This article just gives me more reason to want pack light enough to carry all my luggage with me.

Posted By Sheila on April 23, 2008, 1:47 PM

I don't know how typical my experience is but I have 'lost' three TSA locks in the last 18 months the last two cases being on a flight from London to San Jose, CA via LA and the other from Maui last November. We lost a cell phone and 7 or 8 other small items on the London flight. I have also had a number of other cases where the TSA safety lock has been returned unlocked. So who steals and who doesn't do their job returning TSA locks in a 'locked' position I leave to others to decide but in my experience TSA personel at the very least are not doing their job as they should.

Posted By Anthony on April 24, 2008, 12:30 PM

So far, I have found no recourse for stolen items. The airline will do nothing and the security company will not accept any responsibility for the fact that items were removed from my checked baggage. It was very disturbing to get home and realize that personal items were totally gone. Is there any recourse whatsoever? Why is it that they will not accept responsibility for their negligence?

Posted By mhf on April 24, 2008, 12:32 PM

I gave a nice folding knife to a friend of mine, as a gift. It "disappeared" out of his checked baggage on his way to California. He didn't file a complaint and I am sure this happens far more that is reported.

Posted By Tom on April 24, 2008, 1:21 PM

Only someone who's never had items pilfered from their luggage could ever call the reporting of this problem "sensationalism." Theft is widespread, frequent enough to generate concern, and it's probably fair to say it is under-reported to begin with.

There are two things that need to be addressed here, and if the word doesn't get out, nothing will happen. First, as mentioned, pilfering agents need to be fired and prosecuted. Second, the consumer needs some reliable means of real recourse. The fact that the TSA and airlines can freely disclaim responsibility for theft, loss, damage, delay, etc and with numerous loopholes allowing them to disclaim absolutely anything of significant value and negate any claim (like layovers) where the theft's location is uncertain. This is SHAMEFUL that these agencies can basically ignore anything they wish and leave consumers high and dry. Again, no pressure gets placed unless what you deem "sensationalism" actually gets reported and people who haven't yet been victimized get pissed off too.

Posted By Pat on April 24, 2008, 1:29 PM

My 69 year old Mom had 2 bottles of prescription pain medicine for her arthritis. One is half used and the other unopened - which she brought along for our stay in Houston "just in case" she runs out of the other. We flew First Class from SFO to HOU then back. The bottles were intact heading to HOU but alas, one suddenly disappeared (the half-used) upon our return to SFO. Obviously, in addition to theft from an elderly there is also a drug- addicted TSA agent out there. In between the T and the A is the word Security - this author really ires me for discounting the fact that we are supposed to be safeguarded by this people - not rob us. And yes, be a druggie too. And I am supposed to feel "safe" after knowing this?

Posted By Maria on April 24, 2008, 1:55 PM

Hello, all,
Thank you for taking the time to share your stories and insights. I'm sure other readers have gained a lot by reading them.

First, Maria, That’s a horrifying story about your mother’s missing medicine. And you’re absolutely right that because the TSA is about security, the agency should be held to the highest of standards. Thanks for posting your comment—other readers benefited from hearing your story.

As for the other comments posted, this is all very valuable info to get out there to the public.

As mentioned, pilfering agents need to be fired and prosecuted. Yes, the consumer needs some reliable means of real recourse. Next--a lot of cases of loss/theft are not reported by travelers, which lets thieves continue their dirty work undetected.

That's terrible to hear the other stories about items gone missing, gifts stolen, and locks being left unlocked (or disappearing entirely) after inspection.

For more insight into the life of a TSA screener, check out this story (http://www.concierge.com/cntraveler/articles/detail?articleId=10624&print=true)
Regards,
Sean

Posted By Blog Editor on April 24, 2008, 2:19 PM

Sean,
I had a digital camera swiped from my baggage last month on a Continental itinerary from Cleveland to Houston on to San Diego, and in the process searching online and investigating my options for recourse (and discovering that I'm completely screwed), I found it absolutely staggering how many upset people there are out there who've experienced similar thefts. Perhaps the widespread nature of the thefts seems exaggerated by the fact that angry people tend to shout the loudest (particularly online), but I suspect not so much. I only travel by air a few times per year, so either the law of averages hates me or this is underreported more than many believe.

I'm typically a much more savvy traveler, but I was on the way to a large scientific conference and had reams of abstracts, schedules and other materials I wanted to go through on the flights along with my laptop and presentation poster. Carrying on the camera in my laptop bag (a digital SLR -- with a rather substantial footprint) would have just been way too cumbersome. I guess that'll teach me to go get a larger carry-on for next time instead!

My fellow consumers need to speak out too so that we might get a step closer to a remedy.

Posted By Pat on April 24, 2008, 2:44 PM

I traveled overseas from the UAE, we were informed that electronics NOT in working condition- ie. a cellphone I bought in UAE and NOT set up yet...would have to be packed and not carried on.
I packed it in its box and didn't carry it on.
My bag was delayed in Gatwick, England and then delivered to US where it went via US customs before being delivered to me....a week and a half later I got my bag with the box but it had been opened and the cell phone was missing. There are multiple points the cell phone could have and probably was stolen.

The airline claimed no responsibility because it was an electronic kept in the luggage though I was clearly TOLD at the gate to PACK it.
Lovely. I was out $300.00. NEVER got it back.
People steal from your suitcases all the time....I've heard this story many times from other people since my experience.
DON'T PACK ANYTHING YOU WANT TO SEE AGAIN.
Carry as much on as possible and keep it with you. The word "security" doesn't mean much these days....certainly doesn't to me.

Posted By SR on April 24, 2008, 3:02 PM

Your defense of the TSA is misguided. I've heard too many stories like the above to think that the original article wasn't' spot on.
London is a hot spot - which really undercuts their attempts to show "security" by making the rules so ridiculous.
The airlines are reluctant now to claim responsibility because the luggage is out of their control with the TSA.

Posted By mr on April 24, 2008, 4:06 PM

I had two cups stolen. I filed a complaint and never heard from them

Posted By Marion on April 24, 2008, 5:29 PM

In Dec 2005, my wife and I sent some gifts with my former room-mate from LAX to Toronto. She packed them in her checked baggage with her own presents and locked it with a TSA approved lock. After arrival in Toronto, she found that the TSA lock was gone and some of the presents, both hers and ours (2 strands of pearls), were missing. She filed a complaint with American Airlines and TSA but never heard back from both.

In Jan 2006, I was in the China Airlines office in Bangkok airport checking on the possibility of an upgrade to First class when a passenger came in to complain. He flew from Tulsa to Los Angeles and then onto Bangkok via Taipei. He was moving to Bangkok and checked several large bags. After arrival, he went to a resort to unwind for a few days before coming back to Bangkok to unpack. Then he found his laptop computer and some business files missing in a checked bag and the missing contents were replaced with dirty clothes (not his) and a box of See's Candy. Since there were no See's Candy store in Tulsa or Taipei airports, the theft clearly took place in LAX.

I also had several TSA locks on the checked luggage disappear after arrival at destination. Most of these missing locks were on bags checked at LAX.

I remember an article in LA Times circa 1999 - 2001 (pre TSA) documenting thefts by security screeners. As I understand it, many of the current TSA employees were former screeners employed by the individual airlines. It's not a stretch of imagination to believe that these people are still stealing.

I've been advising friends and family members traveling through LAX not to put any valuables in their checked luggage. IMHO, TSA employees can NOT be trusted!

Posted By Joe C on April 24, 2008, 7:01 PM

While I will accept that it may be prudent to have the contents of luggage examined I do not accept that it need to be done without me overseeing the search. While I am checking in, my suitcase could be opened, examined, closed right beside me, then tagged and sent on its way. I no longer will fly into or via the US because I will not submit to having my property searched behind my back.

Posted By lt on April 24, 2008, 7:25 PM

I'm a first time traveler and I'm scared. I don't want anyone stealing anything from me. I work to hard to buy the little thing that I do buy. How can I protect myself from this, any suggestions? I'm going to Europe next year.

