TSA bag check?

[disneyboy123]

Just wondering how often TSA tend to open up checked in luggage to view contents? I've heard storied of items/clothes gone missing after these checks. I plan to pack a tripod and i've read that this could cause TSA to most likely open up the luggage to check the tripod

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

Mine seems to get opened a lot. Nothing has ever gone missing however.

Of course I don't put jewelry, electronics etc in there.

(I think it's the bean bag mount for my GPS that trips them so I put it on the top and I think that limits the "digging". SO if you think the tripod might be something that they want to look at don't put it on the bottom. A TSA Agent gave me this hint once about my carryon and I just think it works on the checked bags too)

 

[delilah]

I am not sure how often that TSA opens bags to inspect contents. Years ago,they would leave a note that they had opened and inspected a bag, but, I haven't seen a note like that for a long time, since 2007 or so.

On this last trip, about 2 wks ago, however, I think that my bag was opened and inspected, because the straps were unvelcroed, and I always velcro them together to keep them out of the way. I had a small luggage scale in my bag that went missing, worth about $12-16, and I paid about $8.50 for it. It was more of a nuisance than anything that I didn't have my luggage scale when I got to Orlando. Couldn't check bag weights on the trip home before going to the airport. Just goes to show you never know what somebody is going to fancy.

 

[alikennedy]

They still leave a note. We have had a note indicating a bag has been checked the last three times we have flown. Nothing has ever gone missing.

 

[disneyboy123]

I am not sure how often that TSA opens bags to inspect contents. Years ago,they would leave a note that they had opened and inspected a bag, but, I haven't seen a note like that for a long time, since 2007 or so.

On this last trip, about 2 wks ago, however, I think that my bag was opened and inspected, because the straps were unvelcroed, and I always velcro them together to keep them out of the way. I had a small luggage scale in my bag that went missing, worth about $12-16, and I paid about $8.50 for it. It was more of a nuisance than anything that I didn't have my luggage scale when I got to Orlando. Couldn't check bag weights on the trip home before going to the airport. Just goes to show you never know what somebody is going to fancy.

U didn't file a complaint? I know its a small item but still.... that's pretty low

 

[delilah]

U didn't file a complaint? I know its a small item but still.... that's pretty low

I did file a complaint, but, of course, there was nothing that could be done. At the time I was in Florida, I had myself convince that maybe I had left it at home, so I looked for it when I got home, and of course, it wasn't there. I was upset, because it was new, and I had an older scale that was harder to use--took longer to equilibrate, but, of course, we left that one home, too.

 

[goofy4tink]

For some reason, they always open my bags. I put nothing in my checked bags that I don't want to lose. Sad to say, but there it is. I almost want to put a note on the top that says 'have at it guys', but that would probably really irritate them!!
The one time I had peanut butter in my checked bag??? Nothing. Not a thing was disturbed!! Go figure.

If you're worried about the tripod either causing a search, or possibly going missing, I would try to put it in a carryon bag.

 

[ccgirl]

Just wondering how often TSA tend to open up checked in luggage to view contents? I've heard storied of items/clothes gone missing after these checks. I plan to pack a tripod and i've read that this could cause TSA to most likely open up the luggage to check the tripod

Ive had mine opened quite a few times but never had anything missing. I do not check valuables though. I think it's because I tend to travel with a new and full tube of toothpaste.

 

[CPT Tripss]

For some reason, they always open my bags. I put nothing in my checked bags that I don't want to lose. Sad to say, but there it is. I almost want to put a note on the top that says 'have at it guys', but that would probably really irritate them!!
The one time I had peanut butter in my checked bag??? Nothing. Not a thing was disturbed!! Go figure.

If you're worried about the tripod either causing a search, or possibly going missing, I would try to put it in a carryon bag.

Just be aware of TSA legendary inconsistency and their penchant for determining some non prohibited items dangerous.

It was a few years ago that I was told by an Airport Security Screener that my tripod was potentially dangerous and I could not carry it on. This was the return leg of a rt . . . It was strapped to my camera bag on the out bound leg . . .

