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

We traveled back from Alaska after visiting our son, who had a freezer full of halibut (yum) and salmon. Arriving in Portland, Oregon, we noticed our taped cooler was considerably lighter...you guessed it. Someone had ripped off over half our halibut and salmon. Grrr.

Posted By jrhammer on May 12, 2008, 1:06 PM

I didn't mention it, but we turned in a report and, of course, neither Alaska Airlines or TSA were able to find any culprit and it became our word against theirs. So we filed a claim with both and TSA split the "cost" of the fish and paid a portion --not the value--or replacement value. Just the "cost". So we did receive $25. from TSA.

Posted By joyce on May 13, 2008, 4:39 PM

Yep, USAir flight sju-cvg last month. I took a sort of leatherman... had a adjustable wrench in it. Put it in suitcase cuz I knew it would not pass security, also had a bout a 2 inch blade.
GONE. Thanks you thieves, yet 1 more reason to drive damn near everywhere!

Posted By alleycat on May 13, 2008, 9:27 PM

Things go missing from passengers bags. And that is a fact. I used to work in the underbelly of a catX airport. There are screens under the belting systems to catch stuff that falls out of luggage that hasn't been properly secured. Some items are removed from bags because they are hazardous or dangerous. The airline should have a record of them, so if your butane lighter or can of easy-off is missing.... don't be surprised. And there is a limit on the amount of alcohol that can be placed in your luggage. Also, keep in mind that the airline handles your luggage more often than TSA does. At airports with in-line baggage systems, only bags that alarm the x-ray even enter TSA's work space. Are a few of TSA's officers less than honest? Yes. But that is a small percentage and the agency terminates them when they are caught. Remember also, problems with items coming up missing (pilfered) from luggage have been going on for a very long time. Far longer than TSA has been in existence and those problems were directly traceable to the airline employees.
Me… I travel every week. I don’t pack anything in my checked baggage that is of high value or irreplaceable. I don’t pack anything that is fragile either. Baggage handlers and baggage handling systems are not gentile. Remember the old Samsonite commercial with the gorilla? That’s about what it’s like. Pack accordingly.

Posted By Kel on May 14, 2008, 5:28 PM

TSA is a joke. They once tried to keep my wedding rings because (their words) "they caused the metal detector to go off." I had to have a police officer intervene. As I've joked since, everyone knew that marrying my husband would take some work, but no one thought it would be criminal.

Posted By Sherri on May 14, 2008, 6:49 PM

What is it with Golf Gear and JFK?
For the 2nd time, I have had things stolen from my golf bag on Jet Blue.

The last time, my clubs came out of the baggage claim, all loose, outside of the golf bag and falling off onto the floor.

When I got home, I realized my golf shoes were missing. Last time is was some irons.

You cant lock the bag, so its a given that they are targets.

It really pee's me off and there is nothing you can do.

Posted By terra on May 14, 2008, 11:31 PM

Flying out of KC if you arrive early, guess what. They have all the time in the world to go through your luggage. Last time "they" liked my travel clock. It was only $20. Hope "they" enjoy it. It is sad that this is what our fellow men & women have choose to do - steal.

Posted By Big Al on May 25, 2008, 8:02 AM

January 2008 flew from Puhket, Thialand to Chicago - all three watches purchased in Bangkok for gifts were gone. Even the coffee cannister containing Thai coffee had been opened and the lid disposed of. This is the first time we have been missing items in all our travels and it's the last time I will pack anything in checked baggage - may wear five watches upon return from a trip but it will be on my person. Glad to see this blog and know this was not an isolated case... word to the wise... wear it or expect to lose it.

Posted By lildoody on May 26, 2008, 2:08 PM

I work for TSA. You can't accuse TSA for the corrupt workers, there are good ones like myself. Why should you trust your items to strangers? If a TSA employee needs to check inside your bag, you should be present for the bag check. So don't think that all TSA personnel are bad, we are just trying to protect the nation while working in a stressed environment with people who don't know how to unpack their items in order to get through security properly. Like at any other job, you have the bad employees and the good ones. It all depends on the person's work ethic. I've never seen anyone at work take anything from a passenger, but the day I do, believe me, that I will get it taken care of. Above all, just keep an eye on your items, you never know who will be doing your bag check. :) Hope it helps.

Posted By Sinthia on May 29, 2008, 9:23 AM

Also, carry on your valuable items, just ensure that they fit the TSA guidelines. Many jewelers come through with the jewelry on their carry on bags. Why should they risk losing their valuables? That's another way to keep your items safe.

Posted By Sinthia on May 29, 2008, 9:26 AM

I asked around at work about this issue. I heard that the airline employees are the ones responsible. There are some that have even taken laptops from bags! They take the items when the checked baggage are leaving the TSA checks and going to the plane. Pretty interesting. But quite embarrassing.

Posted By Sinthia on May 29, 2008, 10:06 PM

What type of idiot could/would claim there is no TSA theft issue.

I am an airline pilot who has been ripped off twice when traveling on my own dime. Recently from FLL - LGA. Tsa stole some nice cuff links and a new trac lll razor. They also stirred the contents they dumped back into my suitcase.

The TSA (Taking Something Always) is truly licensed to steal.

Posted By Recent Victim on June 3, 2008, 9:22 AM

After my husband's Rolex was stolen 2 months ago, while going THRU what is called SECURITY, we have learned that the TSA employees will not be investigated, as there "isn't enough evidence" to prove they could of taken it...
1. The TSA employee insisted he take watch off, which he has NEVER been told to do before.
2. He was then chosen for "random" additional search and was pulled out of line, not in view of his items.
3. The security cameras were NOT working and haven't worked for months, the police officer has told us. So, he has nothing to go off of????
How much MORE should there be to get an investigation of TSA employees at that airport?
What a JOKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted By Allison on June 3, 2008, 11:14 PM

Has the TSA stolen from me? Yes they have.
I traveled on April 17th from Chicago OHare to Philly. When I picked up my bags in Philly there was a leak and some hair product had opened and leaked into my bag. When I opened my bag I realized that my jewelry packet was missing and all my jewelry that was wedding gifts had all been stolen.
I have in the last 2 months contacted police - both Philly and Chicago, TSA and United Airlines and each has been less helpful than the other. I just received a letter in the mail from TSA saying there is no evidence that TSA had checked the bag - I guess they were expecting a notice from the thief saying that this is TSA stealing your belongings. No one has looked into this issue - thei thief is still at large and probably robbed a few more unsuspecting people since then. If you have any suggestions for me to get reimbursed to the responsible party to be brought to justice please let me know.
Thanks.

Posted By Stolen on June 5, 2008, 10:40 PM

Sinthia --

I use "TSA approved" locks on my baggage. So why do things go missing? And please don't give me the crock that "Oh, well, perhaps one of the airline people got a hold of one of the master keys for the locks."

TSA is a crock. Disband, disband, disband. And quit wasting my taxpayers dollars.

Regards

Posted By r0cketgrl on June 16, 2008, 7:03 PM

Well, I guess it's now happened to my wife and I. We have just arrived home from a trip last night from Albuquerque to Birmingham , AL, with a connection in Cinncinatti, and one in Atlanta with Delta. We discovered missing items from our suit case this morning. Yes, I have already heard it all, "you should have carried it on", "we are not liable for items in our luggage". Blah , blah , blah. That's still doesn't make it right that our personal belongings were gone through and taken.Very sad ending to a very sad trip, one in which no one wants to take anyway when a loved one dies. My wife and I are not much for flying anyway, but this broke us from ever flying again I'm sure.

Posted By peeodetraveler on June 24, 2008, 7:28 PM

While I don't think that I've ever had anything stolen, I have notice several times, that the TSA agent going through my bag has apparently decided to toss it. My clothing had been taken off hanger, balled up and shoved back in. I am ready to give up on flying altogether.

Posted By Gretchen on June 26, 2008, 12:29 PM

I thought you might like to know what happened when we followed the TSA procedure for reporting a missing item. The item was in the locked (with TSA approved locks) suitcase when it was checked and was not there when we opened the still locked bag. TSA did -- you guessed it -- absolutley nothing! And -- by the way, we didn't misplace the item! We were just SOL!

Posted By sleds on June 26, 2008, 12:30 PM

I flew from SLC to DCA last Feb and foolishly packed my cell phone charger. It was not in my bag when I needed to use it - apparently some TSA person needed a $30 charger. As mentioned in the article they implied that American Airlines personnel probably took it!!!

Posted By Marcy Underdahl on June 26, 2008, 12:52 PM

It only took once for me to learn my lesson. I packed a camera, an envelope containing about 100 CDs (this was before iPods were invented), and a bag of quarters (I was a poor college student needing laundry money). Somewhere between Denver and Cleveland, TSA helped themselves. Cameras and CDs are somewhat understandable (I was stupid to pack them in checked luggage), but I couldn't believe they swiped my quarters. How low can you go? Now I carry all valuables in my carry on.

Posted By UStraveler on June 26, 2008, 12:53 PM

What planet are you on, naive Mr. Sean O'Neill? I, too, was naively laboring under the delusion that after 9/11 my luggage would be safe because no passenger would would want to steal anyone's luggage for fear of what contraband it might contain. In my naivete it never occurred to me that the TSA might be the thieves.