Posted By kf on April 24, 2008, 7:34 PM

My husband had his 2 leather belts removed in the baggage processing form Orlando to Albany, NY just recently. They clearly go through and take what they can. We never pack anything of value like cameras, ipods, etc.

Posted By Beth B on April 24, 2008, 8:57 PM

I'm in my 40th year in Aviation. I've worked in every segment over the years. Started as a "bag smasher", and progressed to an Operations Manager at a major airport. The problem started with deregulation. The airlines now have very few career employees, most of them are retired. To be competitive, the airlines are hiring from a lower income level, or contracting out the positions that were normally held by dedicated career employees. A good portion of the current group of bag handlers are just making ends meet. Your expensive cell phone or Ipod is not so much a desired toy, but represents a weeks worth of groceries, or a months rent. They know that the TSA is part of the group that handles the bags, and they take advantage of the inability to pinpoint where the theft occured.
Bottom line is: if you don't want to lose it, carry it! If you can't carry it, ship it via Fed Ex, or UPS.
You folks wanted de-reg, and the resulting LCC's. Live with it!

Posted By Mac on April 25, 2008, 8:43 AM

I have had small items taken on several occasions. As carryone regulations increase, and carry on luggage size decreases, my medication and backup medication (I am a type 1 diabetic requiring food, medical equipment, and insulin among other things) takes up most of my bag. I can't fit everything in there! I have had jewelry removed from my bag during a Rome- JFK flight years ago, as well as designer shoes and purses from O'Hare to JFK. I would love to have the abiolity to travel only with a carry on (and used to do so regularly)- and lt- you are correct. If someone is snooping through my stuff, I don't see why they can't scan and check luggage while the owner looks on. I don't give my purse to metro employees while I ride the train to work, do I?

Posted By Ali on April 25, 2008, 10:17 AM

There are two very good reasons to never, ever check valuable items in your luggage (besides outright theft):

+ bags are handled incredulously -- as the poster above states, "bag smash[ing]" and crushing blows are not uncommon as luggage is tossed on and off of wagons and conveyors. You are incredibly lucky if your equipment isn't damaged after handling in checked luggage.

+ if your luggage is permanently lost, airlines claim limited liability, which excludes reimbursement for valuable, fragile and irreplaceable items in checked luggage -- pretty much everything listed as stolen in the comments above.

While I have thankfully never had anything stolen, I am generally disappointed with how careless TSA is when rifling through my bags. I carefully pack food items or books between layers of clothing to ensure nothing arrives damaged, meticulously zipping and locking to prevent both theft and damage to my luggage. On numerous occasions my luggage has arrived with cable ties snipped and not replaced or with TSA locks missing. Packed items have not been thoughtfully replaced, meaning I often end up with bent, broken, or otherwise damaged contents -- and no recourse is possible.

When TSA locks go missing, you can usually go to the TSA office in your airport of choice and pick out replacements (it happens so often they all have boxes of them lying around). Take the keys from the missing locks with you to prove your loss and to find suitable matches! This is a great time killer when you've got a long layover somewhere (note, however, that these offices may be located outside security and often keep standard business hours).

Would it be unreasonable for TSA agents who search bags to be required to add a coded quality-control sticker -- like those in underwear and other clothing items -- so that complaints or comments can be targeted and patterns of behavior could be ascertained?

Posted By poetloverrebelspy on April 25, 2008, 10:53 AM

I've had my digital camera stolen on my flight from Chicago to Cancun last November. The camera bag was still in the suitcase and everything except for camera (memory cards, charger) was still in there. Since we bought tickets from USAir but actually flew on United's plane to Mexico City and then Mexicana's plane from there to Cancun (and we haven't discover the loss until we arrived at our hotel) it was really nobody to even talk to about the loss, and I seriously doubt that anyone would investigate it anyway due to this mix of airlines, especially because of the layover in Mexico City, however, whoever has stolen the camera had to have time to pull the case out of the suitcase, then pull the camera out of the case and then put the case back so I can't think of anybody other than TSA screeners with that much time on their hand (the baggage handlers in Mexico City definitely didn't have enough time).
Well, I've learned my lesson - never trust TSA with anything valuable - however, what's the alternative? The amount of allowed carry-on keeps shrinking... Ship it FedEx? - may not get there on time or get lost at the hotel if it arrives too early... Any other ideas?

Posted By Al on April 25, 2008, 11:07 AM

I had two recharging cords for a shaver and a cell phone stolen after bags were checked in at Nashville. After arriving in PHX both were missing. Replacements cost over $60 + driving over 100 miles.

Posted By Larry on April 25, 2008, 12:14 PM

Hi, Al,
Sorry to hear about your lost camera. That must have been incredibly frustrating. Thanks for warning other readers… Not sure there have been any other good bits of advice other than pack the most important valuables in your carry-on so that they never leave your sight. (that’s not an easy thing to do, I know.)
But PoetLoverRebelSpy, who blogs at Less Than a Shoestring, also offers some good tips (see the comment before yours...)

Regards,
Sean
Blog editor
Blog editor

Posted By Sean on April 25, 2008, 12:19 PM

Al,
I was just sharing what works for me. I know what happens to bags once they go through that hole in the wall. I use to be the guy back there waiting on them.
A couple of other things I've learned. I carry nothing extra onboard the airplane. If it's leisure travel, I carry a paperback book, with my boarding pass as a bookmark, and maybe an Ipod or camera. If it's business travel, my briefcase with anything I'll use on the airplane. The only thing I put "under the seat in front of me" is my feet. Since i usually upgrade to an emeergency exit seat, I'm usually in the first group to board. I put my briefcase in the ovedhead. You folks with the vinyl covered volkswagens that you schelp onboard are just out of luck. I don't do anything to encourage cabin bags that should be checked.
If I do ship Fed Ex, or UPS, I send it to ME at the hotel, or office. It doesn't get there early. It's delivered to ME, not the hotel.
Air travel isn't fun anymore, but it can be manageable.

Posted By Mac on April 25, 2008, 12:36 PM

Before the TSA, it was the airline baggage handlers that would steal from the luggage, now we have added another layer of theives the TSA! This is NOT a new problem people.

I have worked in the aviation industry for over 15 years (I do not work for the TSA/DHS) and I fly 2-3 times a week.I have had the TSA root thru my bags taking clothing (not designer clothing either), opening up make-up only to not close it tightly so it ends up all over what items are left in my luggage, steal their own TSA locks...need I go on! Sometimes I get the TSA love letter, usually I dont!

Since this has been going on for years...I find it absolutely mind boggling that ANYONE would still pack pearls, daimond rings, cameras, cell phones,laptops, I-pods,medication, etc. in their carry on bags! Would you leave these valuable items in the front seat of your car - even with the doors locked.NO! Would you leave these valuable items in in the front of your house and expect them to still be there when you return home from work? NO! (Even if you live in a safe neighborhood) Then why on earth would you put them in a suitcase that is out of your eyesight and control for hours on end and expect them to still be there? The TSA has plenty of opportunity to root thru your luggage - so do the baggage handlers at both your departure & arrival airports - dont kid yourselves!

Yes this is a problem I agree- but like I said before it has been going on for years! So come on folks...use common sense when packing and either leave the valuables at home, wear them on your person or put them in your carry on bag!

Posted By Felice on April 25, 2008, 3:44 PM

Sean, I have to say as an "Airline Insider" and former system manager of baggage services for more than 50 cities for my former airline, I do not have high blood pressure but I did start to feel warm when I read your article posted here.

I am also an author on this very subject and decided to write my book based on my "Insider Knowledge" so the air travel consumer has all the answers they need to make an informed decision when they travel. The Empty Carousel a Consumer's Guide to Checked and Carry-on Luggage is my book. I also offer free advice through my website to travelers before, during, or after their trip if they encounter problems with their luggage. That is free advice Sean.

