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Originally Posted by EOS
(Post 11808672)
Many posts--from 'kids on plane' to 'I carry masks to wear on plane' to 'chatting to the pilots' to rumors about FAs and food are all fear of flying in disguise (barely). While packing for a trip, even a professional traveler will go through some magic trick motion/act to calm this fear--cover up the zips, carry a blanky or a pillow, take a pill, add a second address label (guilty), or putting chocolate or almonds in carryon for a treat on a plane. Flying, traveling, means leaping out into the unknown, putting ourselves in harms' way. Rational or not, we practice rituals and believe in these routines.
I love flying. My only rituals pre-flight are to make sure my FF number is recorded (to get some more opportunities to leap out into the unknown in the future); and to book the best window seat I can so I get the best possible view of the unknown. |
Another thing that I read here came to my mind. Someone suggested to put your carry-on luggage in the bin on the other side of the aisle from where you are seated. This way you can see more easily if someone is going through your bag while pretending to go through his own.
I found that to be overly cautious. I am also in favor of everyone stowing their carry-on exactly over their own seat as to prevent confusion. Till |
Originally Posted by Mr H
(Post 11808988)
Er... no!
I love flying. My only rituals pre-flight are to make sure my FF number is recorded (to get some more opportunities to leap out into the unknown in the future); and to book the best window seat I can so I get the best possible view of the unknown. We all do that. I always get a window seat. Add my member numbers, yes. Naturally. We're growing miles. That's why we're on this site. Goes without saying. But before a trip as our mind processes our secret, buried apprehension (normal) (and it must be admitted, excitement) we do these goofy things to prevent harm and theft--duct tape a camera, paint silly pictures on luggage, add colored locks, carry a cheap-o bag, touch wood, cross our fingers, breath deeply, grab the nearest drink, do some ritual. I love flying, and am not 'afraid' at all. But I see a pattern where I make small gestures to prevent 'theft' (the subject of this thread) that make me feel good but are most likely useless against some bad guy intent on stealing. |
Originally Posted by EOS
(Post 11807305)
You are joking, right?
Would you check in to an elegant hotel with a bag covered in bumper stickers? Floral printing? Someone would look eccentric at best--and a potential guest to avoid. All these methods are like dying your hair orange and wearing shabby clothes in Paris or Rome so that a pickpocket would think you were poor or nuts. Forget it. Robbers are opportunists, not logicians or that smart. I have traveled around the world all my life with practical (and good) luggage. I have never had any bag or any object stolen (even in a bustling railway in India, for example, or in Kabul or Katmandu or Brazil...). I used to carry jewelry and my favorite shoes and everything needed to look great in Paris or London or New York, etc. Now, I take chic things--but I always ask myself when packing-'would I be upset if I lost this when traveling' and I don't take my favorites or anything irreplaceable. I tie a 'twist tie' around the pull rings of the zippers on my bags (hard to untie quickly) and leave it at that. Good luck with the goofy bag idea. i do travel witth average luggage but if im going somewhere that has issues with theft i go with some duct tape or i do get my stuff plastic coated when i can and i slap on some overweight stickers...as far as checking in goes i dont care, its not like they have dress codes for suitcases and im paying the same as anyone else.. i dont see luggage as something thats supposed to look nice and sleek... its not like its a car or outfit or decor, its just a mini container for stuff that you want to take with you...its going to get tossed and scuffed so why bother with some expensive stylish stuff? |
Originally Posted by tfar
(Post 11809109)
Another thing that I read here came to my mind. Someone suggested to put your carry-on luggage in the bin on the other side of the aisle from where you are seated. This way you can see more easily if someone is going through your bag while pretending to go through his own.
I found that to be overly cautious. I am also in favor of everyone stowing their carry-on exactly over their own seat as to prevent confusion. Till |
I just added this thread to the master thread for packing tips in the Travel Products section, for your convenience.
