Update on TSA stealing stuff (on TV!!)

[NotUrsula]

They are meant for schoolchildren to use to put pencils/crayons in. They usually have holes on one long side, so that they can be put into a looseleaf notebook. I don't think I've paid over $1.

 

[ZachnElli]

I'm so sorry this happened to you. I'm glad you at least made a stink. It's gonna take several people making a stink about it before anything gets done about it. We had some things taken out of checked bags in June also. It was small stuff, but very obvious to me when I opened the bag. I had a coffee cup (souvenir) that I had packed in the middle of a clothes suitcase, wrapped in a t-shirt. Well, the t-shirt was gone and the coffee cup was on the outter side of the suitcase not wrapped in anything and completely smashed (of course). There were some other things missing, just trinkets, but worth $150. This was coming from Maui and not easy to get back to, to replace! I was very sad as they were all gifts to family members who helped make the trip possible.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

I certainly don't mean to be contrary here, but, there are more people handling your luggage than the TSA. I would find it difficult to pin the blame on them with 100% surity.
I did have two of my bags inspected and would not have known it except for the fliers they put in there. Nothing was missing and it looked just like they did when I packed them.
I am truly sorry for your loss, but, things have gone missing from lots of luggage long before the TSA came into being.

 

[RachelEllen]

Hi,

I don't know if you had a chance to read the entire post originally. However, the point (at the beginning of this odyssy) was that the airlines we flew was no longer taking any claims for items stolen out of luggage, because they said TSA was responsable. TSA did not have any claim process in place at the time we flew. So it wasn't our idea that it was TSA's fault, it was Deltas.

Another point, also, is that if TSA is supposed to be guarenteeing the safety of our luggage (as in, someone should not be able to smuggle bombs or explosives into our luggage), it's distressing to me that someone could have time to open a luggage lock, rummage through the luggage and take large, valuble items from three separate locations, and then neatly close and refasten the luggage. (unless, of course, they were one of the people who were supposed to be searching luggage)

Rachel

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Rachel,
I have read this entire thread. And, as I said, I was not trying to be contrary, not by any means.
Again, I am truly sorry for your loss and I do think it a horrible thing to have happened.
I find it somewhat disturbing that Delta will not assume responsibility for losses as it is not the TSA that loads or unloads the luggage. Also, I would find it more disturbing to see an avenue of "escape from responsibility" by the airlines as there were clearly many thefts long before the TSA became involved.
In fact, I think it opens a huge window of opportunity for those less than honest airline employees that, much to the airlines chagrin, do exist.
I think what I was responding to was the title of this thread.
I hope you understand and please, realize that it was not an insult to you personally.

 

[RachelEllen]

No offense taken. I agree, the title doesn't accurately reflect what we know happened. I think it was more shorthand after our very frustrating experience dealing with TSA. (Like watching George Naccara, head of security at Logan say on television how security cameras were on luggage inspectors at all times, when only a few weeks before, his office repeatedly refused to review those tapes for us)

Less than honest employees exist in every profession, and I agree, I wouldn't hold TSA to the impossible standard of never hiring any. I think a better title would have been 'TSA not accountable for stolen stuff'. So, point well taken!

Rachel
p.s. I've seen many of your posts around. I have a feeling you wouldn't be personally insulting.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Rachel,
Thank you for your nice post, and you are correct, I rarely post an insulting post ( I do have my moments, however). After posting my other post I hopped out to the TSA website, after reading your original post that a link led to. I did find an interesting "blurb" that may help you. I know your DH called this number, but, there is also and email address.


Missing Contents

TSA screeners exercise great care during the screening process to ensure that your contents are returned to your bag every time a bag needs to be opened. TSA will assess, on an individual basis, any loss or damage claims made to TSA. You may call the TSA Consumer Response Center toll-free at 1-866-289-9673 if you have questions.

I also read where they fasten some sort of security thingie to your bags after inspection, which I found interesting as they, as I said before, inspected two of my bags and nothing was attached.

I do wish you luck with this. Hopefully, you will keep us informed.

 

[NotUrsula]

I had occasion to speak to one of the TSA supervisors at my home airport (STL), and I asked about the generic plastic cable ties. He told me that the TSA has ordered some specially imprinted versions, but that the mfr. had not delivered them yet, at least here. He said that the plan is to have a seal that specifically shows that it was put on by TSA, but that all the details of that have not yet been worked out.

In recent years, I had taken to tying a bright-colored shoelace through the zipper pulls, partly to frustrate pilfering, and partly to help ID the bag on the carousel. I've had to switch to putting it round the handle, as TSA won't put it back on zippers after inspecting. My new practice is to open and check my bags right there in baggage claim; I don't leave the area until I'm sure everything is intact.

 

[Luv2Roam]

In January, we watched as TSA went through our 4 checked bags.
Only one suitcase had the paper notice put in. None were secured with a tie.
I *assumed* at that time the tie was only used for those who normally would lock their luggage. But they made everyone remove their luggage locks while they stood in line. SO they wouldn't have known if luggage locks were being used or not.
I am wondering is each airport/airline different on where TSA inspects the luggage?
In Omaha, ours was inspected before we even went to ticket counter. Which made me wonder if it was opened and checked again later.
AT MCO, we never saw our check luggage opened/inspected, and didn't receive a notice stating it was. But that's not to say it wasn't.

 

[seashoreCM]

Anyone brought a claim in small claims court for items in checked luggage damaged or missing, and won?

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

 

[RachelEllen]

We'll let you know. That's the step we're trying now to reclaim our insurance deductible.

Rachel

 

[ZachnElli]

Luv2Roam- howdy neighbor!! When your bags where all searched in Jan. Was that in Omaha? When we went to FL in Jan all our checked bags were searched, as was everyone else's. Dh told me that they have been searching all checked bags lately at the airport here (he travels for work). But at least they do it right in front of you, I guess.