Anyone else have theft from their luggage at airport?

[JoEllen]

We had some candy, snacks and a bag of Starbucks stolen from our luggage during our last December trip. We checked our bags at the Seattle airport and when we unpacked at BWV I had the paper form in our bags that said our bags had been randomly inspected at SEATAC. Then discovered all the missing items. Not a big deal, but, certainly an annoyance.

Now we're planning our May trip and I'm wondering if there are approved luggage locks. I don't care about a few missing snacks but wonder what else might be taken.

Any suggestions that have worked for you?

 

[Mickmse2002]

Nope. I have had the paper inserted that said our bags were inspected but nothing missing. Did you report the theft?

 

[JimMIA]

I am pretty sure locks are no longer allowed on checked luggage. I know they have not been since 9/11, unless there has been a very recent change. When TSA inspects checked luggage, I thought they secured it with ties or something, in addition to the note.

Obviously, you will want to carry on any valuables. Theft from checked luggage has always been a problem - locked or not.

 

[Rash]

There are TSA approved locks - I bought some online, can't remember where. Just google for TSA luggage locks. They don't have to cut them - I guess there's a master key. They have the TSA symbol on them.

 

[JoEllen]

Thanks Rash, I found the site and think I will order them for this next trip. Feel more secure with locks especially since we have a few connections from Seattle.

Mickmse2002, I thought about reporting the theft when we got back but felt kinda silly since it was only candy and coffee. We always carry on all the important stuff but I guess some people will take anything if given a chance.

 

[Mickmse2002]

Mickmse2002, I thought about reporting the theft when we got back but felt kinda silly since it was only candy and coffee. We always carry on all the important stuff but I guess some people will take anything if given a chance.

Yeah, I know what you mean but if they stole your silly stuff you can almost guarantee it is part of a larger problem that needs to be investigated.


I am also going to look into these TSA locks as I absolutley hate leaving them unlocked altogether.

 

[lsutiggeratwk]

I just got back from an office trip to OFfice Depot. Glanced at the luggage stuff (they had lime green luggage tags) and they had combination locks (the kind with three numbers). On the card it said you could now lock your luggage. Don't know if this is true or accurate but thought I'd start a rumor
!. I haven't heard anything about it. I've always used twist ties just to keep the zippers from coming apart during flight.

Anyone else with information on this??

 

[Mickmse2002]

Here's the information from TSA:
http://www.tsa.gov/public/interapp/editorial/editorial_1634.xml

 

[kathleena]

I have the TSA locks and have used them twice. TSA Security didn't even blink - last trip when they asked if I had locks on luggage I said - yes they are the TSA ones - he smiled and said "even better"

You can buy them thru QVC and also thru LL Bean. At Bean's they are $16 for two (but I get 33% off due to DH working there )

Also - re the food - I have read several places NOT to have food in checked bags - there is something about the scanning that makes them open the bags to inspect. I suspect that they opened the bags because of the food, took it out and then scanned the bags without the food to be sure the scan was clean, and then forgot to put the food back in. I really dont think someone would steal the food.

We no longer put food in checked bags - I carry it on the plane or ship it down.

 

[msdis]

Also - re the food - I have read several places NOT to have food in checked bags - there is something about the scanning that makes them open the bags to inspect.

Anything with nitrates will set it off. Not sure if there are other items.

 

[TLinden16]

I was going to say what Kathleena said. I didn't think you could put food in locked luggage anymore.

I have the TSA approved locks. I bought mine at Brookstone--the were 2 for $20. I'm starting to see them pop up in more places now. Just make sure that it says that they are TSA approved right on the package.

Karen

 

[Pa@okw95]

The best protection against theft is to put nothing of value in your luggage. That same advice goes for valet parking, leave nothing of vlaue in your car.

 

[wdwstar]

we always get our suitcase opened when we bring the inflatable mattress, so i throw our shoes in that suitcase. once i had our suitcase opened left their little note and i had 2 bottles of suntan lotion squirted out all over my things. i had the bottles of suntan lotion in a ziplock bag. hmmmmm someone had fun at my exspense

 

[mbb]

...'course, we still haven't GOT our luggage!!!

*sigh*
It was lost on our way *TO* Florida on January 23...Today is April 16.

We're wondering if the bags themselves were stolen.
Nothing of any "value" was in there, but after one day, tell me how valuable clean underwear are!!LOL

The cranky thing is, the weather here is starting to get quite nice...and all our Spring/Early summer clothes were in our suitcases, including jackets.

It will turn up, right?? Tell me it will!! LOL!

 

[dianeschlicht]

...'course, we still haven't GOT our luggage!!!

*sigh*
It was lost on our way *TO* Florida on January 23...Today is April 16.

We're wondering if the bags themselves were stolen.
Nothing of any "value" was in there, but after one day, tell me how valuable clean underwear are!!LOL

The cranky thing is, the weather here is starting to get quite nice...and all our Spring/Early summer clothes were in our suitcases, including jackets.

It will turn up, right?? Tell me it will!! LOL!

LOL! Don't hold your breath!

 

[Laurabearz]

...'course, we still haven't GOT our luggage!!!

*sigh*
It was lost on our way *TO* Florida on January 23...Today is April 16.

((((Hugs))))

 

[mbb]

Funny part is, this was the first trip that we checked bags

My husband says I'm the "Carry On Queen" I can pack everything we need for vacation into 2roll-ons, and two knapsnacks. Thought we could "splurge" this time, and take 7pairsof socks, instead of the usual two

I was so excited about livin' large, and letting Baggage look after my bags!

Gotta say though, Outlet shopping rocks!!

Sorrry for the thread hijack

 

[Crissup]

I've carried a pocket knife since I was a little kid. A couple years back, I realized as I got to the airport, that my pocket knife was still in my pocket. So, I quick opened up my suitcase and stuck it inside. I remember the TSA guy opening the suitcase as we were walking away. Sure enough, the pocket knife was never to be seen again. Cost me $40 to replace it.

Also, CarolAnnC had a Disney luggage lock that looked like Mickey Mouse. Since we knew we couldn't lock the suit cases anymore, we just hooked it to one of the zippers and used it like a zipper pull. The luggage was never locked. Nonetheless, on one of the trips, the lock was cut off anyway. The TSA evidentally doesn't even want to *see* a lock, whether it's locking something shut or not. I'm sure they just run across the luggage snipping any lock they see.

 

[Sammy]

When DH and I took our Anniversary trip last September, we put the zip-ties on the zipper pulls as "locks". When we arrived at BCV, we went to cut the tie off the luggage and noticed it had already been done! There was no note inside anywhere. Luckily, nothing appeared to be missing, although we are always careful NOT to pack valuables in the checked luggage. It just gave me a creepy feeling to know someone was probably handling our stuff!

 

[Crissup]

It just gave me a creepy feeling to know someone was probably handling our stuff!

Hopefully, it didn't look like anyone had been wearing your stuff!