TSA Stealing again, this time from a kid
Aug 2, 2011 | 12:49 am
#31
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Nashville, TN
Programs: WN Nothing and spending the half million points from too many flights, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 8,043
When they are finished screening my bag, I inventory it before it leaves the shiny table. I will say "I want to make a quick check to make sure everything got back in here." This has never been a problem. I will also ask permission to repack it. It allows me to check without seeming to be checking. Anyway, the case is crammed full with a place for everything and everything in its place. Only I know how to pack it. I am prepared to say "My ________ is missing. Get an LEO and pull the tapes, now." I've never had to do this. The things in my bag are very valuable, about $15,000 to replace, but they do not look like they are. Just the special RG58-CU cables with Amphenol connectors are over $1500.
Aug 2, 2011 | 1:38 am
#32
Join Date: Mar 2007
Programs: AA 1MM
Posts: 3,182
That's like saying the FDA should approve a drug for toenail fungus which causes heart attacks in 25% of people taking it, even though "far more" people don't have a heart attack then do.
Aug 2, 2011 | 4:41 am
#33
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Lee heads a team of 30 public affairs professionals responsible for media relations, public liaison, graphic arts, internal and external Web sites, and employee communications.
Aug 2, 2011 | 4:47 am
#34
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I don't think most of these thefts that take place at the checkpoint are done as your bag goes through the x-ray. So I don't think the lock is going to do much.
I think most of the checkpoint thefts take place during the bag search, while you are standing there. They put their back to you and the camera and tell you to "stand back."
I think it is a wise idea to say, "Hey, I'll stand back but can't I see what you are doing? I need to watch my belongings." If another officer is patting you down inform them to wait until one screening process is done before starting another. If they give you difficultly about doing any of this ask to bring over a supervisor. Simply explain you want to watch your bag.
Yes. I understand that a lot of these people will cause issues and be difficult with you over this. But it is still better than doing nothing.
I would be most concerned with the things in your pockets. If you place them in the tray they are more likely to disappear. If they are in you pockets during a patdown they will be handled by the TSA and possibly run through the x-ray by them. I would empty your pockets into you bag and hold cash in hand.
I think most of the checkpoint thefts take place during the bag search, while you are standing there. They put their back to you and the camera and tell you to "stand back."
I think it is a wise idea to say, "Hey, I'll stand back but can't I see what you are doing? I need to watch my belongings." If another officer is patting you down inform them to wait until one screening process is done before starting another. If they give you difficultly about doing any of this ask to bring over a supervisor. Simply explain you want to watch your bag.
Yes. I understand that a lot of these people will cause issues and be difficult with you over this. But it is still better than doing nothing.
I would be most concerned with the things in your pockets. If you place them in the tray they are more likely to disappear. If they are in you pockets during a patdown they will be handled by the TSA and possibly run through the x-ray by them. I would empty your pockets into you bag and hold cash in hand.
Aug 2, 2011 | 6:41 am
#35
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,145
Aug 2, 2011 | 7:30 am
#36
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Southwest Florida
Programs: AA lifetime Gold , DL Gold, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 572
Every time I go through airport screening, everything in my pockets, except for the pen in my shirt pocket gets locked up in my carry on, the pen is there for writing down any screeners name and badge numbers if needed.
No screener can open my bags without my permission, because they do not have the authority to break open locks of carry on luggage at the checkpoint.
If I have to open any of my carry on items, I always position myself so I can clearly see the screeners hands. Fortunately so far I have not had any problems with screeners trying to hide their actions from me or ordering me to stand back, but the minute they do, I will demand they stop and call for a supervisor and an LEO.
I do not trust TSA screeners at all, there are just too many thieves in their ranks and I have the right to keep my possessions in sight at all times, including the contents of my carry ons.
I have no compulsions at all to tell any supervisor to their face that I am concerned about theft from my luggage and that I consider all screeners to be potential thieves, not accusing them directly of being thieves, but I am just acting in the abundance of caution.
Mr. Elliott
No screener can open my bags without my permission, because they do not have the authority to break open locks of carry on luggage at the checkpoint.
If I have to open any of my carry on items, I always position myself so I can clearly see the screeners hands. Fortunately so far I have not had any problems with screeners trying to hide their actions from me or ordering me to stand back, but the minute they do, I will demand they stop and call for a supervisor and an LEO.
I do not trust TSA screeners at all, there are just too many thieves in their ranks and I have the right to keep my possessions in sight at all times, including the contents of my carry ons.
I have no compulsions at all to tell any supervisor to their face that I am concerned about theft from my luggage and that I consider all screeners to be potential thieves, not accusing them directly of being thieves, but I am just acting in the abundance of caution.
Mr. Elliott
Aug 2, 2011 | 12:11 pm
#37
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 326
After removing my laptop I put my small "manpurse" (which contains my wallet and valuables) inside my rollerbag, then I always snap a small lock on the zippers.
The only thing I have to watch is my laptop - which I place in the middle between my bag and shoe bin. If they pick up my back and attempt to open in the main portion is locked, and the key is tucked in the side pocket with some powerbars.
There's no way for them to steal my wallet, cell phone, camera - etc as it's all sealed up. This takes me a couple seconds to switch around, but I've done it enough it's second nature and easy to swap and move while queueing down the line.
The only thing I have to watch is my laptop - which I place in the middle between my bag and shoe bin. If they pick up my back and attempt to open in the main portion is locked, and the key is tucked in the side pocket with some powerbars.
There's no way for them to steal my wallet, cell phone, camera - etc as it's all sealed up. This takes me a couple seconds to switch around, but I've done it enough it's second nature and easy to swap and move while queueing down the line.
Aug 2, 2011 | 12:18 pm
#38
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Wasn't at all an inconvenience for the officer.
Aug 2, 2011 | 12:47 pm
#39
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Southwest Florida
Programs: AA lifetime Gold , DL Gold, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 572
Happiness is seeing a TSO being led away in handcuffs, I might even start clapping if I saw it happen.
Mr. Elliott
Aug 2, 2011 | 2:58 pm
#40
Moderator: Smoking Lounge; FlyerTalk Evangelist
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