Originally Posted by
jackvogt
Who is to stop me from saying it's not a bike, if the agent checks then I just pay the fee, and if they don't then obviously if it was damaged, I wouldn't have a right to a claim. I can't stand all this stupid legality and rules. I understand airlines need to make money and I don't blame them but I find it quite pesky.
In this case there is not much risk. However, I was told a story from an agent with the Office of the Inspector General (I understand this is not a similar scenario, but wanted to share the story).
There was a guy who found a generator next to a dumpster while on an assignment. He wanted to take it home, so he boxed it up and brought it to the airport to check on his flight home. The first agent asked him what it was, he said a generator. Agent asked if it was gas, it was. Agent stated it cannot fly, needs to go ground.
Guy proceeds to take it out to curbside check. Agent asks him what it was, he stated computer parts, and it gets checked.
As the box is going up the conveyor into the plane, it tips and begins spilling gasoline. It is caught, he is taken off plane, police refer case to OIG.
The agent pondered whether or not to prosecute, but then thought of all the innocent people on the flight, and that he blatantly lied in order circumvent federal laws. He was convicted, fined, and spent 2 years in jail.