Could be worse Back when DL and AS were friends, and I would fly AS occasionally, I remember watching AS baggage handlers dropping gate check items from the jet bridge to the concrete below to speed up the process and the lady behind me freaking out and it was not even her luggage. I pack my luggage assuming that is how it will be treated and so I have never had anything inside by bag broken. Bags are another story though - at least DL has bought me all my suitcases the past 15 years.