Theft from Baggage at MCO
 

We have had an item stolen from our baggage, we flew from Orlando to Manchester (UK) with Virgin Atlantic on 13th March and checked in at Downtown Disney.

The item stole was a http://www.wdc.com/en/products/WDTV/ media player
the item is 8"x7"x3" so it's not really small enough to put in someones pocket, we always put cable ties on all our luggage after reading about thefts from baggage but one of our party had to take some things out of an overweight case and ended up putting the item in a pocket of a holdall/sports bag and it was the only thing that we didn't put a cable tie on.. make sure you lock it or you might lose it.. The item was only worth £80 so it's not gonna break the bank, but hey, I thought Airport security was tight or is that just for us visitors to your country

Is this common at Orlando International Airport !!

Not sure how common at Orlando, but since TSA I hear of a lot more thefts.

Yes, really. It was big problems lots of these bags who accused stolens the valuable things out of the luggage. I believe the police didn't find the suspected who accused touching the bags at Disney World property. It have try to stop stealing the bags out of Disney World hotel. TSA didn't being searching the bags through inline baggage system. I know there is lots of the travelers who have a complaints against the baggage handling who accused stolens the valuable things out of bags. Could be result arrested for charge of theft. This is unacceptable for the behavioral at Disney World. You should have to stay away from Disney World property. Next time, you have to take the bags along with you to airport to prior check-in counter or go to curbside, too.

Theft of items from checked baggage is a global phenomenon. Anything of value should be carried on, especially something that small.

Sorry you were victimized. Hopefully your stay at Disney was a good one.

Though I agree with you, I'd note one thing: With the advent of TSA luggage searches, there is now an opportunity for the baggage handlers to point their fingers at TSA, and vice versa. As far as I know, this is a US phenomena. I know that, in China, I've twice had the contents of my checked luggage questioned. I was paged to a security office where the officer asked me to open my bag in his presence so he could inspect whatever anomaly presented itself when the bag was x-rayed. There was minimal fuss and, of course, the integrity of my possessions were ensured.

Not that TSA would ever adopt such a common sense procedure.

Well, checking in at Downtown Disney, there's no guarantee that item ever made it to the airport.

Too late for this advice, but that's the kind of item I'd never put in checked bags.

Welcome to FlyerTalk. Sorry for your loss, and as others have stated, nothing valuable should be in checked luggage.

There is a good reason that the airlines (and insurance companies) won't insure luggage for more than $500.

-K

Sorry that you had this happen! Sadly it is a global phenomonon, with security, handlers and even folks standing next to you in line (pickpockets anyone?). I would recommend that you contact TSAs Claims management branch via the following page (for an explanation of how the process works)
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/customer/claims/index.shtm

To begin the process, please check with the lost and found office in Orlando at the following phone numbers:
Orlando International Airport
407-825-2111
Orlando Sanford International Airport
(407) 585-4573

Since you are from a different country, this may not be feasible for you, so you can either contact the Orlando TSA office via snail mail at:
U S Govt TSA
9265 Airport Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32827
Attn. Lost and Found

I currently can not find a direct contact email for the TSA office in Orlando, but I will include the contact email for TSA at headquarters (visit this page and click the link it should bring up an email for you to send out):

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/custome...rial_1029.shtm

The page here is FAQ for lost or stolen items, it can help cut some steps out for you if you consult it:

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/customer/claims/faq.shtm

If you reach a point that you need to file a claim, this is the form to use (PDF warning):

http://www.tsa.gov/assets/pdf/sf-95_claim_package.pdf

And finally, once you have completed the form, it needs to be submitted to :

TSA Claims Management Branch
601 South 12th Street - TSA 9
Arlington, VA 20598-6009

Or faxed to : (571) 227-1904

I hope this helps and I hope you get your item back!

I had my golf waterproofs stolen from my golf bag going from MCO to SJC. Fortunately it was after I had been rained on incessantly for 6 days, and although I did say at the time I packed them up that I hoped I wouldn't see them for a while, little did I know ! This was prior to 9/11. Tbh I was just thankful that the clubs did not go awol.

OP, try the address below. Its not to the individual you want, but this office can get it to the right one.

[email protected]

I found a short while back the following 'information/tip' on how to best avoid getting things stolen from checked luggage.

IMO, it's definately quite ingenious :D

Thanks Ron, I didn't even think of that one!

This is definitely something I'd consider doing if I get back to flying. If I start travelling for business again, the only question I'd ask is where to keep it once I get to my destination, as most places are irrationally squeamish about bringing a weapon in to work, and I certainly wouldn't trust leaving it in a hotel room (not even in a safe)... Flying for pleasure is a different story, as all of my friends are more than comfortable with weapons... ;)

drankin - the post (or the comments in it) mention a starter/sports pistol - these are normally made (in my experience) in bright orange or yellow, so as to not be confused at all with a real weapon! (and it fires blanks)
I haven't yet done it, but I have friends who have...

Yeah... but if I'm doing it I'm not wasting my money to go buy a starter pistol... ;)

I liked the one comment in the link that suggested one probably wouldn't want to run up to the airline counter with your bag in tow screaming "I've got a gun"... Made me chuckle...