Theft by AA Security Personnel

[Wish Upon A Star]

Just thought I'd share my sister's experience with the "new" security situations at Newark Airport. By the way, this was not a WDW trip . . .she went to Aruba, but still, be on the lookout.

She flew American Airlines . . .upon arriving at the Newark Airport . . .they did all their new security measures, took away her tweasers, pen, etc . . .that was on her carry on bag/purse. She did not get those items back . . .but the worse part is when her luggage came off the carrier . . .it was pried open . . .locks were off and her electric toothbrush, carton of cigs and believe it or not her sandals were stolen. Now I assumed at first, well maybe they just fell out after they searched her bags, but she wasn't the only passenger with that situation . . .One woman had her entire suitcase sliced down the middle.

Hmmmm I suppose that once your bags are x-ray'd if someone wants something, all they have to do is break into your luggage . . .pretty sad . . .

 

[seashoreCM]

Such blatant ripping open of suitcases?

The airline should immediately pay you according to the lost or damaged baggage rules they already have published. This includes clothes you ahve to buy at your destination.

You can ask for a generous travel voucher or miles as an alternative.

If worse comes to worst, file a small claims lawsuit in the city closest to your home that has one of the airline's ticket offices or an airport they serve.

Get extra insurance at the airport when checking baggage with valuables. Depending on the insurance provisions available, it may be advantageous nowadays to check more and carry on less, also saves having to manually schlep and finagle the stuff through the X-rays and down the corridors and jetways.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[CarolA]

I assume you are talking about her checked bags. In that case it was probably NOT security, but baggage handlers. AA has had a more than a few incidents of this! This is actually one of the reasons I don't lock my suitcase. I am convinced that they figure you locked it becuase there was something worth taking so they open it!

 

[Wish Upon A Star]

Yes, sorry . . .baggage handlers . . .I mean imagine going to all that trouble to steal a carton of cigs, someone's electric toothbrush (ewwwwwwwwwww) and sandals . . .scary to think what kind of employees airlines hire

 

[DVCajun]

You definitely have recourse here. I hope you follow up.

I wonder if the hint about wrapping your luggage in duct tape works? At least it would be obvious if the case was broken into.

 

[Miss Jasmine]

Actually not all baggage handlers are hired by the airlines. Sometimes the airlines contract with a company to handle baggage, this is especially true if that airline does not have that many flights from a particular airport.

And as for the items confiscated at the checkpoint. She needed to know the rules. Personally when we go to Cancun later this year, the only things I am taking on board are reading materials and snacks. With the baggage matching most airports are doing, it will be a lot harder for the airlines to lose your baggage.

 

[Gillian]

They took away her pen?