TSA needs to be held accountable, no less than the airlines themselves. Your story here does not lend credibility to the problem and actually is full of misconceptions and inaccuracies which if you have a desire to set the record straight for your readers, I am here and available to speak out openly about this growing problem.

I was in Washington D.C. to represent my airline along my other air carrier managers for baggage from almost all Air Transportation Association (ATA) member airlines from the U.S. back in 2002, less than a year after TSA took over baggage screening.

Why were we there? We baggage managers collectively realized that our pilferage claims in many cases had soared to new record highs, in some cases quadrupled and costs associated to this spike in theft soared as well. Something was amiss here. We called our ATA representative to tell him we wanted to have a face-to-face meeting with the top TSA brass to show them our data and see what they were going to do about this massive spike which did not exist prior to the TSA. The only thing that changed was now the TSA were the only party that had the "legal" right to open a customer's bag and rummage through its contents.

You also did not mention in your article that a report had just surfaced that the TSA has not made public until a local news station in Kansas City made a formal request for the information. Here is a synopsis of the report and what it states:

"A rarely released TSA database reveals that in a three-year period nearly 42,000 travelers have reported items as lost from their luggage at an estimated value of more than $31 million. We are not talking lost for a couple of days. We are talking lost for good. Listed as MIA are medicine, clothing, fine jewelry, laptops, perfume, and even cell phones."

Sean, the TSA adopted the basic rules of the airlines so what do you think the TSA even covered in the above mentioned items? The clothing and the perfume but not after they depreciated the value of those items as do the airlines.

Bottom line, The TSA does not need you to defend them nor do the airlines, the only person needing to get out help and come to their defense is the traveling public, and they deserve it more than ever.

It is not the quantity of people who suffer losses versus the number of people who travel that is important. In my experience, even one person who suffers loss is too many and that is where my focus is and where the media's focus should be as well. I would love to talk to you if you feel it would be valuable in your efforts to communicate with your audience.

Best Regards and intentions,

Scott T. Mueller
Author: The Empty Carousel a Consumer's Guide to Checked and Carry-on Luggage

Posted By The Empty Carousel on April 25, 2008, 3:48 PM

Hi, Scott,

Thank you, first, for taking the time to post a comment; second, for doing such great work for the flying public over the years; and third, for being respectful and using the online forum as an opportunity to focus the debate on the TSA’s mistakes.

I've sent you an email, and I look forward to doing an interview with you and sharing your insights into this issue in a follow-up blog post.

Best regards,
Sean

Posted By Sean on April 25, 2008, 4:41 PM

First I would like to thank you for your defense of the TSA, then I would like to say that depending on the airport, checked bags will be handled by five to eight people, most of whom are not TSA personnel.

And please do make a report so these can be tracked as there are always rotten apples in a barrel. I am finding my job more difficult because of senseless people who forget that we are trying to save their lives at the risk of our own.

Posted By J. Schnei on April 25, 2008, 6:52 PM

Thank you for the feedback Sean. I made sure my Mom read your response. We both hope that we as consumers can really be heard - and have some recourse - other than a complaint form.

Posted By Maria on April 26, 2008, 12:47 PM

Our immediate family has had numerous small items stolen from our suitcases in the past 5 years or so-perfume,power cord to radio,stamps and stationary received as a gift,2 new greeting cards. Stupid things-don't know why they would risk their jobs.It is very frustrating -you can't carry it on and you can't be sure it will be in your suitcase when you get to your destination.

Posted By patti on April 26, 2008, 1:25 PM

Just flew on United from Orlando to SFO, the camera my husband added to checked luggage to lighten his backpack is gone - along with all our photos from our vacation. Is there any recourse at all? If everyone that is stolen from doesn't report it, then I doubt the full scope of the problem will become known - and possibly dealt with. I'm calling Orlando Airport police on Monday to attempt to file a report.

Posted By Renee on April 27, 2008, 12:54 AM

Last spring my husband and son each had their digital cameras stolen from their seperate bags when we were flying Continental Airlines from Matazlan to Dallas. It was very obvious that they were checking out the bags they wanted to steal from before they were being given to the agents to load on the planes. With plenty of time before they were actually put on a plane, they knew which bags they wanted to steal from. After many calls to Continental, they paid us for the current value of the cameras. Not enough to replace both, but better than most people end up getting. However, I would have paid that and more to get our family pictures we had taken on that vacation!!!

Posted By Lisa on April 27, 2008, 3:39 PM

When I was a employee, for TSA, I only lasted for a total of 8 months. I could testify that Mayor John Street's nephew, who was a supervisor, had stolen numerous items every day, there was no accountability system in place, at that time. The hiring process was done by whom you knew scenarios, not by your education or prior government service

Posted By Robert on April 28, 2008, 6:10 AM

You asked why the TSA "insider" was "speaking anonymously? If he or she is a TSA official who is aware of a systemic problem, shouldn't he or she go public as a whistleblower?"

Perhaps you are unaware that TSA employees do not have whistleblower protections afforded to other federal workers. The agency just signed an agreement that would allow TSOs to appeal decisions to the Merit Systems Protection Board. Previously, TSOs only could appeal to the U.S. Office of Special Counsel, which then would make a recommendation to TSA. However, TSA was not bound by that recommendation.
But, the TSA/MSPB agreement does not allow TSOs to appeal a negative decision to the federal courts, which current whistleblower protection law allows other federal workers to do. The agreement also allows MSPB and TSA to negotiate on the procedures governing the processing of TSO whistleblower complaints. It is imperative that MSPB issue their own regulations and not negotiate with the agency they are overseeing.
There is more information on this at www.tsaunion.net.

Posted By Emily on April 28, 2008, 9:45 AM

Emily,
Thanks for taking the time to comment. That’s fascinating about the TSA and the lack of whistle-blower protection. I’m going to blog about this topic again in a day or two, and will include that information.
Kind regards,
Sean

Posted By Sean on April 28, 2008, 10:11 AM

Packing light is the way to go, especially now that some of the legacy airlines are charging $25 per flight if you want to check a second bag. There's no reason to pack valuable items in a checked bag, period. I've moved overseas twice and I've managed to carry an amazing number of important personal items, jewelry, cameras, etc. in a rolling backpack carryon. Yes, security is a pain if you have a bag full of metal objects, but it's certainly better than putting valuables in your checked luggage. Besides, if your whole bag goes missing, your airlne won't pay you for the full value of the contents.

Having said that, I've also worked at an airport and I know that not every employee, TSA or otherwise, is perfect. Things do go missing. People really do need to report every incident to the TSA and their airline, otherwise we won't ever have accurate statistics on missing items and theft.

I agree with Felice; it's best to leave all your valuables at home. If you must have them along, ship them to yourself via FedEx so they can be insured for their full value.

We need a few entrepreneurial types to develop some home-to-hotel shipping services for travelers who need to have important items waiting for them when they arrive.

Posted By Nancy on April 28, 2008, 10:38 AM

T.S.A. = They Steal Anything!

Posted By Shawn on April 28, 2008, 10:38 AM

I had a ring stolen from my carry-on luggage. With a sharp eye on my laptop, a TSA employee in Phoenix grabbed another small bag in which I had put my keys, coins, watch, ring, and all things from my pockets for scanning. As I packed my laptop after scanning, a TSA agent said, "We're running this bag through again." I noticed immediately my ring was missing, but at that time I was unsuspecting. I thought my ring must still be in the bag along with the other contents, that I would find it once I got home. Alas, no ring! I had another ring made, and now I am filing a report. Who knows what success that will have? TSA employees are no doubt like many others. Many are excellent and conscientious. Others know how to run a scam when they see an opportunity, and I'm afraid I have been the victim of a TSA scam.

Posted By Braulio Stoker on April 28, 2008, 10:42 AM

I made the mistake of packing a ring in my bag that looks far more valuable than it is. I was on my way to a funeral and in my distress, neglected to think about the safety of my jewelery.

It never made it to my destination. I called the airport where it would've been taken - Newark - and have been waiting for a callback for 2 weeks now. I doubt they'll ever get back to me.