I had not only items stolen from my luggage both of my most recent two trips (December 2007 and May 2008) but on each trip every single TSA-approved special luggage lock I purchased (some of them $14.00 a piece), engraved with the TSA insignia, were likewise stolen: 5 locks in all.

Furthermore, at the Honolulu airport, a TSA male inspector picked up my carry-on by the handle--after it had already been inspected by a male TSA employee--and negligently dumped everything I had in the carry-on all over the ground. (Thank God I'd removed my laptop computer.) Both of them laughed uproariously and then told me to pick up the items. I patiently and courteously declined and said it wasn't I who had spilled everything.

They deliberately took an inordinate amount of time to inspect my luggage and I missed my flight to the mainland. As I walked past them back from the missed flight I very quietly and objectively stated, "I missed my flight." The male TSA Nazi loudly and impudently retorted, "That's your fault!" and snickered. (So much for the much-touted Hawaiian "aloha" spirit. I assure you this wasn't a random example of rudeness there but that's a different story.)

I've had a total of $60 of T.S.A.-sanctioned locks stolen from me by--who else?--T.S.A. When I lamented about this to a friend, he told me he'd seen a documentary on "60 Minutes" or some such, showing T.S.A. inspectors hiding from airport surveillance cameras and ransacking luggage, trying on clothes to see if they like them and if they fit, etc.

Sincerely: A seasoned traveler

Posted By Sunny RainbowHeart on June 26, 2008, 12:54 PM

On a recent flight to Hawaii my large checked bag, which had three tsa locks on it, arrived with all three locks removed and missing, and no note from TSA indicating the bag had been opened. However, since we carry on all valuables, and nothing but clothes and inexpensive snorkel gear were in the bag, nothing was stolen. This brings my personal total of locks removed and missing in the last two years to seven.

Posted By Norman A. Kerlin on June 26, 2008, 1:01 PM

I forgot to mention in my comment of a few minutes ago that I filed a complaint with the T.S.A. supervisor in Honolulu and absolutely nothing was done. Also, I made a typographical error: the two luggage-abusing T.S.A. inspectors in Honolulu were one male and one female. It was the female who dumped the contents of my carry-on on the ground.

BTW, poetloverrebelspy's information was superb, letting us know that T.S.A. offices at the airports have boxes full of discarded locks. I do not care to replace with my own money an expensive T.S.A. lock I purchased. I can't imagine what these T.S.A. morons do with the locks they steal. Do they sell them to their buddies on their black market or what? At the very least, they are bulls in a china shop who irresponsibly yank off locks and then are too lazy to put them back, leaving our luggage open as open season for the rest of the T.S.A. people on the subsequent segments of our flight.

The fact that T.S.A. employees aren't making the salaries of a Fortune 500 C.E.O. (and why should they without the academic education, training,experience and intelligence to hold a job of a different level) is no excuse to steal. Decent people don't steal, period. If you accept a job you do your best--period. You don't whine and say, "Well, if I made more I wouldn't be stealing." That's immoral and justifying your crookedness.

Sincerely: Sunny RainbowHeart

Posted By Sunny RainbowHeart on June 26, 2008, 1:09 PM

Hi - yes I,too had TSA, I'm sure, steal my jewelry. I know I was naive, but it had never occured to me that anyone would steal from my bags and I had never had a problem - I had always put my valuables in my checked bags. Then , one of the first times I flew after the advent of the new security scenarios, I was flying out of LAX, and they had a set-up where you stood behind a line and watched the TSA people search your bags. They pulled everything out and jumbled it up, and pulled my jewelry box out where I had it careful wrapped in a towel and nestled in the very middle of all my clothes. I asked them to please put it back like it was or let me re-pack it -they would not let me, told me to move on and that I couldn't touch the bags again -and I saw them leave the jewelry box out on the very top of the suitcase, exchanging looks with each other that had me on high alert from that time on - when I got to my destination, I grabbed my bag off the carousel and sure enough, it was partially unzipped even,and the jewlery box gone. I reported it lost from my baggage, but never got anywhere with that. Since then, of course, I carry on all electronics, jewelry and valuables - and it makes me sad every time I travel to remember that I can no longer trust in airport "security."

Posted By Ione on June 26, 2008, 1:13 PM

I had a camera stolen from my carry on luggage!!! I had to send everything through, there was a long line because someone let off the alarms when going through, and when I got through and picked up my bags, I later noticed it had been searched and my camera was not there!
So much for only stealing from checked luggage. I complained and was told nothing could be done - to write to TSA, which I did, and just received a form letter.
I do not think the TSA hires on the basis of intelligence!

Posted By Mary DeMattia on June 26, 2008, 1:43 PM

The tone of the article is clearly in defence of the TSA and I can live with that . Unfortunately thefts do happens at TSA and I personally have been a victim twice . Because the stolen items were not more than souvenirs I did not bother waisting my time with a formal complaint knowing that there would not be any action.
So please do not discout what really happens
Thank you
William

Posted By William on June 26, 2008, 1:49 PM

I had a camera stolen from my carry on luggage!!! I had to send everything through, there was a long line because someone let off the alarms when going through, and when I got through and picked up my bags, I later noticed it had been searched and my camera was not there!
So much for only stealing from checked luggage. I complained and was told nothing could be done - to write to TSA, which I did, and just received a form letter.
I do not think the TSA hires on the basis of intelligence!

Posted By Mary DeMattia on June 26, 2008, 1:58 PM

I've had two bags that were missing items. Both times it was on my return flight going home.

My mother-in-law also had items missing recently on her return flight.

I also had a brand new piece of luggage with a TSA lock on it that was opened by the TSA...they cut the luggage clasps which the lock goes through, not the TSA approved lock...which means the luggage cannot be locked without new clasps being put on it. Why they didn't just use their key, I don't know...why they decided to cut the clasps instead of the lock and ruin a new suitcase I don't know either.

The missing items were of the souvenir variety, I also didn't complain as others mentioned above because its not worth the time or hassle.

I did send a complaint letter about the luggage with the cut clasps along with pictures, but never received a response from the TSA.

Posted By Chris on June 26, 2008, 2:08 PM

Yes, TSA stole 2 pcs of jewelry out of my suitcase. Only the best ones. Flying out of Newark. Airline personnel told me it happens all the time, expecially if you check in early.
They XRay, then shift your luggage off for review if it looks promising. I was so frustrated. Yes, I got my $$ from my insurance, but I could not duplicate 1 of the items I lost.

Posted By Sharon on June 26, 2008, 2:18 PM

My brother-in-law was on an NWA flight and was told that his carry-on bag was selected for inspection. After the inspection, he was then told that the flight was overly full and that he needed to check his bag (much to his protest, of course). Not only was the flight NOT completely full - there would have been plenty of room for his carry-on under his seat or in the overhead storage - but his sunglasses, camera, and tennis shoes were stolen from his carry on! He reported the theft but never even received a response. This is not only thievery, it's organized crime!

Posted By LH on June 26, 2008, 2:27 PM

OK, here's my idea which I am going to actually try when we fly in a couple of days: Open the suitcase at the airport by the counter before checking it and TAKE A PHOTO OF THE CONTENTS with the digital camera which goes in the carry on! This won't necessarily prevent any theft, but it will serve as "evidence" if a report is necessary.
(I have gotten in trouble in overseas airports a few times for taking photos, but I believe this is OK in the US as long as it is done before entering security. We'll find out...)
As far as theft, my husband has had 2 pairs of shoes stolen (on 2 separate trips). One was a new pair of Dwayne Wade basketball shoes (purchased on sale at a discount store), and another was a very nice pair of dress shoes, purchased on clearance at a national chain. Both looked more expensive than they were, and someone is walking around with some nice shoes. Our solution: we now pack shoes individually in luggage -- left shoes in one bag, right shoes in another bag. There is always the chance an entire bag will be lost, but then there is recourse and some reimbursement.
Won't prevent me from flying. Love to travel too much to let TSA make me stay home!

Posted By Lee on June 26, 2008, 2:46 PM

It's not just stealing when one checks luggage. I have a knee replacement which means I have to be hand searched every time. At Las Vegas, I always have to get a supervisor so that TSA employees will bring my carryon luggage and purse into the booth with me. They want me to leave it unattended --obviously so those employees working the x-ray can pick through it while some other TSA employee pats me down with my back turned to my possessions. I've written several complaints and pointed out that Las Vegas is the only airport I know that does this. They've never responded, of course. So, I just allow plenty of time and refuse to move until my possessions join me.

Posted By Sandy on June 26, 2008, 3:06 PM

Less than I month after 9/11 my Father fell ill and I needed to fly from Boston to Chicago. Since the weather was much colder where I was going, I wore my black cape and black snow boots.

On all four legs of the trip I was pulled over by TSA and searched - which is understandable. HOWEVER, I was carrying my jewelry with my in a plastic bag in my purse rather than leaving it home. A TSA person grabbed the purse from me, and another grabbed my arm and led me in the opposite direction. When I started to object a TSA agent, close to seven feet tall, came right up in my personal space and asked if there was a problem.

This was clearly meant to intimidate, but I did explained that I was separately visually from my purse. There was no arguing with him. He would not listen to logic.

They had me sit for a while to find a female for a search - and it was time to board my plane by the time this process was completed. I grabbed my purse and ran to the gate in the nick of time.

Once onboard I realized what had happened: my diamond ring, diamond tennis bracelet and a few other valuable pieces were missing. I tried everyting from going to Security and the State Police at Logan airport to no avail. No one would fess up or offer me assistance.

