Checked Baggage; Missing Contents
Aug 15, 2006 | 5:13 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 2
Checked Baggage; Missing Contents
Gang,
This is my very first post on this site.
I intentionally and happily checked a bag for the first time in years rather than forfeit about $200 of colognes, shampoos, and other "banned" items that were suddenly prohibited items of interest.
I've had baggage lost before and vowed NEVER to check again.
I flew USAir (it is permissible to identify carrier's, isn't it?) on a short 75 minute flight and found my bag in the baggage claim on my arrival. On the return flight a few days later, it was not. My luggage was "mishandled".
When I was finally reunited with my luggage, about 24 hours later, I was outraged to find that several items were *ahem* "removed" (>>stolen<<) from my luggage:
1 - 1GB 80x CompactFlash cartridge
1 - Mustache trimming set
Both were stored in zippered compartments and did not just "fall out". I'm not sure what the appeal of these items might be but wanted to caution my fellow travelers of a new threat as we contemplate checking bags.
Safe travels to you.
This is my very first post on this site.
I intentionally and happily checked a bag for the first time in years rather than forfeit about $200 of colognes, shampoos, and other "banned" items that were suddenly prohibited items of interest.
I've had baggage lost before and vowed NEVER to check again.
I flew USAir (it is permissible to identify carrier's, isn't it?) on a short 75 minute flight and found my bag in the baggage claim on my arrival. On the return flight a few days later, it was not. My luggage was "mishandled".
When I was finally reunited with my luggage, about 24 hours later, I was outraged to find that several items were *ahem* "removed" (>>stolen<<) from my luggage:
1 - 1GB 80x CompactFlash cartridge
1 - Mustache trimming set
Both were stored in zippered compartments and did not just "fall out". I'm not sure what the appeal of these items might be but wanted to caution my fellow travelers of a new threat as we contemplate checking bags.
Safe travels to you.
Aug 15, 2006 | 5:21 pm
#2
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: PDX
Programs: TSA Refusenik charter member
Posts: 16,128
Welcome to Flyertalk, have2fly!
Step right in, have a look around and make yourself comfy. You're in for quite a ride.
I'm sorry your first post had to be one about pilfering. It happens to the best of us, 'm afraid.
Yes, it's okay to mention the name of the carrier in question!
Again, weclome!
P.S. How did you manage to get that handle? I'm surprised it was still available ... ^
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essxjay
Travel Safety/Security moderator
Step right in, have a look around and make yourself comfy. You're in for quite a ride.
I'm sorry your first post had to be one about pilfering. It happens to the best of us, 'm afraid.
Yes, it's okay to mention the name of the carrier in question!
Again, weclome!
P.S. How did you manage to get that handle? I'm surprised it was still available ... ^
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essxjay
Travel Safety/Security moderator
Aug 15, 2006 | 5:24 pm
#3
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Louisville, KY, USA
Posts: 2,596
Welcome to FlyerTalk.
Pilfering is a concern we all share. Be sure to report it to the airline. Now that electronics are permitted, I would never check a camera, iPod or computer.
My wife won't let me grow a mustache so no trimmer to worry about
.
Pilfering is a concern we all share. Be sure to report it to the airline. Now that electronics are permitted, I would never check a camera, iPod or computer.
My wife won't let me grow a mustache so no trimmer to worry about
.
Aug 15, 2006 | 6:19 pm
#4
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: IAD
Programs: GS MM United, Hilton Diamond, ICH Gold, Mariott Silver, TWA Plat MM (just for old times sake)
Posts: 323
Welcome, and yes, report it...
An interesting conversation with the United Baggage Manager at SAN yesterday- He told me they are seeing double the number of checked bags... average 218 bags per flt vs. 105 bags per flight prior to last Thurs. He said it is causing major problems with handling of not only the bags themselves, but an issue with cargo space due to the additional checked bags. It took almost an hour to get bags up last night at 5pm, due to five flights arriving within about 10 minutes and only three carousels... Such fun.... sigh....
He also indicated they are concerned about baggage theft, again...