It's my fault for packing the ring, but the shoddy service and total lack of response is even worse.

Posted By Laura on April 28, 2008, 11:08 AM

I've been flying for business since 1997. Occasionally, I have been known to forget a thing or two-perhaps my shampoo or lotion. However, since the inception of the TSA, items have begun to disappear from my checked bags: full bottles of expensive hypo-allergenic shampoo, an unopened bottle of saline solution, a new tube of toothpaste, two necklaces, and various souvenirs.

Perhaps the airlines' staff have opened my checked luggage and removed my items during the brief moments they transfer items from carousel to cart to plane, but it seems far more likely to me that those individuals handling my delicates and pawing through my toiletries are more likely to have opportunity and means to commit these thefts than the overworked baggage handlers who glance at my bag for a fraction of a second while transferring it to its destination.

The perception that the TSA has higher moral values than the airline staff is completely false. I know of one instance prior to 2002 where my luggage was rifled through--now, someone rifles through it on every flight. Why don't used, dirty, or damaged items go missing?

Posted By Jennifer on April 28, 2008, 11:14 AM

The problem isn't always TSA - but I believe it often starts with TSA! TSA has gotten very lazy (or cheap) about replacing locks with either the original locks and/or zip ties. So if your starting location is 'honest' but TSA doesn't relock your suitcase and you are travelling to a 'not so honest' location, well, you are DOOMED. TSA has failed to relock my luggage the last 5 times I've flown out of the US. And the kind TSA agents in Boston didn't bother to repack one of my sneakers after jamming and twisting my golf clubs back into the bag. Just a set of clubs and a pair of sneakers - 3 items. And I got just two....

Also - for every 1 person caught stealing, there are 3 others that haven't been caught.

My very simple suggestion: ALL TSA AGENTS SHOULD HAVE A STAMPED NUMBER (not a scribble signature) AND THAT NUMBER ON A CARD MUST GO IN EACH BAG AND EACH BAG MUST BE RELOCKED WITH AT LEAST A ZIP TIE. WITH IDENTIFICATION OF THE TSA AGENT COMES RESPONSIBILITY - and if TSA NO. XXX out of Boston doesn't put in my shoes - well, we then know who is the bad TSA agent!

This would work as most thieves do not like to sign their name to their work!!!

Posted By Camille on April 28, 2008, 11:17 AM

My wife had a similar experience to SR, she had a non-activated, new cellphone in its store packaging that she was taking to our daughter, and it disappeared between SAV and PHL. The airline and TSA finger-point at each other, but the reality is that it's TSA that has the specific right to open the bag and poke around what is inside it, so it is more likely that a TSA screener palmed the cell phone. TSA's website says specifically that they will not honor claims for electronics. Now, you can say that is intended to discourage people from packing valuables in their checked bags, but it's also like declaring open season on any electronics that are in checked bags! Passengers who know they will get no compensation are less likely to pursue a report aggressively; in most cases the property is worth less than your insurance deductible so you don't even need a report for that. The fact that TSA refuses to honor claims for items that are actually worth stealing sounds like a tacit admission that they don't expect all of their staff to be able to resist the temptation to pilfer.

Posted By FJP on April 28, 2008, 11:22 AM

"Even if some thieves steal a lot of items before they're caught, less than one half of one percent of all employees is not "systemic.""

Your "less than half a percent" isn't the number of thieves but the number who were caught and fired, which could be much smaller.

I believe I had some jewelery, wrapped as Christmas presents, stolen a few years ago, probably by a TSA inspector. But the real evidence, not of how common theft is but of how little TSA cares about it, is their failure to take the simplest precaution.

When your bag is searched, you are left a note to tell you of the search. It would be trivial for that note to include a number identifying the agent who searched the bag. As of last time I checked, it doesn't.

Posted By David Friedman on April 28, 2008, 12:00 PM

Considering how underpaid and undereducated on the whole most TSA employees are (high school degrees let alone college degrees are hardly required for this work), it doesn't surprise me in the least that theft is a problem.
Give someone with little or no means a buffet of high dollar goods passing their eyes (and hands) daily, and the end result writes itself.

To date I've had nothing stolen, but that's in so small part because anything worth anything I carry on the plane with me. Sadly, my mentality is, "I only check what I can afford to lose".

Posted By Thomas on April 28, 2008, 12:03 PM

Early last year, I flew from San Diego to Raleigh-Durham after visiting my brother. We stopped and purchased 4 150ML bottles of Crown Royal in their boxes at $35/bottle (NC prices were $52/bottle). I checked the wheeled bag to the X-ray check-in and the TSA agent accepted the bag. Upon arriving at RDU, the four boxes were in my bag, but only 3 bottles actually completed the journey.
I guess the TSA needed to have a little party! Even with the theft, I still saved a little, but was it worth the hassle -- probably not.

Posted By Bill Wencel on April 28, 2008, 12:03 PM

Had my sunglasses in a crush proof cash in my suitcase. When my bag arrived in Dallas from Milwaukee, WI my sunglasses were not in the case. I called and reported the incident, was told the video tape was reviewed but no evidence of theft was found. I was told to file a report. Have you seen the blank pages that TSA wants you to complete? It is pages and pages of personal information that TSA wants from you in order for you to file a theft report, obviously made long to deter a passenger from filing a report.

Posted By victim on April 28, 2008, 12:08 PM

You *don't* think there's a problem?

1) Case of DVDs stolen.
2) Software CDs stolen.
3) Equipment power cord stolen (probably fell out during inspection).
4) TV series of DVDs stolen (copies because the previous theft)
5) A CF card from a camera case- I Had 8, now I had 7.

Cases should be stamped with an inspector's ID & time stamped & barcoded, then the case should be ziptied shut. That won't stop someone from breaking the rules but at least there will be a record of the times around it.

Posted By Jason Hirsch on April 28, 2008, 12:12 PM

This is just another in a long line of reasons NOT fo fly any more.

I used to fly quite frequently, but now I only fly for business and then only when absolutely necessary.

The expensive tickets, I could get used to. The long security lines I could deal with. The humiliating treatment at the hands of the TSA I could overlook. The flight delays I could stomach, and the crowded conditions inside the aircraft, I could tolerate.

But I will not put up with any of it any more.

The last straw was when I flew DFW to Columbus, Ohio last September on a business trip. I had $600 worth of equipment stolen from a checked bag, and found out that I had no means of redress for the theft. American Airlines refuses to accept responsibility for anything of real value in your baggage (they'll reimburse you for a pair of $1.98 underwear, but not a $200 pair of shoes, for example,) and my complaints to the TSA fell on deaf ears.

From now on, I SHIP anything valuable to my destination the week before I fly, and I only fly when I cannot find a way to avoid it.

Family vacations are now done via car. the airlines and associated industries will get my patronage only when absolutely necessary.

And if the airlines go bankrupt? Fine with me.

Posted By R. King on April 28, 2008, 12:15 PM

Wow! How stupid are you folks? I've never lost anything, even when flying internationally to some pretty dicey destinations

First of all, if it's worth anything to you, leave it home, put it in your carry-on luggage, or ship via another method to your destination (UPS, etc).

A special caution to all brides - carry on the gown ! (And jewelry, shoes, whatever else you absolutely HAVE TO HAVE to get married in). I can't count the number of brides I have heard cry about lost or delayed wedding gowns (not there in time for the ceremony). If you have to, get your groom to use up his luggage allowance to get some of your crap into the plane. After all, he says he loves you, right?

Also re: jewelry, bridal or otherwise, NEVER EVER check it. It's small, portable, tempting and easy to lose - carry it on, always. (Just in case, make sure its insured if its that valuable!).

My criticism of the TSA is only about the stuff they don't find. We still chuckle about the wire, wire cutters, hammer, sand and tape we carried aboard the plane in my bag right after 9/11 that didn't get any attention. Although it might have had a more nefarious purpose, all of it was to be used to construct and weight down a wedding arch.