Years later I am still reeling, as the bracelet was a gift from my Mom.

Posted By Barbara Smith on June 26, 2008, 3:12 PM

I went on a business trip during the peak of heightened security when there were a lot of new TSA employees. I was first through the line at a small regional airport. I had lots of stuff like camera, laptop, passport, computer data, a jacket, etc.

So one guy put me behind a curtain to use the handheld metal detector, another grabbed my backpack and went off somewhere, another grabbed my camera and went somewhere else, somebody else examined my laptop out of my sight, my other stuff went through the xray machine and the plastic trays were put back in the empty pile before I had a chance to grab my stuff. It took me about 20 minutes to gather everything together after it had been scattered by TSA. I was missing something important and none of the inspectors knew anything about it but we finally found it in a pile of empty trays. It was very disconcerting watching a bunch of clueless people being so careless with my belongings when I couldn't keep my eyes on them.

I've lost my share of Swiss Army knives but the thing that galled me the most was losing a tiny screwdriver, the kind used to adjust the screws on your glasses.

Posted By Johnny E on June 26, 2008, 3:13 PM

I haven't had any property pilfered while flying, but TSA did not secure my bag and I lost a pair of boots. I did file a claim but TSA only paid for part of the loss. So TSA did 'pilfer' my time as I had to replace my boots and use my gas to do it without compensation. They should pay for the loss of the item and some cost for its replacement.

Posted By Dino on June 26, 2008, 3:19 PM

Flights from Orange County to sacramento RT I've had items stolen from my bag about 4-5 times.

Decided the next trip to put my worn undies on the top of my packed clothes.

Seems when I belt my luggage and tie it around the handle there has been no thievery.

Posted By Harriett Gamer on June 26, 2008, 3:28 PM

In the Bay area, we get calls frequently from passengers who go through screening and when they get to their destination, something is missing from their bags. It's not just the airlines who are responsible, but the TSA's, who are CONTRACT EMPLOYEES and not federal employees. There's something wrong with this picture.

Posted By tv on June 26, 2008, 3:40 PM

I travel about 25k miles per year, and every time I travel to or from BWI, the TSA-approved locks on my luggage are cut. All are clearly marked as being TSA-approved, yet they are still cut when my bags are inspected. Fortunately, I've never personally had anything stolen from my checked baggage, but I have had family members arrive to their destinations missing valuable electronics from their checked luggage. I now carry on ALL of my valuables.

I must note that if I travel to or from Washington Dulles, my locks arrive intact almost 100% of the time. I seem to have this problem only when I travel to or from BWI.

I have a hard time believing that my suitcase just happens to be a randomly selected bag for TSA inspection almost every time I travel from BWI. Based on the sheer number of times my TSA-approved locks have been cut, I can't help but think there are a lot of TSA agents at BWI looking for something valuable to get their hands on. More than half of the time, there is no notice inside my suitcase telling me of a TSA inspection. My bag just arrives with the locks cut off and my clothing in disarray.

Before I read this article and these blog posts, I thought I was the only one this happened to. Now it clear to me at least that this is a systemic problem and needs to be addressed.

I've lost all respect for the airline security system in this country.

Posted By Barrett on June 26, 2008, 4:18 PM

I am already in a hassle with the TSA. After 3 1/2 months here is the latest Email & my answer I just sent out todayl. If anyone has any suggestions, I sure would appreciate them. Read on:
Date: 6/26/2008 11:28:48 AM
To: Susan C. Blanton
Subject: RE: TSA Claims Management Branch, Control# 2008050543785

Thank you for your prompt response. There are a few questions that will need to be answered in order to better the adjudication process of your claim. Please leave a detailed answer to each of the following questions:

1. How many hours did you arrive to check into the airport (PHX) prior to your flight?

2. Was your flight delayed leaving the airport?

3. Did you check in curbside or at the ticket counter?

4. Did you have a direct flight?

5. If you did not have a direct flight, what airport (s) did you have connecting flights? How long were your layover(s)? Please specify each airline you traveled between each connecting flights.

I may contact you again if any additional materials are needed. If you would like to discuss this matter over the phone, I may be reached between 7:30 am and 4:00pm Eastern Standard time.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Susan C. Blanton
Sent: Friday, June 20, 2008 11:34 PM
To: CTR>
Subject: Re: TSA Claims Management Branch, Control# 2008050543785

Ms. McPherson,

There was nothing remarkable about my flight. The item was packed into my hiking boots & stuffed with underwear to protect it. When I opened my luggage at home, the boots had been moved and the stuffing was scattered about. The item had been removed. I later found it mixed in with the other clothes, quite away from the boots & it was snapped in two. It could not had "fallen" out or moved by itself--the luggage was packed too tightly. I know TSA had opened it because it was taped with a TSA tape on the outside & there was a "ticket" inside saying it had been inspected. And since everything your people do is behind closed doors & out of sight, there is no way I can pinpoint when the luggage was opened, much less who opened it.

I had no insurance & did not report it because I was quite far away from the airport when I opened my luggage. There was no outside indication that anything was damaged.

This is a bona fide claim. NO ONE else but a inspector could have moved the item or broke it. It would not have been broke if it had been handled carefully & left, or re-packed, into the boot. I understand that you cannot be vouch for everyone who works in each airport, but I cannot be held at-fault when your people open things carelessly, or decide to remove them for whatever reasons. It is worth every bit of what I paid for it, probably more, since it is irreplaceable.

I sent you a photo copy of the documentation, as well as some information of the cost of similar items. I did not expect to be hassled like this. I can see promptness is not anything your organization has any concept of. When can I expect to receive a check?

Susan Blanton

-------Original Message-------
Date: 6/20/2008 9:09:29 AM
Subject: TSA Claims Management Branch, Control# 2008050543785

Good Day,

My name is Danielle McPherson and I have been assigned to review the claim that you have filed with the Transportation Security Administration. I have some questions for you that will better assist me in the adjudication of your claim:

1. How many hours did you arrive to check into the airport (PHX) prior to your flight?

2. Was your flight delayed leaving the airport?

3. Did you check in curbside or at the ticket counter?

4. Did you have a direct flight?

5. If you did not have a direct flight, what airport (s) did you have connecting flights? How long were your layover(s)?

6. Were any of your connecting flights delayed? If so, how long were the delays?

7. What indication did you have that TSA entered the baggage to conduct a physical inspection?

8. Was your baggage delayed?

9. If your baggage was delayed how long was the delay?

10. Did you pick up your delayed baggage or was it delivered by the airline or a courier service?

11. Did you file a claim with your air carrier?

12. If you did file a claim with your air carrier did you receive compensation?

13. Did you have any travelers or baggage insurance?

14. Did you have a lock on your baggage?

15. Was the lock a TSA approved lock?

16. What type of baggage did you have? (Roller, Duffle, etc.)

17. Was the damaged or missing item personal or business property?

18. Were the missing or damaged items packed in the main compartment, outside compartment, etc?

19. How were the items packed in your baggage?

20. Did you file a police report?

21. If you flew on an international flight did you clear Customs? Did Customs physically inspect your baggage? Were you there when Customs physically inspected your baggage?

Posted By Susan on June 26, 2008, 4:34 PM

I just arrived back to Atlanta from Argentina this past Sunday. Up until that point I was not a victim. Once I got to Atlanta TSA in the international area I was told that I couldn't bring some caramel I bought at duty free in Buenos Aires into the airport. They said if you want to keep it then you have to check your carry on. Now mind you my final destination was Atlanta. Ugh. I told them I wasn't going on another plane. They didn't care. So I took my laptop and camera out of my carry on and rechecked my bag to regular domestic Baggage claim. Well, I forgot my iphone in my bag during this frustrating process. I had a bad feeling. 10 minutes later the phone and headset were gone. Did anybody care? Nope. I was told to call the TSA 800 number and fill out a claim on line. Ok, where my phone was swiped was down stairs. They could have nipped it in the bud right away...but no beaucracy must persist. So now my phone is long gone and I am given the task of filling out paperwork. Thanks TSA.

Posted By MM on June 26, 2008, 4:49 PM

I had the TSA break a perfectly good strap with 3 number combination which I told the lady at security that I had left it open. They broke it without even trying to see if it were open and I was pissed about that. Of course they put in a piece of paper saying they were not responsible for any damage and that pissed me off even further. I don't think they stole anything but the breakage was done because they did not even have the common sense to try to open it normally. I have since bought one of the TSA straps which allow them to use a key of their own and that seems to work.

Posted By emccready on June 26, 2008, 5:14 PM

Remember when the Homeland Security Dept. was first set up?

The most important issue with the administration was to make sure that the workers didn't have Civil Service rights like other government agencies. Their reasoning was so they could adjust the workforce quickly as needed to meet whatever threat came up.

But really it was just a ploy against the Civil Service reforms that Teddy Roosevelt enacted. They could now hire and fire for political reasons. Cronyism took precedence over competence. They could privatize inherent government functions to reward their political allies with no-bid contracts. The workers lost all bargaining rights including the right to organize. It was just another assault on organized labor and the middle class.

Wouldn't you rather have a certified government employee who was accountable to the taxpayers going thru your undies instead of some low-bid contract employee who apparently has more authority than an FBI agent in messing with your life if you complained?

