More thefts since checked baggage inspections?
Feb 21st, 2003, 07:44 AM
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More thefts since checked baggage inspections?
I recently learned that a friend's son's Gameboys were stolen from their checked baggage. I wonder if any one has any thoughts on increases in thefts since checked baggage is now inspected at many airports. Does anyone know if it's useful to file a claim?
Feb 21st, 2003, 08:03 AM
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I suspect there's been less theft from checked luggage. I'm sure the increased presence of the TSA folks has been of some deterrence.
Not going to know if it's useful to file a claim until it is done.
Not going to know if it's useful to file a claim until it is done.
Feb 21st, 2003, 10:01 AM
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I'd file the claim. Even if you don't get compensated, it's important for these incidents to be recorded so that the airlines and airports know whether or not there is a problem. If things are being stolen and no one tells the airlines, then they have no way of knowing if there is a problem.
Feb 21st, 2003, 10:31 AM
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Deifinitely file a claim, electronics should be covered - the games themselves probably aren't. Also, check with the credit card company with which the airline tickets were purchased. At least one of my cards offers baggage insurance though I'm not sure if it only covers loss of bad rather than theft.
Feb 21st, 2003, 10:37 AM
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I would suspect that the thefts will greatly increase. Once the TSA is done inspecting the luggage, it goes to the airline baggage handlers. In my experience, THAT was where thefts occurred!
It still really makes me angry that the TSA doesn't want lugagge to be locked and secure anymore...
It still really makes me angry that the TSA doesn't want lugagge to be locked and secure anymore...
Feb 21st, 2003, 10:47 AM
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Hi Austin!
When my son left for Japan last week, he asked on the phone about locking his bags. He had his whole life in those bags and they had to be unlocked!! So they told him, when you check in, they will xray them right there, then you can put the plastic lock thingees on them. That is what he did, everything (and everybody) arrived safely in Tokyo
Feb 21st, 2003, 11:04 AM
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Different airports have different security procedures, depending on their facilities. In Miami (at least for AA's international flights), for example, you are actually present when the TSA agents inspect your luggage; once that inspection is done, the TSA agent places a color-coded wire tie to lock the bag -- and as friendly and cooperative as I've found the TSA agents, I would not be surprised if they would let you apply a lock of YOUR choosing at this time as well. With this procedure, if there is a theft, you at least have a very good idea that it occurred in the baggage handling process, and not in the inspection process.
Other airports are more problematic, as they ask you to leave your bags behind for TSA inspection. If you're not in a hurry, perhaps you could stick around and watch that part of the process, since it occurs in plain view in many of the airports I've passed through recently.
In foreign airports, the process is low-tech. Hand inspection, in your presence.
Other airports are more problematic, as they ask you to leave your bags behind for TSA inspection. If you're not in a hurry, perhaps you could stick around and watch that part of the process, since it occurs in plain view in many of the airports I've passed through recently.
In foreign airports, the process is low-tech. Hand inspection, in your presence.
Feb 21st, 2003, 11:09 AM
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I travel every week and check my bags for all trips longer than one day.
I have NEVER had anything stolen... ever. I do not lock my bags anymore, locks were never effective anyway.
I have this lock looking thing that does not require a key to open. My bags have been searched a few times since the new rules started and I have never had a problem.
I have NEVER had anything stolen... ever. I do not lock my bags anymore, locks were never effective anyway.
I have this lock looking thing that does not require a key to open. My bags have been searched a few times since the new rules started and I have never had a problem.
Feb 21st, 2003, 11:30 AM
#10
In Portland, Oregon, the security person in front of the check in counter told me they needed to take my suitcase over to the "secondary check". They took my bag while I was doing the ticket stuff. By the time I was done and went over to "secondary", the bag was long gone. When I got home, they had taken some ceramic items out of their bubble-wrap, but not put them back in. One piece was broken. I had wrapped a box of candy inside a big thick sweater in the middle of my suitcase, and it was placed directly on top, so of course it was all smashed. In the future, I'm going to make them wait until I can come watch the inspection.
Feb 21st, 2003, 11:37 AM
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Why did you pack a gameboy in checked baggage anyway? They tell you to put stuff that is valuable in your carry-on bag. If you really have to cart valuables or "your whole life with you," why not Fed Ex it?
Feb 21st, 2003, 11:48 AM
#12
Myrna- a game boy costs less than a pair of shoes. Why should a passenger have to FEDex or carry anything? Not to mention that carrying lots of electronics subjects you to extra hassle as you go through the human inspections.
For what the passengers and taxpayers are paying for inspections, we should at least be able to trust that our bags are secure. After all, if security is so lax that someone can steal so easily out of our bags, it makes you wonder how easily things could be added to cargo.
For what the passengers and taxpayers are paying for inspections, we should at least be able to trust that our bags are secure. After all, if security is so lax that someone can steal so easily out of our bags, it makes you wonder how easily things could be added to cargo.
Feb 21st, 2003, 12:31 PM
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I've flown hundreds of times and have never had anything stolen from my bags. I've never locked my bags either. Keep in mind that if someone wants to steal something out of your luggage, one of those flimsy little locks isn't going to deter someone.
Feb 21st, 2003, 01:51 PM
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lcuy-I was referring to Scarlett who said her son had "his whole life in his suitcase," going to Japan. Why on earth would you pack something that important in a suitcase. As to the gameboy, I realize they are inexpensive, but hey if the kid did not want it stolen he should have had it in his carry on. Baggage handlers are known for sticky fingers and the TSA isn't going to stop petty theft. Kind of scary isn't it?
Feb 21st, 2003, 05:33 PM
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myrna,
I think you got the "sons" mixed up in the various replies. Austins friend had a son who lost a Gameboy.
My son went to Japan with all of his belongings because he teaches English there and will be living there for 2 years. Being tall, it is difficult and expensive to buy clothing easily in Japan. Being so expensive there, it is better to bring your own world ban radio, etc.
Now about Fed Ex to Japan..I will have to let you look that one up yourself. I will just give you a clue. Sending the NYTimes front page to Japan by First Class mail costs @20-
Feb 21st, 2003, 05:47 PM
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Our flight was canceled on Monday due to the blizzard in the NorthEast. Tried flying standby on Wednesday. No seats are available but the airline put our luggages on the plane. We are still trying to get our luggages back. Can't wait to see if any sticky fingers have lifted our stuff.
Mar 12th, 2003, 06:23 PM
#19
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Bookhall,
Global Priority mail is a certain size and weight. Scarletts New York Times page would exceed that.
I have sent small packages to Europe and they are quite expensive, I cannot imagine the cost of shipping a bag of clothes to Japan! Might as well fly there yourself!
Global Priority mail is a certain size and weight. Scarletts New York Times page would exceed that.
I have sent small packages to Europe and they are quite expensive, I cannot imagine the cost of shipping a bag of clothes to Japan! Might as well fly there yourself!