My checked baggage wasn't any better - it contained 6 wrapped boxes that contained wedding favors in the form of small jewleled clocks, which should have garnered some suspicion as they could have been timers. Nonetheless, my bag arrived at our final stop unopened with all the presents still there unwrapped.

Posted By laura on April 28, 2008, 12:25 PM

I recently returned from my dream vacation to Egypt. Had lots of little gifts and souvenirs in a duffel bag, which I had planned on carrying on the plane with me. However, the airline nixed that idea and I had to check the bag which had TSA approved locks on it.

Upon returning home and unpacking I found that a good 85% of my gifts, etc were missing. Each of my bags had a TSA inspection sticker on them showing that they were inspected in Minneapolis which is where I believe the theft took place. In the past I have had a few minor things pilfered from my bags but not to the extent of my Egypt trip. I know it was the TSA as I checked my bags before I left.

I have filed a report with TSA but do not expect any action on their part...after all it is the government who admits and takes responsibility for nothing.

I am furious as all the gifts I planned to give are now gone thanks to a thief at the TSA.

Posted By Kevin on April 28, 2008, 12:29 PM

As citizens are put under tighter restrictions, including survellience, at airports as well as on the streets of their home towns, all in the name of security, it seems only appropriate that the watchers themselves be watched. Why in the world would TSA agents be an exception? Especially given that relying on other TSA agents to watch over their peers is not realistic. I have seen video of workers going through luggage as a team. While this may not be the rule, it is enough to assume anyone stealing is either working with their peers, or hiding their activities from them.

Posted By N Diehl on April 28, 2008, 12:33 PM

My husband lost a half a bottle of Vicodin. They left the bottle and took about 10 pills. We now travel with our prescriptions in Advil bottles.

Posted By Beki on April 28, 2008, 12:44 PM

I used to fly a lot.
Now I don't fly. Why? 1. Airlines provide very poor service. 2. The government invades my privacy if I fly. 3. The government and the airlines have decided to treat passengers as criminals.
I need none of the three. So I drive when I want to go someplace. For all I care, the airlines can ALL go bankrupt.

Posted By Tom Gerber on April 28, 2008, 1:18 PM

My wife's friend had her Atlanta Police Badge and Police ID stolen from her checked on luggage when going to Ireland this last winter. I couldn't think of something stupider to take from baggage than a cops ID. Impersonating a police officer is a serious crime.
If you ever get pulled over in Virginia, especially around Dulles airport, make sure the cop has a local badge and not one from Atlanta PD.

Posted By Andrew on April 28, 2008, 1:20 PM

Don't think that putting something in your carry on will solve the problem. I completed work on a presentation, copied it to two thumb drives, and placed it in my carry on just before leaving my office. I then went to Washington National (DCA) where I passed through security. A TSA agent said he needed to inspect my bag. As he was opening the bag, a second agent approached and started asking me questions. He intentionally stood several feet off to one side, causing me to take my eyes off of the bag being inspected. When I arrived at my hotel that evening and was preparing things for my presentation the following morning I discovered that both thumb drives were missing. From the time I placed the drives in my bag until I searched the bag in my hotel room it was only opened once, by TSA. The moral is, don't take your eyes off of your bag while they are searching it. If someone tries to talk to you during this process, tell them you will be with them as soon as your bag is secure and back in your hands. Upon returning from my trip I reported the missing drives to the TSA shift supervisor but received no response.

Posted By Ted on April 28, 2008, 1:25 PM

I can't belief in this day and age that people continue to put their valuables in checked baggage or in carry-on's for that matter.
Last year we flew to Vancouver via O'Hare. I had my eye on the TSA inspecter in Burlington, VT where we started. I watched him lift clothing and run the wand in the baggage. He did relock our TSA locks.
My husband wore a fanny pack with his digital camera in it. We each wore back packs, one with the laptop in it. My digital camera and a small jewelry box (3" oval tops) was in my purse along with Passports, tickets, etc. Why is it so hard for people to stop and think before they pack? It just takes a little planning.
We have been very fortunate in our travels to Australia, to New Zealand, Alaska and to the west coast to have never lost luggage or had anything stolen.
If you value it, find a way to carry it with you. If something is stolen from your luggage you have no one to blame but yourself. Nancy

Posted By Nancy on April 28, 2008, 1:29 PM

There are actually is a growing theft problem at airports. The largest growing theft issue, that I have been able to find by doing some leg-work,is not from baggage.

This largest area of thefts comes from "airport thieves" who are not TSA agents or airline employees, these are thieves who seem to specialize in working an airport masterfully. Finding information has been a challenge, but with some research I was able to get a decent profile on how these people operate in airports.

You can find this info on my site Flying With Fish at: http://flyingwithfish.blogspot.com/2008/03/theft-at-airport-security-check-points.html

-Fish

Posted By Steven Frischling on April 28, 2008, 1:32 PM

The only downside to the advice to carry on anything deemed important is that it makes folks try to carry anything and everything that they can onto the planes, which takes longer and then fills up the overhead compartment.

The piece of advice I most wish folks heeded is to pack LIGHT and only take what you ABSOLUTELY need. Women that find they want three outfits for every day should consider that buying stuff at your destination both enlarges and enhances your wardrobe, makes it more likely to be compatible with that culture/climate, and provides excellent 'souvenirs.' (And also frees up some luggage space at least one-way!).

Posted By Lisa on April 28, 2008, 1:34 PM

What a crock! The byline should read "TSA's Thieving Tool."

Until I learned to check nothing, I found every single time I travelled that something would go missing from my or my family's bags. That's right: 100% of the time. The problem is systemic not only because it is pervasive, but because there are no checks on the disposition of property taken from law-abiding US citizens who are so unfortunate as to have to deal with the TSA GOONS. Yes, goons. Criminals. Low-life goneffs who presumably are unfit to hold their jobs.

Listen: what kind of nimrod would even take a job working for the TSA?

Posted By Kevin on April 28, 2008, 2:09 PM

Upon a non-stop from Phoenix to Moline, IL, in May of 2007 my prescription migraine medicine was stolen. The perpetrator took all but one pill (in case I needed it while on my trip.) I feel for the lady who had her pain medicine stolen. This is not a third world country; I do not trust the TSA--this occupation is now at the point that I can see people starting to lie when asked what they do ("Oh, I'm a bank teller") because their reputation has become so tarnished. My niece has suffered theft of costume jewelry while flying. Did i report it? No, who has the time? I believe underreporting is bigger than what we may realize. I still have to fly and anger flys with me.

Posted By Jodi on April 28, 2008, 2:16 PM

I agree with the author that when I travel I have lost stuff and blamed everyone else and its not the Airline or TSA's fault. I remember a couple years ago I could have sworn that TSA or the Airline I flew had stolen my camera out of my luggage and I called and called but come to find out a few weeks later after I had given up ever getting the camera back it turns up in my friends car lol The TSA may be to blame at times but lets give them a break and try to smile when we have to remove our shoes why not say 'have a superfantasitc day' if you think about it, it's no biggie:)

Posted By Andy Man on April 28, 2008, 2:32 PM

I've travelled all over the world, much of it in the developing world. In all this time, I've had one item stolen on a flight out of Nigeria and four thefts on domestic US flights since the creation of the TSA. Nothing went missing from my baggage on domestic US flights prior to the creation of the TSA. In one of the cases of disappearance of personal items on a US domestic flight, I was REFUSED the right to file a report. The article that started this thread is completely fallacious. The TSA must be proud of such misrepresentation that further justify their protection from criminal misconduct. Way to go!

Posted By Brian on April 28, 2008, 2:41 PM

I have never had anything stolen from my luggage, and I have traveled by air for three decades.

On recent trip, however, my large rolling suitcase was badly damaged by TSA. I think it was because I have a gray metal "train case" for my cosmetic and toiletry items that I carry in my rolling suitcase.

I am assuming that this case--which probably reflects X-ray scans--led suspicious agents to open my suitcase to search it.