Posted By Johnny E on June 26, 2008, 5:19 PM

There are two kinds of bags on a plane. Carry-on and lost/stolen.

Ship whatever you need to have ahead of you. You'll be happier and won't have to wait at the baggage carousel at the airport.

Posted By Pete on June 26, 2008, 5:26 PM

I FLY ALL THE TIME,MOSTLY EUROPE AND MEXICO. I NEVER, EVER CHECK A BAG GOING TO MY DESTINATION,NEITHER DOES ANYONE IN MY FAMILY. ITS A CARDINAL RULE,CARRY ON ONLY. ON THE WAY HOME WE USUALLY CHECK A DUFFLE BAG OR TWO. I USE MY OWN LOCKS OR ZIP TIES ON THEM. I DONT BELIEVE WE HAVE EVER HAD ANYTHING STOLEN.TSA HAS CUT MY ZIP TIES ONCE OR TWICE LEFT A NOTE THINGS MESSED UP BUT TO MY KNOWLEDGE NOTHING GONE.MAYBE IT HELPS THAT WE WRAP OUR DIRTY UNDERWARE AROUND THINGS THAT WE ARE TAKING HOME. KNOCK ON WOOD WE HAVE BEEN LUCKY.

Posted By MICHAEL on June 26, 2008, 5:43 PM

So far I have not lost anything out of our luggage but we have lost items going through the X-ray scans. There is such a hurried mess at these security sites, pickup luggage, get shoes, put on jacket, get the dish with the metallics from the pockets. I have lost a coat, film, and a money clip there. I think the money clip was taken since we were the last ones through the security point and I returned immediately after only going about 30 feet away. I looked and then asked the workers there about the money clip and they smiled and looked around and said we don't see it. I looked but the containers were stacked and empty. The clip was one of my favorites and cost about $55. They were all smiling and when I turned to go there was a general group laugh. The other items I think I just left at the security point. So even though I still miss my money clip I have not experienced lost items from my luggage or lost/missing luggage. Guess I am fortunate because on the majority of trips we take there is one or more persons with missing luggage.

Posted By duped on June 26, 2008, 6:00 PM

I travel quite often, and whenever I'm visitng friends or relatives, I check in lots of gifts from our area, especially food items like boxes of good chocolates. After reading your comments, I realize that I have been very lucky. None of my gifts have ever been taken. I have been ignorantly putting my gold Hawaiian pendant in a zipper compartment inside my suitcase on every trip, and I still have it. And on my most recent flight, I packed a new cell phone in original box, and had no problem. I usually fly from the west coast to Hawaii, Denver, or to Las Vegas, but have not had a problem with lost or stolen items at all. Well, we had an issue with missing camera memory sticks, but 2 trips later I found all of them in my hand carry bag. Ha. I do try to be neat as I pack, and try not to overstuff so that it's manageable for TSA to return my items to my bags.

My take on this - perhaps we should more fairly just say that airport thefts are high. And I agree with the suggestion of putting up more SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS wherever in the airport thefts could be occurring!! Self-monitoring would be a good way for airports to address this concern.

Posted By Jen on June 26, 2008, 7:47 PM

Hi:

After paying over $20 for two TSA locks, they were gone when we got to our luggage pick-up. Nothing was missing, as we only pack clothes. All valuables are in the carry-on. Now we just fly with no locks!

M Powell

Posted By Mike Powell on June 26, 2008, 7:47 PM

If you lose something, hunt for it on Ebay- the world's largest pawn shop

Posted By R V on June 26, 2008, 9:03 PM

Just another reason in a long list to BOYCOTT THE AIRLINES AND AIR TRAVEL.

Stay home, drive, take a train, stay local. Air travel is a major hassle, the criminals & terrorists have won - they're the ones laughing at stupid americans going thru useless, time wasting, theft causing "security" lines, being subject to unconstitutional searches, for no good reason.

T.S.A. = They Screw America !

Posted By Mike on June 26, 2008, 9:21 PM

TSA says they never steal anything it is the thieves working for the airlines. If TSA was smart they would put a seal on every bag after they inpsect the bag and put thier calling card inside. This seal would have to be broken by the owner of the bag at destination or by an airline thief to get to your valuables that TSA left inside. TSA says they video tape their inspections. I think not. A missing or broken seal would lead back to the airlines.

Posted By Glenn Long on June 26, 2008, 10:50 PM

Last July I was flying from LAX to Hong Kong. As I was moving to HK, I had an extra business laptop in my checked luggage. At Bradley Terminal (international) at LAX, the TSA x-ray screeners are set up so that you can't see what's on the x-ray screens but the baggage services flunkies who then take the bags from the central screening point back to the airline counters have a perfect view. They are unescorted while doing their jobs and can highgrade the contents based on what they see on the TSA screens. My laptop was missing when I arrived in HK. In speaking with the LAX police, they said that, yeah, theft is a real problem in that terminal and that there aren't enough surveillance cameras to watch everyone. They didn't seem to care either, except about getting the form filled out for an insurance claim. This is a real scam as most travellers through Bradley aren't coming back, in the case of visitors, or are gone for extended periods. Little care and even less attempt at any law enforcement by the police there.

Posted By pfxk on June 26, 2008, 11:51 PM

Not only have I had small things taken from my suitcase on many occations, but a $450 necklace that I was told to take off along with my cashmere scarf. Only to not have them come through the scanner as quickly as the other bins. I headed off to my concourse - and when I realized I did not have them went back --- only to be told no one had seen them and another passenger must have taken them. The same people who were behind me in line were on my plane and none of them saw my two articles. The TSA people allowed me to report my lose but I am sure the report when in the circular file.

So much for the great protection we get.

Posted By Kathy on June 27, 2008, 2:25 AM

I live in NY and usually depart out of Newark. I have "lost" a digital camera, cigerettes, perfume and also my charger for my blackberry and log in key for work. When I complained, nothing was ever done.

Posted By Dora Genco on June 27, 2008, 10:48 AM

My TSA lock was destroyed in 2006. The TSA was too lazy to unlock the lock and just sawed it off. It was a brand new lock. However, I traveled a bit more in 2007 and 2008 . The TSAs went into my luggage several times (left a handout on top of my belongings informing me) and there were no problems. I don't use a lock anymore when I travel in the US - only overseas.

Posted By gloria on June 27, 2008, 10:56 AM

Houston seems to be a hot spot for stolen medication. My husbands pills were taken from his suitcase when we flew through Houston on our way to San Antonio from Jacksonville. We flew Conti-nental. The airline made some restitution to us because we presented hospital and EMT bills. Of course, he never should have checked the pills, but thought he could get by for a few days without them.

Posted By Lynn on June 27, 2008, 1:37 PM

After my husbands "butterfly" needles were stolen from a bag marked "Medical Supplies" we purchased the TSA approved "strap locks" (Magellan). When our baggage arrived the "strap locks", the locks that only TSA can open, were missing. There went $35 plus shipping, out the window. I filed a claim and was told in a form letter that we could not prove it was through their employees negligence, therefore claim denied. So much for protecting your possesions. If you can't carry it , don't take it....sometimes that is not an option though. If we could only swim across the ocean!!!!

Posted By Fran Mazzara on June 27, 2008, 1:44 PM

After reading all of these comments, I have come to several conclusions:
1) Theft is rampant among baggage screeners.
2)The TSA knows about the problem and is doing little to fix the problem.
3)If something is stolen from you, kiss it goodbye.
4) Assume that your stuff will be stolen and dont pack anything of value in checked baggage (no cameras or medicine).

Posted By David B on June 27, 2008, 4:13 PM

I live in Boston, but I travel to SFO to visit family quite a bit. I've never had anything stolen (I checked seven bottles of wine last Christmas and they were there when I got home) but reading everyone's story has convinced me to never check anything I can't replace or of value and I will be shipping more often (I trust UPS more than the TSA).

Posted By Mel on June 27, 2008, 9:54 PM

I too lost a TSA lock on our trip back from Buenos Aires to Dallas/Ft.Worth. It took me a long time to find a 4 number lock instead of the regular three and I was not happy to receive my bag minus the lock. I looked at the TSA site for lost items and thought I'd find an easy way to report it and get it back but when I saw all the hoops they ask for I just logged off. I'm still mad!

Posted By Ellen on June 28, 2008, 3:31 PM

After reading the list of comments, I don't feel so bad that my TSA approved locks were also removed. So much for paying $20 for each lock. I was told that it would change color (from red to green) if a bag was opened by TSA. Well so much for that, like I stated they cut the locks off totally. Only minor souveniers were taken, but it stills makes my hair stand up that people will steal anything.

This is nothing new, however. When I went on my honeymoon to Puerto Rico 25 years ago, all the rum was stolen from our luggage. We were told that you could not carry it on the plane, it had to be packed in your luggage. Guess since it was in December they needed it for the company Christmas party.

Posted By deana on June 28, 2008, 8:37 PM

I live in Panama City, Panama and fly in and out of the USA every month to see my fiancee. Last month I told her that if she wishes to see me in the future I will buy HER a ticket. It will be cheaper than replacing all the items stolen from my bags.

Posted By Ron on June 28, 2008, 11:26 PM

Two summers ago, a box of costume jewelry disappeared from my suitcase that TSA had opened. Neither the airline or TSA would take a loss report - each pointed fingers at the other. What galls me the most is that the items were probably thown in the trash because of the small monetary value but the items each had great sentimental value to me.

