The problem with Delta's system (and probably other airlines'), at least in Atlanta and I'm sure it's the same at other airports, is that they don't always mark the flight as delayed in the computer system, and even though it's delayed it will disappear off the screen as if it has departed on time.

I saw this behavior on a flight I was on just a few weeks ago. Our flight was delayed about 45 minutes, but it was not shown on the screens as delayed, it was not shown on the screens at all since the computer thought it had already departed.

You should get compensation, DJLawman. In the form of several free upgrades. Or a lot of miles!

Do some of the credit card companies have some time of Luggage insurance program (I remember signing up for one with AMEX, but all I got written off was the baggage insurance for that flight, about 9 bucks)because my bags were found and brought back to me.

Losing luggage is aggrevating. On my flight to MSY my bags did more miles then I did, going to Denver then back to EWR then finally back to MSY about a day later. Luckily I always carry a change of clothes in my backpack (for the leasure trips) or in my briefcase for situations like this.

I end up taking the risk of checking ONE bag taking the other on board. My record of the bags arriving with me: about 92 percent.

And Holly says if I lose my luggage it gives her an excuse to go shopping for me.

OMNI for PhilForest: Sorry about the lack of creativity and proper grammar on that one post. After writing between 12-20 stories a shift, cutting tape, dealing with little "dramas" among the staff and the commute and the cats... my mind starts to fail by the end of the day.

OK JAWS... say it! My mind is already gone! CATMAN