I didn't pay much attention to the airfare threads till I noticed

[scuba127]

jimw....at this point in the discussion I'd offer you the same adive...and maybe think about taking a break from the pub...

 

[SayNo2Snow]

pub.!?!?.. did someone say pub! I'm in cheers!
Lets toast cowbells getting her stuff

 

[morecowbells]

As a frequent business traveler I know this is never fun, but it does happen fairly often. Delta (and most other airlines) require passengers to be at the gate 15 minutes before scheduled departure. This is detailed in the Contract Of Carriage (COC) associated with your ticket, as well as on Delta's website. United is a tad more strict in requiring passengers to be on the plane, rather than at the gate, 15 minutes before departure. While not applicable to Bonaire, Southwest is probably the most lenient at 10 minutes. None of them keep the door open for additional passengers right up to departure time.

I sympathize with your frustration, I've been there too several times, but Delta doesn't seem to be at fault here. Reading your post it appears that it was a combination of weather delay and booking a tight connection. All the other airlines will likely treat you similarly in a similar situation..

Glad to hear you made it to paradise anyway! [/QUOTE

I didn't know about the 15 minute gate arrival information. Out of curiosity, do you know if it is the Atlanta airport or Delta employees who are responsible for operating the jet bridge? We would have easily made it to our gate if not for the 25 minute delay sitting on the tarmac waiting for a functional jet bridge. It was bad enough not getting our luggage for 2.5 days, but one person in our group had all of her shirts and some sandals missing from checked bag. Between Delta or Insel, I don't think there will ever be any answers, but definitely dampened the mood. Lesson learned, always make sure there is a viable plan B(i.e. never book a flight which is the last one to the island for several days). We still enjoyed our time in paradise, and as my Mom says "don't focus on first world problems".