Now when I fly if I can't carry an item that is important to me in my carry-on, I leave it at home.

Posted By E M Clark on June 29, 2008, 10:34 PM

I was a baggage screener for 2 1/2 years at a small airport. There were instances of theft reported at that time and after investigation, it was found to be a couple baggage handlers for the airline in the Seattle airport who were stealing, not the Alaska airports and not TSA personnel. So there are many directions to look and not always the most obvious. People are ready to blame TSA because they are in the forefront. There are dishonest people in all areas.

Posted By Nancy Wilkins on June 30, 2008, 12:41 PM

I was advised to check a case of wine from Australia to San Francisco, and I brought it safely through customs in LAX. From there to San Francisco it was reported "broken", but when I insisted that they send me what was left of it, I received the box, one bottle that was not mine (a $4 bottle of swill perhaps stolen from someone else), and some of my clothes packed around the wine necks, not stuffed animals (gifts for my children), and there was no trace of glass or red wine stains. The entire "breakage" story was clearly invented to cover up the theft. Why have airports not installed cameras in baggage search areas? If employees can come and go with a steady stream of our stolen goods, is this not a huge security breach in the entire air travel system? What's to stop a bomb from getting substituted into our bags at the point of theft?

I now prefer to go on driving vacations rather than submit my belongings to criminals, or to participate in a transportation system that fails to protect passengers.

Posted By Jeff Sullivan on June 30, 2008, 3:24 PM

I too have " Lost" my TSA approved luggage locks.
I the past 2 trips. I have been told to leave my locks " unlocked" even though I have the TSA approved ones that they can open even though they are locked. Each time I have reached my destination. The Locks are gone.......

Posted By Margaret on June 30, 2008, 3:36 PM

On a Continental flight from Orlando to Stockholm for business I had jewellery stolen from my suitcase. It was obviously stolen as the thief had been through my jewelery pouch and removed the gold items but left the silver items. I have not been able to get any responses from either the airline or TSA - I am told it is all my fault for putting them in the suitcase. The reason you are told not to pack these items is because they expect them to be stolen. So much for security!

Posted By Sian Godwin on July 1, 2008, 12:54 PM

As an experienced traveler, I've decided to go old school whenever possible. Train, no plane, automobile. I've found that with short trips, having to show up hours ahead of time and possible delays (if not cancellations) it's just as convienent to go by rail. Otherwise, follow the advice of others. There are USPS stations in most domestic airports for those cases where you are informed you "can't" put something in your carry on.

Posted By Kamala on July 1, 2008, 9:12 PM

Like Sandy's post, June 26, 2008, ref. her flight from Las Vegas and the removal of her carry on bags from her sight while going through special screening because of a knee replacement, I, too, was in a wheelchair when a TSA employee approached me in SWF airport and insisted I would be hand patted down even though I offered to walk through the security gate. The airport was not busy at the time. I said I wanted to wait for my carry on bag, my CPap bag, and my purse. She refused to listen and proceeded to wheel me over and pat me down. I could not see my luggage!!! When she finished with me the TSA screener hollered over: "Who's CPap is this?" I went over and she nastily told me I should have had it open for inspection. I tried to explain I wasn't given the opportunity but to no avail. After gathering up my belongings and the personal items placed in the bin I was transported to the gate and on to the plane. I did not realize until the next day that my wallet was missing. I had not removed it from my purse as I did not have time.

I contacted TSA and Security at SWF and they asked me if I saw the inspector remove the wallet from my purse. How could I when the TSA inspector hand patting me down had my view blocked!!! I believe the TSA inspector removed my wallet from my purse and placed it in the bin and someone either before or after me saw it unattended and helped themselves to it. My charge card was used in Newark, NJ where I flew into so it had to be a another passenger on the plane. My identity has been compromised!!! All because of the carelessness of the Inspector who according to Security had no right to open my bag without me being present. I never knew that. I will remember it in the future.

So like everybody else I was advised to file a complaint lol.

The key here is that the Security Office Represen-tative told me I could refuse to be patted down until I had my luggage in my possession and I should be placed in a position to watch it being examined. THAT IS MY RIGHT!!!! Then it should be brought to me so I could keep it in my view during my examination.

So anybody that is put in this position in the future do not allow yourself to be intimidated by any 7ft. TSA inspector. HOLD YOUR GROUND...IT IS YOUR RIGHT!!!! Insist on a supervisor if necessary. Good luck to all and thanks for all the shared tips.

Posted By madgiegirl on July 2, 2008, 2:24 AM

I have not had anything stolen because I don't pack anything of value in my suitcases! But the TSA agents seem to delight in messing things up. They have opened my tubes of hair gel and left them open so that it was all over everything in my cosmetics case. They opened up a container of red sea salt I purchased in Greece inside my dive gear and left the top off! They emptied the batteries out of my dive light and left the top open. My brand new $20 dive light bulb was smashed. It does no good to pack your things so they will not get damaged anymore. Also, prior to TSA, I never had luggage arrive late. Now it has happened to me five times in one year. Everyone is correct....there is no one to complain to who cares!

Posted By Gagal on July 2, 2008, 11:12 PM

DUBAI: Look out for those TSA people. They are positioned physically at your departing gate. So If you want to take bottled water on board, which you would like to do with Emirates, TSA will take the bottles from you!!!!! I was so angry that I came back and opened the bottle that I physically purchased at Gate 2 quick food sitdown and also departed from the same Gate - Gate 2 - anyway I opened the bottle and took a swig but then took another swig and returned it into the bottle - my, my, my what disgusting looks I got, but I know for sure no one took that bottle of water!!!! Thieves

Posted By Carol Teufel on July 3, 2008, 9:56 AM

I went through the security screening last year and put my wallet in a small round container with some other small metal items. When I picked them up at the other end I noticed my wallet was not there. I notified the TSA guard and he notified the supervisor. She asked me to wait and went into their office to review the video tape of their security operation (I didn't know they had one). After about 5 minutes she came out and directed one of the line agents to lift up the roller track coming out of the X-RAY viewer. Under the roller was my wallet which had apparently dropped out of the round container I put it in as it rolled down the roller path. I was most relieved but from now on I will leave my wallet in my pocket. My thanks to a most helpful and professional TSA agent supervisor.

Posted By Lincoln Mueller on July 3, 2008, 1:12 PM

When flying last January from Miami to LaGuardia, three mini booze bottles (airline size) disappeared from my husband's luggage. Nothing else disappeared - just the scotch bottles.

Posted By oboedot on July 5, 2008, 3:26 PM

My experience doesn't compare to some of these others. My sister, who lives in San Diego, had gotten something like 25 brass cabinet knobs at a yard sale knowing I've been considering a kitchen remodel. Instead of hauling 10-lbs of knobs home after my Christmas visit, she gave me a couple to try to see if I liked them. I put them in my checked luggage (I realized they weren't good carry-on items). I can understand where they would alert the TSA upon xray-ing (2 dark odd-shaped items). So, I wasn't suprised that they inspected my bag. The lock had been replaced and they left their note, but they took the knobs. It's no big deal in this instance, other than an annoyance. But of what value could they have possibly been to them? It was obvious they were harmless, upon seeing what they were. My conclusion was that they just did it to do it.

I totally agree with a previous poster that they should do these checks in the presence of the owner. I've had it done somewhere....Reno??? For valuable and irreplaceable stuff it's imperative.
I never put meds or electronics in my checked baggage, as a rule.

The airlines and the flight industry have us totally at their mercy these days with rising fuel costs. The TSA is just adding to the frustration. I totally agree with their function, but there's no control over individual agents.

Posted By AMY on July 7, 2008, 3:43 PM

I'm in the air at least twice a month most times more. I've stopped complaining because I've never gotten even a civil answer for all the things that have been missing since we've had to keep our luggage unlocked so it could be searched (so the TSA agents could steal whatever they want from our bags without any fear of the law). Worse yet I was once handed over to a superviser ( in Orlando ) who could not speak English and said something in spanish that I could only interpert as rude when I tried to explain I couldn't understand her. I have had a nikon camera, a ring, a watch and a box of Graycliff cigars (that were to be a gift for one of my business associates) stolen from my bag not to mention several single cigars ( I guess they thought if they only stole one no one would miss it even though I pack an even dozen on every trip). I can understand if I had an unregistered loaded AK-47 stuck in there but I'm still trying to figure out why they stole my nailclipper. I don't take anything I can't carry on board anymore.

Posted By lenny on July 7, 2008, 4:05 PM

As items came thru the scanner, I watched the agent stack plastic bins on top of a computer in a bin and quickly throw the bins behind him. When the passenger passed thru Xray he asked where his computer was and was told someone else must have picked it up and the agent turned away. I spoke up immediately, pointing to the bins. The agent tried to ignore me but I persisted and the computer was recovered. I've seen this done in two airports. Also beware of jewelry bins that are set alongside machines while you are re-scanned or searched. Out of sight, you are flustered and easily forget what you don't see.

Posted By kpb on July 10, 2008, 1:36 PM

Three times in the last five times I've traveled with checked luggage, stuff has been taken out of my checked luggage. Once they took a shirt- it wasn't even a new shirt!

Don't they have cameras monitoring them? How are they getting all this stuff out? Isn't there some sort of security?

I don't check luggage now, I spend the money to mail it.