An interesting conversation with the United Baggage Manager at SAN yesterday- He told me they are seeing double the number of checked bags... average 218 bags per flt vs. 105 bags per flight prior to last Thurs. He said it is causing major problems with handling of not only the bags themselves, but an issue with cargo space due to the additional checked bags. It took almost an hour to get bags up last night at 5pm, due to five flights arriving within about 10 minutes and only three carousels... Such fun.... sigh....
He also indicated they are concerned about baggage theft, again...
Aug 15, 2006 | 7:20 pm
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: west of DFW airport
Programs: AA LT Gold 1.9 MM flying my way to LT PLAT
Posts: 11,074
theft happens
but with most airlines you have to report it before leaving the airport after your claim your bag. Chuck your household insurance for coverage or just forget it. Sorry.
Welcome to our world.
Welcome to our world.
Aug 15, 2006 | 7:41 pm
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2000
Posts: 15,788
Welcome, have2fly. Sorry to hear about your experience
My wife won't let me shave mine off 
If I'm going to be gone more than a week I use those curved nail scissors to trim the mustache and beard. Cheap to replace if they are lost.
Originally Posted by mshaikun
My wife won't let me grow a mustache so no trimmer to worry about .
.If I'm going to be gone more than a week I use those curved nail scissors to trim the mustache and beard. Cheap to replace if they are lost.
Aug 15, 2006 | 7:45 pm
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 2
Thanks very much for your kind words, support, and advice.
I've already composed a letter to be (USPS) mailed to USAir. It did cross my mind that I might be overreacting but I can see that's not the case at all.
I'm curious to see how USAir responds.
The items in question can be replaced for around $200; it's hardly worth the bother to pursue an insurance claim.
I've already composed a letter to be (USPS) mailed to USAir. It did cross my mind that I might be overreacting but I can see that's not the case at all.
I'm curious to see how USAir responds.
The items in question can be replaced for around $200; it's hardly worth the bother to pursue an insurance claim.
Aug 15, 2006 | 8:03 pm
#8
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Houston
Programs: WN, Marriott, Choice
Posts: 420
Originally Posted by have2fly
The items in question can be replaced for around $200; it's hardly worth the bother to pursue an insurance claim.
It's possible that if enough insurance companies get too many 'lost item' claims, they may start exerting some pressure to ease the current state of affairs.
Aug 15, 2006 | 8:12 pm
#9
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: DCA / WAS
Programs: DL 2+ million/PM, YX, Marriott Plt, *wood gold, HHonors, CO Plt, UA, AA EXP, WN, AGR
Posts: 9,386
Sorry to hear about the thefts. Unfortunately, it's not uncommon.
The former London-based CEO of a multi-national company came to the US on business, two nights in NYC, then off to Atlanta and Dallas. Going through LGA, the security screener told him that he had to check his laptop. He complained. Supervisor backed him up. So he went back and checked the laptop.
The arrival in Atlanta had predictable results. A couple of months later, the news broke a story about a theft ring involving the security folks at LGA....
My trips usually involve multiple short or one-night stops. I haven't checked bags in years - I'll even do 10 days in Europe with a carry-on (hotel laundry on a 2-night stay). I learned my lesson when I arrived at AMS on a Sunday (with Monday AM business meetings), sans checked bag, which apparently went to JFK from CVG instead of going through ATL with me. The only saving grace was that the city was Amsterdam with stores open on Sunday.
The former London-based CEO of a multi-national company came to the US on business, two nights in NYC, then off to Atlanta and Dallas. Going through LGA, the security screener told him that he had to check his laptop. He complained. Supervisor backed him up. So he went back and checked the laptop.
The arrival in Atlanta had predictable results. A couple of months later, the news broke a story about a theft ring involving the security folks at LGA....
My trips usually involve multiple short or one-night stops. I haven't checked bags in years - I'll even do 10 days in Europe with a carry-on (hotel laundry on a 2-night stay). I learned my lesson when I arrived at AMS on a Sunday (with Monday AM business meetings), sans checked bag, which apparently went to JFK from CVG instead of going through ATL with me. The only saving grace was that the city was Amsterdam with stores open on Sunday.