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Quote:

Originally Posted by psychtobe

the logic escapes me.

on the one hand we may not take large carry-on bags; we are limited to one carry-on item; if we board late they may force us to check our carry-on because of space limitations.

on the other hand, most items of any value are not covered if checked.

for jewelry, etc., the solution is clear: it's small and portable, so carry it on board. For other items: souvenirs, gifts, small-medium trinkets, food or liquor from foreign countries, and many other miscellaneous items, there is no reasonable solution. I find the proposal that we must carry anything of any value with us on the plane somewhat unrealistic.

Can we really only pack clothes (but not expensive clothes), toiletries (but not the ones we need the first night or in case our bags are delayed), and cheap, valueless trinkets from South American street vendors in our checked luggage?

I agree. I once had snacks I brought back from Asia stolen from my luggage (not really all that expensive, too). I think there needs to be more accountability, be it the TSA or the carriers, before this gets way out of control. Anyone has experience with the TSA-approved locking mechanism? I supposed if I use them and stuff is stolen from my luggage, TSA should be held solely responsible for the loss since they are the only ones with access to the luggage. Also, if a passenger is forced to check his/her valuable carry-on at the gate, would the carrier be responsible for any loss (including items that shouldn't have been checked) if it occurs?

LAX

Quote:

Originally Posted by LAX

Anyone has experience with the TSA-approved locking mechanism?

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=356359

Will not be the first or last time expensive items are stolen from PAX bags.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MSP-FFF

So I gather from your responses that I was at fault for putting the camera in my bag in the first place. That I should simply expect that anything of value will systematically be removed from all checked luggage by either the folks at TSA charged with protecting the traveling public, or the unscrupulous airline baggage personnel.

Is this what we've come to? :(

I don’t think its any more your fault than the person who has a digital camera stolen from a locked car. There have been literally 100’s of programs that show ramp personnel going through and subsequently stealing from luggage.

No matter where we fly to, we always take a carry on that contains any expensive items along with prescriptions medications that we may need. For me it’s all about due diligence, in a perfect world we could leave expensive camera’s, jewelry and medication in our un-locked luggage. But experience has shown us all that it might not be the best idea.

I recently had a set of Ping irons and woods stolen from my cart at Firestone Country Club while I was in the Pro shop. I take full responsibility for not being a little more diligent. Live an learn, when I told my wife about the theft she reminded me of the program we watched that showed this type of theft on the increase. :rolleyes:

Quote:

Originally Posted by LAX

Anyone has experience with the TSA-approved locking mechanism?

I bought one, figured it would at least keep the zipper closed. Used it once, it made it to the destination but on the return flight the luggage made it home, the lock didn't.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MSP-FFF

...because of the length of the trip I had no choice but to check luggage. [...] Once I got home and unpacked I realized that a digital camera and a Swiss army knife were missing from the bag.

Why would you put a digital camera in the front pocket of a bag you're checking? I wouldn't worry about it -- if it wasn't stolen, it'd have been crushed anyway. :D

Quote:

Originally Posted by psychtobe

the logic escapes me.

on the one hand we may not take large carry-on bags; we are limited to one carry-on item; if we board late they may force us to check our carry-on because of space limitations.

There's always the seat in front of you (unless you're riding bulkhead). I've noticed that most people that give in and check their stuff (1) wanted it in an overhead and (2) have a HUGE suitcase or garment bag. I've been asked to check my laptop bag by several agents. I just laugh.... they're explicitly not responsible for damage to a checked piece of electronics, yet they ask you to check 'em sometimes. I've found that there's usually room if you re-arrange the overhead, or it will fit under the seat in front of me, or if I'm in a bulkhead seat, the FA will put it in the coat closet for you 9 times out of 10... i've never had a problem taking my valuables on board with me, including an antique tiffany lamp I brought back home from my great-grandmother's house -- over 100 years old. No way that was getting checked.