Posted By Mary on July 10, 2008, 3:42 PM

I agree there sounds like some problems with the sourcing of that story but I have personally experienced what is most likely a TSA theft. I was traveling with two TSA locked bags, one of which contained a brand new laptop for my overseas employer inside its purchase box. When the bags reached the final destination, the TSA locks where still locked and in place but the computer was gone. And there were two search notices inside. The other bag had never been touched. My claim is currently being processed, but I have learned to be much more careful. TSA locks are no assurance of protection!!

Posted By HMS on July 14, 2008, 1:35 PM

This report is sent in the defense of the TSA personnel a Atlanta Int'l Airport.

A small 2 inch pocket knife was taken from my toilet pouch at the security check point. I was promised it will be mailed to me in Switzerland. After a month's wait I gave up all hope to receive this item again.
Shorty before Christmas I received my pocket knife in the mail again.

It took 3 months and 4 days but it arrived, hurray!

Posted By Robert Weber on July 15, 2008, 4:53 AM

I checked my bag with TSA at around 4:45-5:20am today at the DFW airport. I asked TSA if they wanted me to stand there while they went through my bags. They told me no. It was 2 black males handling the baggage. My sister had just bought me a new watch with a gold dollar on the face of the watch. It was still new in the box. When I arrived in St. Louis and started unpacking my bags I noticed I didn't have the watch anymore. Why did someone steal my watch out of my checked luggage at your airport. I want a refund for my watch and I want to press charges for this. These are government workers that steal things from passengers bags and now I have to prove it was stolen. I am not very happy with this at all. I would appreciate if you contact me ASAP.

I am an ex-TSA employee traveling with my brother. I will press charges against the TSA or AA for this theft. I don't care how much the monetary value was of the item, it doesn't give anyone the right to violate your personal items because the have the right to go into your bag. There were no threat items in the bag and the bag didn't have a lock. TSA should do a little better background check on some of it's personnel. It would be great if they had an undercover cop working each checkpoint and in TSA uniforms to keep a check and balance on the wrongdoings of the TSO.

Posted By Geraldine Phillips on July 20, 2008, 7:58 PM

I just came back from a trip from Chicago Midway to Oakland on Southwest and when we check our bag for the gps we packed in there to get home, it was gone, they took everything relating to it, the stand and charger, but left a piece of the stand, since you couldn't tell how it would fit on there. This is the first time this has happen and it really does feel like someone violated your personal space! Its worst then getting your car broken into because these places are places that are supposed to be watched and trusted, and instead these are the people that go through and take stuff from you!

I understand what a poster says about not leaving valuable out in the open, but this isn't like that! Someone doesn't see whats inside before just opening and taking stuff!

Posted By Kim P. on August 18, 2008, 1:10 PM

I had a digital memory card removed from my camera and not replaced Aug 17th at the Arcata/Eureka airport. I had the TSA baggage screening notice in my luggage. It was very difficult to figure out who to call. TSA gave me a phone number to the Sacramento Sheriff for Lost and FOund and they said if TSA left a note about baggage screening to call the airline. When I called the airline they told me to call TSA. Finally I spoke directly with the TSA supervisor at that airport after getting the number from a different desk clerk at Arcata airport. Sure, I can file a claim but what about the pictures? Is it theft, is it sloppy work? It is very aggravating-especially the response.

Posted By anne on August 26, 2008, 6:25 AM

I laugh at how many people here claim that it has to be TSA stealing from their bags. In reality, if a TSA agent even has to open your bag to inspect it, he only has it in his possession for two minutes, tops. Once he's done, it gets passed back to the airline and goes to a staging area where airline employees separate bags based on flight times and load them onto carts. Bags can sit in the staging area for hours before they're even moved to be put on the planes. TSA agents have no access to this area of the airport. Your bags will pass through about eight hands before making it onto the plane. It's going to pass through another half-dozen hands before making it to the baggage claim once the plane lands.
I think most people accuse TSA of stealing because travelers have the mindset that "TSA agents are the only ones who open bags, therefore they MUST have taken it." Well, TSA agents have a saying that a padlock on a bag will only keep an honest man honest. If your bag has a zipper, then it can be opened in about one second without damage to the pad-lock.
And lastly, even though TSA conducts background investigations on all of their employees prior to employment, it can't be 100 percent effective. Bad apples have gotten in. The TSA is very efficient in terminating and prosecuting agents who have been caught stealing. The airlines, on the other hand, have fought the government tooth-and-nail on the issue of conducting even basic criminal background checks on airline employees.

Posted By agent zero on August 31, 2008, 9:53 PM

My inlaws had a few shiny-but-circulated U.S. coins in their checked luggage when they went back to China. When they arrived, they found the coins had been taken, not stolen. Their perception of why was, the American authorities can take whatever they like. That must be what authorities do everywhere. My inlaws were adults during the Cultural Revolution. Two times $1.91 seemed to them to be a mighty inexpensive bribe to pay to be allowed to return to their authoritarian country.

Posted By Bbb on October 7, 2008, 3:19 AM

I think that agentzero probably gets it right here. I cannot tell who was responsible for breaking my TSA approved strap, and throwing it into the suitcase last year on a flight from Dallas to London Heathrow. However, you Americans have to ask yourself whether the current security you have is worth the effort. You are out of step with most every other country with this random searching. You will not experience it even on US Airlines flying from outside the US to the US, so why bother in the opposite direction. Remove the hand searches, and you remove the opportunity for theft, which seems to be a much bigger problem than any other threat!

Posted By Tom on October 11, 2008, 9:15 AM

WOW I was looking for information or recourse - a ring my mom gave me was in my luggage along with some really unimportant jewelry. I had intended to carry on the bag but at the last minute checked it because my contact lens solution was in a 4 ox bottle (DOH). I did not remember that put the small pouch in a shoe in my luggage until after I was on the plane. I felt like an idiot then and even more so when I discovered the pouch was gone - all except one earring which must have fallen out of the pouch as they pulled it out.

This was a ring my Mom always wore... I loved it from the time I was very small (I am in my mid 50's) She does not have any "Original receipt" and I never had it appraised. I have been searching on ebay for a Filigree Onyx ring - old large - mis-shapen... I know I probably will never see it again but boy that makes me sad.

Anyway - Thanks for the link to the TSA forms!

Sorry to all who found this site like I did - searching for "What do I do now" information!

And to the baggage crusher who says we asked for deregulation and deserve this... I have worked low paying jobs and so has my Mom and so have my kids and so have many many people who do NOT and would not ever steal. That is an excuse and a lame one.

And shame on the airlines and the TSA for not doing a better job of screening and keeping employees honest.

Posted By Deb on October 12, 2008, 7:56 PM

A Olympus 8.0 Megapixel Camera Model number Fe-280 was taken from my bag by TSA. I checked in at Syracuse Handcock Airport on 14 October at approximately 10:30am. I was asked to put my bad through the electronic scanner but before they put it through they asked if I had a camera in it. I told them yes and they asked if it was regular film or digital. I explained that it was digital and they said oh, that is good. And I went on. When my wife and I unpacked yesterday morning the camera, which was in a Ziplock bag along with the charger and a small tripod was gone. The bag with the tripod and charger was left behind. The camera contains a lot of pictures of my in laws 60th anniversary party. I really want my camera back or even just the chip with all the pictures on it. They are irreplaceable. Please respond.
Anthony Bellotte
Abellotte@AOL.com
410 969-8555

Posted By Anthony Bellotte on October 16, 2008, 4:38 PM

Damn thieves strike again ... second time going through Chicago in the last two year.. last yr bottle of Bvlgari Cologne stolen out of my bag, I was reimbursed by United, I bought a TSA lock and another bottle of Bvlgari, on Sunday Oct 19th 2008 going through Chicago AGAIN my Bvlgari was stolen... a new cashmere sweater and my TSA lock was gone... AIRLINES AND TSA are garbage!! All TSA screeners should go through the same process that every traveler goes through... metal detectors and limited liquids in a zip lock!!! Metal/scanners should detect TSA smart cards and record the employee info as well as articles passing through at that given moment...Hope people in charge can get their senses together and utilize their prexisting system

Posted By Sam on October 22, 2008, 11:27 AM

Any one who has never had items stolen is clueless about the extent of the problem. Neither the airline nor TSA will help you and sometimes make you feel as if you are the problem, not them.
Since the greedy airlines are now charging for checked luggage, I simply use Fedex and in most cases it is cheaper and a whole lot safer and easier to use than dealing with the airlines and the TSA. Why give your money to people who treat you so badly. I for one will continue to send my check type bags via Fedex.

Posted By Eilean on October 27, 2008, 2:02 PM

Apparently TSA has ZERO accountability whatsoever. I'm ashamed and frustrated and angry that my tax dollar is going toward this worthless government-run sham.

Not long ago, I purchased some fragile items overseas and flew back to the US. Of course these items couldn't be taken in carry-on and were carefully packed in my hard-shell suitcase. I must stress CAREFULLY packed. Upon arrival in the US, it was clear beyond a shadow of a doubt that my suitcase had been rummaged through, because the items were no longer packed as I had packed them, and they were broken. Nothing was stolen however. Just broken.

I filed a claim, it was denied because there was no NOI (notice of inspection) placed in my bag by TSA. They claim that since there was no NOI, they did not break my items.

