$4,500 in designer purses stolen from Delta passenger’s luggage

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How the Grinch stole designer bags from Atlanta traveler

A frequent Delta flyer says the joy of her Christmas trip was dampened when she realized two designer bags had been taken out of her suitcase, possibly at the Atlanta airport.

Alison Joyner, an Atlanta-based journalist and seasoned traveler, experienced a distressing incident during her trip to the Bahamas. 

The backstory:

On Christmas Day, she discovered that two of her designer purses, valued at more than $4,500, were missing from her checked luggage. Joyner, a Platinum SkyMiles Medallion member, had always trusted Delta Air Lines with her belongings. "I definitely felt violated. Like, why would somebody do this? Why me?" she expressed, highlighting her disbelief and emotional turmoil over the situation.

What we know:

Joyner had wisely placed an Apple AirTag in her Chanel bag before the trip, which allowed her to track the missing item. Upon checking her phone, she found that the AirTag indicated the bag was located in Senoia, Georgia, a place she had never visited. This discovery prompted her to immediately contact Delta from the Bahamas and file a report with the Atlanta Police Department upon her return to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Both Delta and the APD have confirmed that they are investigating the incident, though no further details have been released.

What they're saying:

Reflecting on the incident, Joyner shared her disappointment and the impact it has had on her future travel plans. "I trusted Delta. I thought that just like the other times I had used them, my belongings would be at the destination with me," she said. The experience has made her more cautious about packing valuables, stating, "It’s something I’ll definitely rethink in the future."

What's next:

As the investigation by Delta and the Atlanta Police Department continues, Joyner and other travelers are left to reconsider how they secure their valuables during trips. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of taking precautions, such as using tracking devices like AirTags, to safeguard personal belongings while traveling.

The Source: This article is based on original reporting by FOX 5's Aungelique Proctor.

TravelDeltaHartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International AirportAtlantaCrime and Public SafetyApple