 

[disneyboy123]

Yea such a pain.... maybe I won't risk it and will just check it in and put it on top.
Also, being from canada we don't get spicy cheetos. If I load my luggage up with them would thay cause issues? Lol

 

[aubriee]

On this last trip, about 2 wks ago, however, I think that my bag was opened and inspected, because the straps were unvelcroed, and I always velcro them together to keep them out of the way. I had a small luggage scale in my bag that went missing, worth about $12-16, and I paid about $8.50 for it. It was more of a nuisance than anything that I didn't have my luggage scale when I got to Orlando. Couldn't check bag weights on the trip home before going to the airport. Just goes to show you never know what somebody is going to fancy.

A few years ago (the only time I've ever packed wine in luggage), I had a bottle of wine come up missing. The wine shop in Italy had boxed it really well for me, but I still wrapped it in bubble wrap and clothes and then wedged it in amongst some more clothes in my large duffel. What's funny is not only was the bottle of wine missing, but one flip flop. They left the other flip flop, so I assume since I had wedged them in at each end, that the other just slipped out when they were stealing my wine and they forgot to put it back in. Everything in the suitcase had been moved around. Whoever did it, did not leave a note saying the bag had been searched.

 

[bookbabe626]

Also, being from canada we don't get spicy cheetos. If I load my luggage up with them would thay cause issues? Lol

:grin: The spicy Cheetos can even go in your carry-on...DH loads his with them every time... :grin: He figures they're less likely to get squashed or stolen that way. It would be so nice if we could get them at home, though...way easier than dealing with the odd looks at airport security...

 

[disneyboy123]

:grin: The spicy Cheetos can even go in your carry-on...DH loads his with them every time... :grin: He figures they're less likely to get squashed or stolen that way. It would be so nice if we could get them at home, though...way easier than dealing with the odd looks at airport security...

I thought they don't let this stuff onto carry on do they? I want to bring snacks onto the flight but not sure what they will or won't allow. I just hate the inconsostencies.

 

[CPT Tripss]

I thought they don't let this stuff onto carry on do they? I want to bring snacks onto the flight but not sure what they will or won't allow. I just hate the inconsostencies.

If you purchase snacks after you have passed the Airport Security Screening Checkpoint, anything goes. If you are bringing snacks to the airport and they will be screened, stick with solids. Like Cheetos . . . But skip the dip or salsa unless you want to feed a screener.

 

[disneyboy123]

thanks
another thing, if i do decide to bring my tripod on carry on but they refuse it, i'm I sol or do I have the ability to put it into my checked in luggage? Or do I have to check it in separately, which would kind of be a waste...., especially if I have to pay for it

 

[disneyboy123]

Also
If I put a boatload of chips and chocolate onto my carry on that wouldnt ve a problem would it?

 

[SilverMickey]

I had a few things go missing several trips in a row. I now take a picture of the inside of my suitcase... anything of value is put on a list and I put the picture inside the suitcase.....with the inventory list. It says Copy 1 of 3. Copy 2 in carry-on. Copy 3 at home. Digital copy on web.

Since then my bag has been opened but nothing has gone missing. Note I only do this if I have something of value. I get a shiney silver sticker from TSA stating it has been opened.

I also put zip ties on the bag.... leave more inside and ask them to re-secure the bag when they have completed their task. (with a thanks) and they usually do. No wonder my hubby thinks it is a hassle to fly.

 

[Henlady]

Two years ago, we traveled with a one cup coffee maker and some powdered creamer in our checked luggage. When we got home, the creamer container that had been in a ziplock bag was laying in the suitcase outside of the bag and opened with powdered creamer all thru our clothing. Wish they had had the decency to put it back in the ziplock. We don't do that anymore.

 

[CPT Tripss]

thanks
another thing, if i do decide to bring my tripod on carry on but they refuse it, i'm I sol or do I have the ability to put it into my checked in luggage? Or do I have to check it in separately, which would kind of be a waste...., especially if I have to pay for it

You are pretty much sol. By the time you get to security and get a decision on your stuff, your checked luggage is behind the scenes (so to speak) and not accessible to you. I was lucky, traveling with friend who was on a later flight who had not planned to check a bag . . . but did in order to get my stuff back.