesn't fly, file a claim in Small Claims Court. You will win...and I doubt very much Delta will even try to defend the claim. They rely on your inertia.