Not content to discover that my train case only held cosmetics and such--and that the rest of my bag contained clothes--they completely ripped out the lining of my suitcase--destroying it, and shattered the hard plastic stiffeners in all four corners. The broken pieces of plastic were all through my bag, which I discovered when I punctured my hand on a large piece.

I had to buy a new suitcase, and I wasn't too happy about that.

Thanks TSA for making me feel like a passenger traveling in a 4th world tinpot dictatorship.

Posted By Keen on April 28, 2008, 3:01 PM

Maybe the way to discourage TSA thieves is to adopt the old technique that petty smugglers (like me) used to use against customs officers. This was in the bad old days when more than a single bottle of wine brought into Britain from France would be charged duty. Simply: you place soiled underwear at the top of your case. And if it doesn't look soiled enough to be disgusting, apply Marmite. Your TSA man will hopefully retch, shut the lid and move on to rob somebody else.
Unfortunately we didn't do this while going through Newark a while back and lost a mobile phone. It could have been the TSA or a baggage handler--the TSA opened the bag and failed to lock it. I suppose we were lucky because they did pay us half the value of the phone.
But more worryingly--if the TSA is employing uneducated rogues, how long will it be before they manage to recruit a terrorist who will put something into a bag rather than remove valuables?

Posted By Ian Chandler on April 28, 2008, 3:22 PM

Who runs TSA? Who is the person at the top? By name. What agency do they work under? What body makes laws and regulations for them? What committee in Congress is in charge of legislation for them? When and where do they meet and who can speak to them? When a complaint is made out, who receives it. Name, anyone know his/her name, place, rank? After living in the Middle East for 7 years, this stuff is commonplace. But here, in the U.S.?? There has to be some redress.

Posted By Linda Bastian on April 28, 2008, 3:44 PM

Ever since the airlines told me I couldnt lock my own luggage, with my own lock, I have travelled with only a carryon bag. I fear not only pilfering by TSA, but also theft by airline employees. I know people in the airline industry and this happens on a regular basis. The only way to protect your posessions is to carry only low value, replacable items. If you must carry something of value, keep it strapped to your body in a nonmetallic container.

Posted By dave T. on April 28, 2008, 3:58 PM

I'm an avid traveler. I've had my suitcases inspected by TSA on numerous occasions, and later on, when I've returned back home, have not been able to find something--mainly jewelry. In the past, I've always thought I lost it, misplaced it, or else second-guessed myself on whether I ever packed it to begin with! Now I wonder...

As a result of this article and all the worthwhile comments I've read, I will be a lot more savvy and lighter-packing traveler.

Thank you!

~Zey Tavia~

Posted By Zey Tavia on April 28, 2008, 4:32 PM

There are firms out there that will ship your luggage to your destination, bypassing the TSA and the airline baggage handlers. They are pricey, but those folks who have used them swear that it's the greatest thing since sliced bread--saving them time and grief both legs of the trip.

Another possibility: send it yourself via Fedex or UPS where possible.

Posted By PlatypusMan on April 28, 2008, 6:18 PM

I am a very experienced traveler, so I know what to pack and what to carry on; I simply didn't think TSA would need to steal a Reese's Peanut Butter Heart candy that I tucked in my husband's luggage as a Valentine's Day surprise. At least they didn't steal the card.

Posted By Lisa Gilbert on April 28, 2008, 7:31 PM

I work at an airport and we have to tell pax to constantly put their money, jewelry and wallets in their bags. I don't understand why people just want to throw wads of cash, rolex watches, wallets, cell phones etc in a big bin. Everyone has a bag, put your valuables in there. We have cameras and viewed a mans wallet being taken by two young men that were in line before him. Don't even take off your rings. They won't alarm a walk through.

The baggage handlers at my airport make min wage. Your big fancy Tumi and gucci bags scream steal me. The locks that aren't on your bags can be found under many of the conveyor belts. The straps, handles, hanging locks get ripped right off. The tsa locks are horrible. Zip tie your bags. Take a small nail clipper in your carry on and clip yourself when you get to your location. They are much better than a lock. Common sense. Oh, one other thing, the baggage handlers treat those huge bags really bad. Pack lighter and they will respect yoyur property more.

Posted By Pat on April 28, 2008, 7:38 PM

I just had 5,650 worth in jewelry stolen from may baggage. Who has the authority to scan my bag and see what's in it? Who has the authority to go through my bag seemingly in the name of security?! My tax dollars go to pay for some TSA thug thief with no background check or cameras watching have at it with my jewelry given to me by my dead grandmother!

Posted By Elizabeth on April 28, 2008, 9:20 PM

Keep in mind that TSA has your bags for a very short time, generally they are under surveillence by supervisors, cameras or the public. More and more they are on an inline system that does not allow access at all by the TSA. When TSA recieves reports of missing items they vigorously investigage the incidents. TSA employess are now generally paid much more than the Airline employees and have to undergo a lenghty background check. Airline baggage handlers have more access to the bags and are aften contract employees who barely make more than minimum wage. I know that TSA has had major problems early on, but they have done a good job weeding out the problem employees.

Posted By Dave on April 29, 2008, 9:17 AM

Also, TSA does have random drug testing.

Posted By Dave on April 29, 2008, 9:22 AM

Clearly, a large number of people have had problems with TSA and/or airline baggage handlers stealing from bags; but no matter how many individual incidents are posted, one can argue there are thousands of other travelers who have had no problems, so didn't post.

What CAN'T be argued is that there are ten, yes, TEN, full time federal law enforcement officers (won't say the agency) working full-time, EXCLUSIVELY on employee/TSA baggage theft issues at A SINGLE AIRPORT in the northeast. I would assume the same is true for other large airports.

I think that says there's a problem.

Posted By Bill on April 29, 2008, 9:29 AM

I will comment only on flights i have taken since TSA came into existance. The sad fact is, I "lose" something in checked baggage every other flight. I don't know if it because i often travel to/from Europe, and if the "losses" would be the same for domestic routes. I just know that when one of my bags is marked with one of those TSA stickers/tags, something will be missing. It is almost like someone is taunting us "yes, we were in your bag, yes something is missing...what are you going to do about it? we hold the cards here, no one will believe you, and if they do...what can they do?" During my last flight from Europe 2 months ago, my TSA stickered/tagged bag was missing about $75 dollars of hard to find, specialty teas. Did I report this....no. Why add insult to injury...i would have to fill out forms, waste precious time, and for what......it would never be returned, i would never be reimbursed. I think we all know that anything in our "checked baggage" is fair game. It's a shame.

Posted By Joe on April 29, 2008, 11:01 AM

Ahahahahahaha!

When I travel, I carry an OLPC XO laptop. It looks like a child's toy, so no idiot from the TSO would look at it twice. My heart truly goes out to those who have items gone missing from their baggage. It's not enough that the TSA makes all travelers feel as if they are carrying some kind of virus (get the "sterile area" crap), but to stealing ones belongings in the offing is over the freaking top. I am starting a business that will absolutely ensure your treasures make it there and back safely.

Regards.

Posted By r0cketgrl on April 29, 2008, 11:40 AM

OK - I'm an idiot; I packed jewelry in checked baggage and it disappeared. I'll take the responsibility for packing valuables. But I did everything correctly after that - checked with the local airport & TSA lost and found, provided receipts, copies of the boarding passes, faxed a report and waited. And waited. When the deadline had passed (don't remember what it was, but they promise to get back to you within a certain time frame) I again requested the status of the claim and was invited to submit all the information again. This time the guy who was handling the case responded in a somewhat more timely manor - by denying the claim and closing the case - with no explanation. There is apparently no possible recourse either. I'm still angry about this - not so much over loosing the jewelry, but because of the TSA's attitude and the fact that they are accountable to no one. If their job is to "protect and serve" perhaps they ought to consider doing that for the public instead of just internally for the TSA.

