Originally Posted by
oneofthosepeopleyouloveto hate
Nope, not SOP, but it's done. If the bag can't be properly inspected, it can't go on the plane.
Usually the lock would be cut off, though.
The proper course of action when a bag can't be opened (usually in cases of a non-TSA lock on a hard shell case, i.e., lock can't be cut off) is to have the airlines contact the passenger, who then needs to come to the checked baggage area to unlock the bag.
In most cases, when the zipper breaks, it's on an older bag that's seen a lot of wear and tear, and/or the bag is seriously overstuffed, and the zipper comes off the track while trying to close it. It does happen!
Bag was a new Samsonite that was making its second trip. Samsonite zippers don't break just because.
Both of my bags did not make the flight. Only one was open and items stolen.
Have there been cases where airport employees simply put the TSA flyer in to cover his or her tracks?
What is the control mechanism for the actual flyers? It would be very convenient if I were in the baggage chain and had a stack of flyers.
1. X-ray bag, identify good prospects
2. Break open bag
3. Insert the friendly TSA flyer
4. Send bag on its way, possibly closing it, possibly not
5. Get busy selling the stolen items on ebay or in the hood like in the Tampa case
As I said, I travel to many countries and on many airlines.
The only place that I have EVER experienced theft is in the US.
I had two bags delayed once within Russia, and they arrived to me sealed with metal "zip ties" that were encased in wax. A notification was provided stating the specific chain of custody that my bags had taken once they entered Russia. No items were missing, although it would have been very easy to simply never "find" these bags.