A couple months later, flying out of STL, I was able to watch my bags go through the TSA checked-bag security screener before they were put on the belt to be sent off to the plane. Sure enough, the %^$#^ TSA went through one of my bags. And guess what? They didn't put in a NOI! I called and spoke to a representative and once again refiled my claim stating that I'd seen first hand that TSA does not always put in a NOI in bags that they inspect. Denied again. There's no doubt in my mind that they broke my stuff and are refusing to pay.

There needs to be more checks and balances with the TSA system... they're worthless.

Posted By Scott on October 27, 2008, 3:27 PM

I had all of the items i bought from Aruba and packed in my carry on stolen at the airport and everytime I buy a luggage strap it gets stolen. Put of cameras and stop this. This is ridiculous, the prices we pay to fly and our things are stolen????? WTF???

Posted By t french on October 27, 2008, 6:39 PM

My husband "lost" a brand new, beautiful cashmere sweater that he had put inside his suitcase , on the top of everything else, in case he decided he wanted to wear it when he got to the airport. He didn't take it out but when he got home, it was gone.

Posted By Mary on October 27, 2008, 10:47 PM

I haven't had anything stolen. But, I put an 18th century art print between 2 pieces of acid free cardboard, placed the cardboard on top of all my clothes and then closed my suitcase. When I got home the two pieces of cardboard were separated. All my clothes which had been folded were unfolded and waded up. The print was in the middle of the clothes and hopelessly wrinkled.

Posted By Sherry on October 28, 2008, 4:26 PM

Those TSA SOBs. Here I said it. They stole my new PSP and speakers at Philly airport. I've submitted a report on their website but am not expecting anything.

Posted By Anuj Jain on October 29, 2008, 12:10 PM

TSA locks are a joke. I always buy one, and then after my bag gets ripped apart during an inspection (and often many small items go missing or are broken by TSA inspectors), the lock doesn't get returned. This last flight I was on, from Honolulu to Maui, they put someone else's lock back on my suitcase, which I then had to break just to get into my own bag!

TSA does nothing to protect the US. All they do is act out street theater at the airport.

Posted By Sara on November 2, 2008, 4:05 AM

WHAT ITEMS STOLEN?

Posted By Charles Wood on November 6, 2008, 1:57 PM

Shortly after 9/11 my Dad fell ill, requiring me travel from Boston to Chicago in February. I wore my black Irish cape, black boots and black clothes as those are my warmest clothes.
At Logan Airport, it looked like a third world dictatorship with machine guns and rifles abounding. It was unnerving.
At the "security" I was pulled out of the line. I could not see my purse -- in which I carried all of my good jewelry and family jewelry in case I had to stay for a funeral. I protested and asked to be in view of my purse and a VERY large military-attired man got very close to my face and asked "if I had a problem". Since a TSA person was already holding onto my arm (!) I was frightened and worried I would be locked away somewhere. I said no, then after the personal inspection hurried off to board my plane, as I was late.
On board the plane I realized the sandwich bag of jewelry was gone. I notified the flight attendant but there was nothing I could do. I called TSA after that and was mocked. It was a slap in my face when I was already down - but not out.
Some TSA employee is now running around with a diamond tennis bracelet my Mom gave me, diamond and saphire earrings from my then-boyfriend and several other heirlooms. It sickens me every time I think of it.

Posted By Barbara from Boston on November 6, 2008, 2:34 PM

I have has two items taken but am unable to pinpoint if it is TSA or the Airline baggage handlers. Oakland to Seattle, SouthWest and Dayton to Oakland, American all in 2007. I filed claims with TSA and the airline but no one will step up and even investigate.

I've now started using TSA locks so we'll see.

Posted By emc on November 6, 2008, 2:49 PM

SOMEBODY is stealing at the JFK airport after security gets the luggage. SOMEONE broke into my locked and banded suitcase, opened up a jewelry box, and took a big (fake) diamond ring. Where and how can this happen? I didn't report it because I wasn't aware of the theft until I arrived at my overseas destination. To whom does one report such a theft?

Posted By Loretta on November 6, 2008, 2:56 PM

The fact that there is no protection for employees to report thefts or abuse without being punished has to be part of the problem. Even if you arrive at a workplace like that with morals in tact, you will be discouraged against putting the well-being of customers first if it could cost you your job. The public can't be well served by an organization that won't protect an employee who is concerned about the integrity of a co-worker.

Posted By RSL on November 6, 2008, 3:03 PM

It would seem that TSA has some powerful protectors doing BLOGS.

The defenders seem like the FDA. Letting the drug manufacturers test the efficacy, and safety of the drugs they manufacture

Posted By Charles on November 6, 2008, 7:47 PM

The biggest problem, as I see it, is that the wages being offered to the TSA screeners do not exactly attract the highest caliber of employee. The strangest thing I have had removed from my bags is a rat tail comb, twice. Once on a return trip from Germany and once this summer on a trip home from International Falls, MN. Can't imagine why anyone would want to rip off my rat tailed combs, but there you have it.

Posted By Marge From Yuma on November 6, 2008, 7:48 PM

I had some very expensive small business electronics stolen from my luggage. 3 bags were gone through and not even the courtesy of closing them before sending them on their way. I filed a claim. TSA denied any responsibility and left me with the horrible realization that I could no longer travel with my business electronics and am now quite limited when I travel knowing they have the right to take things and not be responsible when reported.

Posted By Julie Ann on November 6, 2008, 9:34 PM

my mom put some target gift cards in her checked in luggage and it magically "disappeared".

Posted By Mandi on November 7, 2008, 9:34 AM

i recently came back from tucson - a nice get-together with a friend. i brought a $200.00 bottle of Chanel no5. with me. didn't realize how much it was worth until i had to replace it. it was a gift from my husband last christmas. when i returned home to huntsville, alabama, i was putting things up from my suitcase and noticed it was missing. i called my parents in tucson, "not there". only when i bought the new MUCH SMALLER bottle did i realize that it was valuable and very available. i will not ever pack ANYTHING of value. usually we ship cameras, jewelry, etc., then ship them back home again. they are insured and no one peeks into our packages!!! i never called TSA because of this page. i agree with one person, attach a low-jack device to fake valuables just to bust someone. jerks.

Posted By debby on November 7, 2008, 3:11 PM

Sean, your defense of the TSA is sad. These people are amok with our luggage and our rights. However, now that the republican nazis have been voted out of office, maybe our constantly elevated "security" situation will calm down and we can start drawing down the TSA and getting back to normal.

I have had things pilfered from my luggage in the past. In general, the airlines were apathetic and snotty about the losses. Thankfully, I had purchased luggage insurance from American Express and everything was covered. Not everyone is able to do this, I realize. I no longer put anything valuable in checked luggage that cannot be easily replaced. Yes, it's more uncomfortable, but at least I arrive with all of my electronics intact.

I have never heard of passengers being told to pack all non-working electronics. That sounds just this side of bizarre. I feel for the person who had their new cellphone stolen. I would have just put the battery in and pretended it was working.

It doesn't matter if TSA pilferage is 1/100th of 1%. It needs to completely stop. They're awful darn good at making you miserable and conducting invasive searches, so I would presume they could cough up a glob or two of extra vindictiveness and stop their people from stealing from us as well!

Posted By Albert on November 9, 2008, 12:16 AM

My friend and I went to North Hollywood see her son off to new mexico.She noticed that a TSA person had taken some disneyland pencils from a passenger.We were both outraged when this person gave the pencils to a staff woman who was seated, taking a break. After he left, I asked the recipient if pencils were allowed on the plane. She replied that of course they were. I then informed her that the pencils she had been given had been taken from a passenger. She sat for awhile,then her friend told her that we might be secret shoppers. She then got up, ran to the plane, and gave them to the pilot.

Posted By mary on November 10, 2008, 3:13 PM

I just flew from Dallas to Denver and back. Both ways I carried some protein bars and sealed shakes in my bag. Packed neatly.... From Dallas to Denver they were untouched! However on the way back I was missing 4 of them, but they left 2... lol... I guess they got hungry? I was outraged... Who gives you (TSA) the right to take my possessions? You didn't purchase those things, and therefore you've stolen from me. They need to regulate this sort of thing. Plus they dump your luggage out and throw it back in your suitcase... Thanks for wadding up my expensive ties and stuffing them in the corner next to my shoes. No wonder nobody checks in baggage. PLUS YOU HAVE TO PAY $15!!

Posted By Ben on November 20, 2008, 12:30 PM

After we unpacked our baggage from our flight w/in Europe, we discovered the top item was damp and those immediately under it were slightly damp. The case itself was dry so it had to happen when the case was opened. There was no solution of any kind in the suitcase; perhaps it was taken & we don't remember it. Weird. I think the suggestion of inspection tags showing the code of the inspector is excellent.

Posted By Martha on November 21, 2008, 12:40 PM

With all of these comments I am wondering if 60 minutes has ever done a story on this and set up cameras to catch these crroks that steal from us? I lost a world series ring I had won in a baseball tournament and I would like nothing better than to catch the guy that stole it from my bag in phoenix az. Also the people that are in charge of this scam of inspecting should be reprimanded for running such a shoddy department, I could do better myself. Lets call 60 minutes....

Posted By Ron on November 23, 2008, 1:18 PM

I don't care if you do make minimum wage or not, at least you have a freaking job. Making minimum wage does NOT give you the right to humiliate and steal from others.