Posted By Jim on April 29, 2008, 11:46 AM

My husband and I were fortunate enough to be on the "Oprah's favorite things of summer" show last summer. She was so generous and gracious with the gifts. We checked our bags at Midway, and when we arrived home, the iPod from Oprah was missing, and the items in my husband's luggage were all over the place. You could tell right away someone had rummaged through his bag. I called Midway TSA director immediately. They pointed the finger at Southwest. I called Southwest immediately after, and they pointed the finger at TSA. Basically, I was told that after luggage goes through TSA, it goes back to the airline's hands and down to a basement larger than a football field, and that it's unattended and no security cameras. So, any employee with access to that area has full reign on the bags. I went as far as to write a letter of complaint to Southwest's Corporate Headquarters, only to be told they take no responsibility for missing items. They explained that they'd be responsible for a lost bag but not the items in the bag. Just because that's their policy doesn't make it right! What really stinks is that we had to change our flight to leave a few hours later so that we could attend the Oprah taping, so not only did they allow their employee to steal and get away with it, but they got about $200 extra in cash for the change in our departure time. I don't know how they select or supervise their employees, but what I do know is, if they cared about their customers, they could put security measures in place to prevent theft. Think about security at a casino...the "eyes in the sky" can catch even the sneakiest of theives.

Posted By Brandie Nabors on April 29, 2008, 12:14 PM

If TSA really wanted to do something about this, they should first install surveillance cameras, and then start running undercover operations. A LoJack unit, conceiled in a dummy digital camera, could be used to track the bad guys right to their homes. Make a big deal of, with lots of publicity, a big government show-trial, and a really stiff prison sentence. Right now, with nobody getting caught and nobody getting punished, these bums have no reason to fear.

But no, they're TSA. They won't do it. They don't want to rock the boat. They don't want to make themselves look bad.

My checked luggage has little more than clean underwear on the way out, and dirty underwear on the way back. I figure that's safe, because TSA already has plenty of dirty underwear of its own.

Posted By Mister Beasley on April 29, 2008, 12:36 PM

I used to work at Greenville Spartanburg (GSP) airport in SC. I could walk to the secure area behind the counters and see what was going on. I would see the tables that TSA would be working on and there would be clothes and other items from peoples luggage strew all over the floor. They would not put stuff back because, and I quote, "I dont remember which suitcase that fell out of."

Posted By Matthew on April 29, 2008, 1:28 PM

as a security screener it does upset me that all the blame is thrown on us. we check the bag and send it on it's way. for the rest of the time that bag is in the hands on baggage handlers. at the airport i work at we have had several handlers get arrested for stealing. as for the locks not always being put back on or not fully being locked. sadly it does happens sometimes. it's not meant to be done on purpose. when there are 100+ bags on the floor waiting to be screened, and you are trying to go as quickly as you can. you sometimes make mistakes and do forget to put the lock back on. but in 3+ years of being with tsa i have only known 1 person to be arrested for stealing.

Posted By redman on April 29, 2008, 2:07 PM

If you want to ship your bags to yourself, you might try the counter-to-counter shipping some of the airlines have. Nowadays you may have to register as a "known shipper", but it would allow you to send your bags airport to airport, perhaps on the same plane as you, but with proper insurance...

Posted By trouptech on April 29, 2008, 2:10 PM

This is definitely happening, and I'm so glad people are writing about it and calling it out. I recently had an item stolen out of my bag flying out of O'Hare in Chicago and it confirmed my fears of ever checking anything of value in my luggage. Personally think it's ridiculous that we should have to think and act that way. These people are supposed to be helping keep us safe, and instead they are swiping our stuff. It's just not right.

Posted By Lindsay on April 29, 2008, 2:26 PM

My stepson had to hand over his bag on the jetway due to an overcrowded flight from MIami to Atlanta, and the bag was subsequently lost. We were amazed when the bag turned up 3 weeks later, but it was missing a wrapped gift that had been on top. Another wrapped gift was still there, but of course it was the gift for me that was gone!

Posted By VBR on April 29, 2008, 2:36 PM

If EVERYBODY would BOYCOTT the airlines for a couple of months, that would put enough pressure on them to adopt more consumer-friendly policies. A nationwide boycott. Not that hard to pull off except for essential business travel. For me, flying has become such a dehumanizing and unreliable form of transportation that I only do it when my career depends on it (fortunately, almost never) or if there is a family emergency. Otherwise, count me out. My dollars are not going that way.

Posted By FedUp on April 29, 2008, 2:40 PM

In 2005 I missed a connecting flight due to mechanical problem delays on my first flight. The airline put me up in a hotel for the night and scheduled me for a 6 am flight the next morning. After receiving my hotel voucher I asked the gate agent if I could pick up my checked luggage. (All I had was a camera and my purse as carry-on) The ticket agent replied "absolutely not, your flight is first thing in the morning, just go get some sleep and we'll keep your bag here over night and it will arrive at your final destination". I persisted and was told "no" over and over again. Well, my bag DID arrive at my final destination. But when I unpacked it several things were missing. What shocked me was what they chose to take and how thoroughly someone had searched the bag. All of my underwear was missing. They left a brand new pair of sneakers but went through the entire suitcase and took every pair of underwear I had. They also took a sterling silver ring that wasn't expensive but I thought I had it fairly well concealed. I am sure this was the work of the airline staff and not TSA. When I filed a complaint the airline sent me forms to fill out. They stated if I wanted to be reimbursed for any reason I would have to provide receipts, my SSN, and my place of employment. I wasn't about to give a company who had already stolen from me my social security number so I never filled out the reimbursement. Moral to the story: NEVER let the airline keep your luggage overnight.

Posted By CB on April 29, 2008, 2:55 PM

I was on a recent flight from Atlanta to San Diego, I checked my bag in Atlanta and when I got to San Diego my Digital camera was missing,my problem is all the red tape you must go thru to file a claim,so far its been a head ache, It's just a shame that the people you trust with your life, steal from you. LESSON LEARNED

Posted By Ronald White on April 29, 2008, 3:17 PM

I once travelled from Bombay India back to the U.S. I made it to Philly, went through customs with all 3 of my bags, which had been sealed shut with security tape in Bombay. When I arrived in Atlanta, only 2 of my 3 bags arrived. Someone in Philly had decided to keep my 3rd bag - the one with a month's worth of souvenirs in it - books and wood carvings and saries, mostly. I did a claim through the airline, which was paid, but required copies of all of my receipts (which fortunately were not in that bag), and they only paid 2/3 of the loss. I even flew to Philly the following week and searched the "lost and found" of every airline, and posted "missing" fliers. I was devastated. While I was there I heard that Philly is a BLACK HOLE for luggage. I'm never flying through that city again.

Posted By Tanya Burgess on April 29, 2008, 4:04 PM

Hi. I also work at an airport, and I would like to comment on the HUNDREDS of unclaimed items we have in our lost and found every month. I believe that many items are lost, through whatever means, and never reconnected with the owner, through no malicious intent. I see many very expensive items (ipods, designer sunglasses, cell phones, expensive cosmetics, DVD players, cameras, souvenirs of all kinds) left behind. We do have some sucess with recovery, but we always have more left behind than returned. Some (not all) of the problem is travelers carelessness.

Posted By sue on April 30, 2008, 3:57 PM

I have never had anything stolen, but I did have a cup of coffee dumped in the suitcase while they were inspecting it. Imagine my surprise when I unpacked and found most of my clothes covered with coffee stains that were not there when I packed....just the typical note that they stick in the case after they open it up, no I am sorry, nothing. Of course when you contact them they want pictures of the damage and receipts for the clothes...you have to be kidding...I don't save old receipts!

Posted By Lu on May 1, 2008, 2:26 PM

My luggage was misdirected to Uruguay when I was headed to London (from STL). Once my luggage was found and returned one thing was missing - my perfume. Gone. Now on a flight from STL to PHL a bottle of prescrition antibiotics was taken from my luiggage. Sounds weird but who knows, maybe they just thought any prescrition medicine has the potential to be street valued. I will never check my bags again if I can help it.

