I agree Terry. I have seen the signs stating not to check valuables to relieve them from liability, they should also posts signs "Not responsible for our incompetence" as well. That would cover all bases. As for being mad at the Union for crew shortages and not the Airline, I believe the Airline is the one who hires the people not the Union. So it appears the Airlines may be cutting corners on staffing so the BOD can afford a bigger Golden Parachute! As someone stated, your experience pales to those in South America, but this ain’t South America! We do things better and hold people to a higher standard (or at least try to). Many of the airlines run a very sloppy business and the number of folded airline companies proves it. Should they have given you your bag? YES, this was not a typical situation and provisions should have been made. Should your camera been stolen? NO, not accepting liability does not fix the problem it just protects the airline. Theft is rampant in the handling of baggage. The airlines know it, but if they were not liable why would they care? Even if I am wrong I agree with you, and fault the airline for poor service and cheating you out of what you paid for.

Never figured why they over book and charge more for a one-way than a round trip!