Originally Posted by
FlyingUnderTheRadar
Unfortunately, you will not get any compensation for the laptop as it is electronics.
http://www.delta.com/content/www/en_...age-value.html
Delta is not responsible or liable for cash, camera equipment, commercial effects, computer software and equipment, electronic equipment, fragile articles, jewelry, lifesaving medication, negotiable papers, irreplaceable business documents, works of art or other similar valuable items contained in checked or unchecked baggage. These types of items should be carried on — and kept in sight.
The bag will probably be considered international.
Incorrect answer.
This is an international flight and the provisions of the Montreal Convention apply to the extent that they provide greater than DL provides by contract.
The MC would require DL to pay a maximum of approx. US$1,600 for the suitcase + contents if lost or destroyed. That maximum is for fair market value. Thus, if OP bought a $2K laptop a year ago, it might be worth $400 or so today. He would get the $400.
All that said, DL would initially deny the claim on contract grounds and it would likely take an appeal or more likely a DOT complaint to get the Montreal Convention amounts paid.
That said, checking valuables is always a bad idea. DL has very generous carry-on limits so there should never be a need to check this stuff. Even if OP gets his $400 in the end, he's still got to run out and spend $1,600 of his own cash to purchase a new laptop.