Posted By Laura on May 1, 2008, 3:08 PM

Three years ago this month, I flew from Minneapolis to Seattle. Because the flight was full, (which it was not) I was told I needed to check one of my carry-ons, which happened to have two camera bodies and several expensive lens plus my extra medications. It was the lesser of two evils as the other carry-on had my daily medications, digital camera, money, and purse. They would not give me time to repack the suitcases and I was at their mercy. Upon my arrival I found the 'love letter' from the TSA and two very 'trashed' suitcases. The one with the camera equipment was a disaester. The lens were out of thier protective holders and loose, the lens caps were off, 3 multi-packs of film were missing along with a full bottle of vicodin, I had to sit down by the carousel and repack the entire case. The suitcase with my clothes was in the same condition. The clothes had been hastily jammed back in, my velvet dress was a mess, my jewelry was strewn about the suitcase and 2 costume rings were missing as well as a pair of earrings and a bracelet. Because I bought the costume jewelry at a department store clearance sale it looked much more expensive than it really was, I hope they found that out when they tried to unload it or give it away! At the hotel that night, instead of having a casual dinner and seeing a bit of Seattle I was repacking and cleaning up the damage for the next leg of my journey to catch a cruise ship in Vancouver headed to Alaska. I loved Alaska, the cruise was great, my lay over with friends on Vancouver Island was all I could ask for and then, the TSA struck again on my way home from Seattle. I arrived in Minneapolis to find my luggage in an uproar again, no locks, no letter, just the obnoxious little blue security tag from the TSA. I was missing a necklace and a souvenir t-shirt I bought for my husband in Alaska. This time my cameras traveled with me as carry-on so they were safe!
Fast forward to last year. I got talked into flying again. (Did I mention how I hate to fly?) This time it was from Minneapolis to Las Vegas. Yep, you guessed it. I was searched again. I had one rolling medium size suitcase sparsely packed, one carry-on and one GIANT purse with all my meds and two digital cameras only. No more flying with all my equipment. I save that for road trips now. Again, cheap but expensive looking costume jewelry which they lifted again. I was also missing a smaller evening bag that I had packed. I wished for my cameras at the Grand Canyon but made do with the digitals, we visited Arizona for a week and I longed for my wildlife lens and extra camera bodies but I survived. When we flew home I was amazed to find my luggage had not been searched.
My mindset now is if I can't drive there, I am not going....Northwest and Steenland have picked the Minnesota taxpayers' pockets for years, the fares will go up, poor service will continue and there is no adventure in flying anymore. Just frustration, lines, delays, searches, missing and/or delayed baggage and sterile areas. (I am a nurse, trust me, those areas are not sterile!) And, I refuse to pay to have my luggage accompany me!
Thank heavens my sister has returned to Minnesota after 34 years in Hawaii so I don't have to make that awful trip anymore. I have learned to pack light, buy while I am there, and mail it home.

Posted By Sue on May 1, 2008, 9:08 PM

On Monday April 20th, my husband was flying from Rapid City, S.D. to Salt Lake City. It was 6 a.m. and while going thru security checkpoint, he was asked several times to remove his watch, which he has NEVER been asked to do... He finally gave in and took off his $8,000 new Rolex watch.. He walked thru and didn't alarm, but immediately was pulled out of line for "random" addtl. screening. In that 3 minutes time, his watch disappeared, while under the WATCH of a policeman and tsa employees that were standing watching the line... He filled out police report, only to find out the next day that the cameras were NOT working at all at the particular checkpoint.. His watch is gone, and we filled out the claims form on line and have heard nothing. They haven't returned any of his phone-calls, and police officer has told him he has nothing to investigate, without cameras working... Everything about his experience has seemed to point to TSA employee stealing his watch.. Very frustrating!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted By Allison on May 6, 2008, 11:23 PM

Sean, thanks for taking a second look at my story. I appreciate all of your comments. This might be worth a follow up column in which my unnamed insiders have a chance to say more about this problem.

Posted By Christopher Elliott on May 7, 2008, 12:19 PM

Hello, Chris,
Thanks for posting your comment. I look back on my post now, and I cringe. It came off as unnecessarily abrasive.
So, at the risk of gushing: I have the highest respect for you and the journalism you do and have done. The quality is so high, and it’s also astonishingly prolific. You’ve improved the lives of so many people—you must take great satisfaction from that. And I offer continued good wishes as you use new technologies to do your great reporting.
--Sean

Posted By Sean on May 7, 2008, 1:58 PM

On a flight from Albany to Phoenix I had a very expensive new driver stolen out of my golf bag. The fine folks in Phoenix informed me that since my golf travel bag was soft-sided, I had no recourse. If the bag had been a hard bag, they would work with me on reimbursement. I reminded them that this was a theft and not damage and that any bag was open and available to TSA agents. They claimed the policy only covered hard sided bags. I asked if I could fill out a report and was told I would be welcome to do so but it would be a waste of time. Sure enough, they were right. Despite numerous letters and calls, I am still today without any form of reimbursement.

Now, in all reality, there is no way to tell if the TSA or the airline employees are responsible. I guess we all have realize that there is significant risk every time we check a bag. I wonder if my clubs will fit in the overhead bin....

Posted By Ken on May 8, 2008, 2:00 PM

My solution to the checked bag dilemma is not to do it. Every time I travel I discover new ways to "lighten my load" and I'm telling ya, it makes the whole trip better. No anxiety over loss (theft or missing luggage), no extra time waiting to check it in and get it back, no lugging it everywhere. I can't change the potential loss situation, so I change my way of dealing. So far, I can report that you CAN spend two weeks in Italy with one carry on bag. I just had to change my perspective and remember no one cares if I wear the same outfit more than once and if I want room for souvenirs I have to toss some dirty socks! :)

Posted By hoboannie on May 8, 2008, 2:10 PM

I arrived at Dallas airport early one day for a DFW-MSP-YWG Northwest flight. My unlocked bags sat somewhere inside security for 3+ hours before the flight. I discovered the next day after the flight that a brand new SD memory chip was taken out of the hard plastic case they sell most electronics in. The thief used a razor blade to neatly cut it out from the case. I got reimbursed for it from NWA in full -using retail prices I supplied them for replacement- after complaining in writing (email/mail in form) to ALL parties involved - all 3 airport authorities, NWA and the TSA.

I had my luggage tags, boarding pass and the tenacity to not take no for an answer. Guess I got lucky as well!!

Now I take anything of value as a carry-on. I use TSA locks AND zip ties for my checked luggage. Since then - no problems - and none of my TSA locked and zip tied luggage has been opened.

I found out that the airport employees, TSA and so on are screened when ENTERING the airport peoperty but are allowed to LEAVE the airport property - lugging their daily loot- without being checked.

Hmmm -would it not seem reasonable to have them checked upon leaving to see if they are carrying - say a $3,000 Rolex watch, 3 D-SLR cameras and a whack of jewelry?

Gold mines require all workers to be searched upon exiting the mine. Today airports are a gold mine - for the thiefs.

Posted By Roger on May 10, 2008, 12:14 AM

Just arrived into Belfast from Newark, got home to find my makeup strewn all over my bag and items broken and missing, i was carring an iphone in the case and horrified when I lifted the box to find the handset was missing and the box torn open. My daughter had a leaflet in her case to say TSA searched her case and nothing was missing, obviously didnt leave a note in my bag as they had stolen my phone and broken my makeup box (assuming it was another gadget). This was our 1st time in America and will definitely be our last, you would not get treated like this in Europe. We were flying Continental Airlines, they have said to complete a claim form and they will write back to us in 3 weeks with their decision of wether or not they will LOOK INTO THE MATTER!
A very unhappy traveller (and probably too trusting to think that people in security jobs would be honest)

Posted By Miss D Kernohan on May 10, 2008, 7:02 AM

The whole problem is the TSA has destroyed the traveler's ability to secure their property.

Inspect baggage when passenger checks in. Then let traveler lock the bags.

Another passenger for disbanding the TSA.

Posted By 4 time victim of baggage theft on May 10, 2008, 10:29 PM