Also check out the added link in the original post on suspicious items to avoid. Till |
I also include a note that is immediately seen when one opens the suitcase. The note says: "I have a complete list of the contents and photos of the packed bag. If you opened this suitcase, please leave a note". This might be a deterrent because it means you can actually prove that a certain item was packed and is now gone. With a digicam this is easy to do and free. |
Originally Posted by tev9999
(Post 13019586)
I also include a note that is immediately seen when one opens the suitcase. The note says: "I have a complete list of the contents and photos of the packed bag. If you opened this suitcase, please leave a note". This might be a deterrent because it means you can actually prove that a certain item was packed and is now gone. With a digicam this is easy to do and free. |
Originally Posted by shiv666
(Post 11798996)
my tricks involve making your bag look cheap, ugly or flamboyant...
1. avoid buying really fancy luggage, airport crooks already know what "samsonite" is. borrow some old but still study luggage... 2. avoid those cheap combination locks, the ones where you pick 3 digits between 0 to 9...if you are going to use a combi lock, use a dudley (like the ones on a locker) 3. jazz up your luggage to make it stand out, and look more ugly: -rope it up -tonnes of duct tape, or get that plastic wrapping/band service that some airports sell -cheap plastic ribbons tied to the handle to make it stand out... -give your cheap suitcase a paint job w fabric paint...or put some fabric patches of your favorite music acts on it... -get suitcases with floral printing on them... -get tonnes of bumper stickers if its a plastic shell style case... -make the suitcase look like it belongs to a kid... any barbie or pokemon stickers will do...or borrow your kids luggage if they arent flying with you :) do anything to make your bag stand out, theives will most likely avoid bags that belong to broke or broke looking people...and they tend to draw a bit more attention which is the last thing a crook wants... read this http://lifehacker.com/5259519/ I remember and still have one at home, when the airport gestapo would put their badge number on the that little note advising you that your constitution has been voided |
My "note method" is very much intended as a slight deterrent to TSA thieves. I know that the person who comes in from the street to pick the bag will not be impressed. For TSA folks I have a slight hope. I have had my bag gone through by TSA on numerous occasions without a note being left.
I know it's not much but every little bit will help. And I want to see the judge/prosecutor who has the cojones to tell me I cheated when I was the one being stolen from. ;) Till |
Originally Posted by shiv666
(Post 11802474)
yeah...thats not a good tactic...you gotta imply or suggest that its not worth taking in a more natural fashion, you cant just declare it...
thats like a celeb wearing a "do not photo me" sign over there head when they could just dress like homeless people... |
I once had a bag which was supposed to go to Manila from Paris end up in Lagos for two weeks. No lock - nothing at all was stolen. And I've checked bags in and through Johannesburg and nothing gets taken. A trekking bag plus smelly socks on top is probably as good as you can do.
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Originally Posted by Fornebufox
(Post 11804391)
I drool over Tumi because they're intelligently designed, sturdy, and apparently covered by terrific customer service and return policies. If they last longer and make traveling easier, that's tempting. But if they invite theft, as I suspect, that cancels out their good qualities.
Actually, Tumi used to have a great warranty but that has gone down the tubes - along with their customer service which is pretty bad now. I've had a couple of luggage thieves tell me that they stole the luggage for the luggage and not for the contents. With the luggage, you see what you get and you don't know what is inside. |
Originally Posted by timfountain
(Post 11808816)
I think that the serious traveller has worked out the best form of theft prevention - To never check luggage.
I have been successfully practicing this for the last 6 years, with no thefts. This included a 2 week 3 country trip with both vacation and formal business attire.... All I need isone stop in a hotel for at least 2 days to put clothes in for laundry... Seriously, I think some of you over worry. |
The fact that this thread exists shows that people are worried. And no, I don't think they "over worry".
I have had friends whose luggage has been pilfered through, women's underwear taken (shudder), perfume, other items gone. My parents have had their empty electronics boxes disappear from their checked luggage (the electronics were carried on), shavers, toiletries disappear, along with random pieces of clothing and other items. I myself have just recently had my checked luggage pilfered through. This is unacceptable. There is no "security" in transportation of checked luggage. Disgusting and very worrying. |
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