AgentZero - you are a liar just as most of the TSA agents I have unfortunately met are liars. The ones I do find that have some integrity are few and far between. TSA agents DO steal from travelers, just as some of the baggage handlers steal from travelers. Stop telling lies and if you want to do something about it, report it when you see it.

Albert - So you think that now the Republicans are out of office this type of thing will stop? That is kind of what your post indicated. Thieves know no political boundaries. I wish you luck on your next trip. Things will get worse before they get better.

Ron - several news shows have done stories on this to little avail. TSA and HLS will do nothing about their thieving mineons and the airlines have just thrown up their hands and cried, "what can we do?" It's a scam alright. I see the brown shirts marching...

No, I have no expectation this will be posted in this moderated forum.

regards,

r0cketgrl

Posted By r0cketgrl on November 26, 2008, 7:41 PM

I just returned from an overseas trip to Germany. I placed a red hair band in the zipper part of the suitcase in which I had packed souveniers. WHen I picked up the luggage in Chicago to recheck it, it had the red band still on the suitcase. WHen I arrived home and unpacked, the red band was gone and I had a note from TSA that they had checked the suitcase. Well, I knew someone had checked it and helped themselves to a large package of carmels and a brush I had purchased at the Marketplace in Germany. SInce the vendors do not give out receipts, there is no way to file a claim. I plan on buying larger carry on bags next trip to try to ensure all my souveniors make it home.

Posted By Louise Schuster on December 2, 2008, 9:10 PM

My husband put my Fuji camera in his checked bag when we flew back from Paris to Atlanta. It had many photos of his family and our trip to Paris. When we arrived in Atlanta and picked up our bag the camera was gone along with our memories of places and loved ones. The year was 2001, August 9th BEFORE TSA. A thief is a thief is a thief. Unless you personally put the bag in the cargo hold after you have personally followed the whole luggage process and when you got to your destination did it all over again, there is no way to guarantee that your stuff is not going to get stolen. These are sad times we live in. You have to constantly worry about being blown up or being ripped off. Greed is going to kill what's left of civilization as we know it. Shame that. Just try to take as much personal stuff as you can in a carryon. Never ever put medicine or medical devices (diabetes supplies etc)or anything that you cannot do without, cameras, MP3s,or whatever clever toys you fancy in checked luggage. Common sense should tell you that but alas common sense has gone the way of decency, trust, honor etc. If stuff is important to you and your well being, then keep it where you can see and know where it is. Trust no one,

Posted By patti w on December 20, 2008, 10:24 PM

TSA lack of care.

My laptop was packed in a padded enclosure surrounded by clothes in middle of my suitcase.

After TSA inspection it was replaced carelessly out of the padded bag and right against the outside wall of the suitcase. The result: a cracked screen.

Posted By Napa Paul on December 26, 2008, 11:32 AM

Yep. Two summers ago my boyfriend and I went from Austin to Aspen with a connecting flight. Our bags got lost on the way home. Several days later they were tracked down and delivered to us, and they had the TSA sticker on them -- apparently when your bag goes to an airport without you, TSA is required to check them. I had about $80 or $90 of items stolen -- new sunglasses, makeup, glassware that was a gift, an unopened pedicure kit, and a few other girly items that added up to be quite a bit missing. They had also disheveled everything in my bag, ruining an art print and risking two canned and previously very carefully wrapped jars of chutney (they didn't wrap them back and just left them floating around in my bag). My boyfriend couldn't tell if anything was taken but his items were disheveled as well. I reported the theft and mishandling to TSA and they said they had no responsibility for my losses, even though they had put their sticker on my bag showing they had gone through it. They told me next time I needed to get a TSA lock...yeah, OK. I also reported it to the airline and they kindly wrote me a reiumbursement check.

The next summer I went to Europe for two weeks and bought the Rick Steves travel backpack so I would be able to roam around from country to country more easily. I loved not having to mess with checking baggage and worried about lost bags or stolen items, so now I use that same bag when I fly anywhere. It's amazing how much stuff you can fit in it, and it fits in the overhead compartment. Now I don't have to worry about someone else rummaging through my stuff and taking my things as they please. I'm just glad they didn't take my jewelry.

Posted By Emily on December 26, 2008, 3:10 PM

I believe the TSA has stolen from me numerous times ,the worst being all my medications.One was a bottle of pain killers and this has happened twice.I never leave anything in my bags anymore.

Posted By greg on December 28, 2008, 11:38 PM

Im sorry for all the people who have had something stolen, especially if it was very special, or valuable.
I recently returned from Europe. I go twice a year, because my boyfriend is working there for the time being. I have chose to fly Lufthansa again, because they are the better of most airlines to Europe. This time I was only able to return from Europe with Lufthansa to New York, then take United back to Los Angeles. It was also the first time I had ever had my medication stolen from me as well. I usually take a bottle with a few tylenol and a few xanax to assist bit of an anxiety order I have with Claustrophobia. While at JFK in NYC, I had the bottle, and had taken a half of a xanax just before entering JFK security, so it had to be taken when going through TSA for my United flight to LAX. When I got home, I was unpacking my toiletries and sure enough all that was left were my few tylenol and NO XANAX. I never looked, nor took anything from the small bottle after the time at JFK either.

First time it has happened, and I travel all over the world at least 3 times a year. So JFK has some TSA druggies who are living it up on the job!!

I dont want to sound racist, or make a discriminatory statement, but I have noticed the quality of security has really dropped. The people seem less educated and more "rough around the edges" than the past years. I think saving money on hiring lower folks on the social ladder is a bad idea. Unless they are on surveillance, so we have some kind of protection as passengers. But we dont! At least not that I know about!!

Take care travelers!!!

Posted By jovanna on January 10, 2009, 5:26 AM

I just had a PS3, camera, clothes and other x-mas presents stolen from me. Since it seems the airline or TSA will respond to my claims.. they will also likely claims NOT responsible even thou I PAID $120 TO CHECK my bags... Im going to try a new route. I am going to SUE TSA and AIRTRAN at the small claims court in Philadelphia. You can ask up to $2500 which will cover my losses.. Lets see what happens

Posted By Gabriel Melo on January 13, 2009, 11:33 AM

I had a red TSA inspection stamp on my luggage when I had flown into the Bush airport in Houston TX. My bag also had a small rip. I had driven from houston to College Station TX. When I unpacked my things I had noticed my camera and camera charger where missing. I called TSA and TSA at Texas did not put this stamp on there it was from my home town South Bend Regional Airport. I had spoke with TSA and they informed me they never open a bag unless there is bomb residue sensed from their equipment. Then told me I needed to talk with United, United told me they never touch flyers bags only TSA does and I needed to speak with them, So I called again, where did they direct me to the police. I had spoken with the airport police and they said "yes if there is a inspection stamp on my bag then TSA did go through it. And I needed to speak with TSA." Who is going to help me. Apparently no one. I keep getting tossed around. Did I mention when I arrived to the SOUth BEND Airport I had to throw away all my medicine and hygenic items because it was over 3.4 oz (I CANT STRESS ENOUGH THIS WAS NOT MY CARRY ON LUGGAGE). What was the response from TSA. " My baggage was to heavy" Oh this must be why my camera and camera charger are missing. Hahaha what a joke. Then to top it off they said it would be an extra $40 to check them in. What! Isnt this included in the price of my ticket? So i started to cry. I didn't have the money and my ride had already left. I thought I was going to miss my flight. But then a employee slipped me through with no extra cost by lying and telling them I was in the Military. Was I happy yes of course. But it just shows you how the whole system is completely messed up. Lies and thefts. Please come fly the friendly skies with lies. I advise you never to fly UNITED THROUGH SOUTH BEND REGIONAL AIRPORT! And do you think any of my problems where solved. No just file a claim so they can deny you. Why because anyone from south bend or houston could have taken my items. ANd since there was a new rip in my bag they say my camera and my camera charger that was all wrapped up in my clothes so it wouldn't get damaged could had fallen out through the new half dollar sized rip in my bag. Its been since the 21st of January 2009 Ive been trying to get this solve and still I've gotten nowhere. Yeah I love the airport.

Posted By Christine on January 26, 2009, 12:14 PM

I just had my diamond engagement ring stolen from my luggage during a Delta flight out of DIA. I have tried to contact TSA officials at the Denver airport and my arrival airport. Of course, no one calls me back. I have been instructed to 'write a letter' to Delta to voice my complaint. Does it not seem ridiculous that these are paid government officials stealing from consumers and no one is protecting us? What would happen if we all decide to stop flying?

Posted By Nicole on February 9, 2009, 7:13 PM

i had worked TSA for 6 years
most of us are ex-military 3out4 males
we have video cameras watching us 24-7
caught a few passengers stealing from each other
mostly watches
people leave behind so many things even shoes they were wearing

baggage searches didn't start till jan1 2003
seen bags open coming down the bag belt
and the belt system eats locks and zipper tabs

i think more often things fall out than are stolen
i've found things on the floor
some people are more careless than others

Posted By jimmy on February 10, 2009, 10:30 PM

I am not a frequent flyer. I have taken maybe 30 round trip flights in my 30 years of life. I went to Ukraine over xmas flying Lot Polish (beautiful airline) and was told my luggage may be slashed in Europe. Never happened. So, I just returned from San Juan, Puerto Rico flying into Philadelphia, PA. I packed my digital camera, broken cell phone (it went haywire while in PR) & MP3 player (batteries were dead) in 1 checked bag. I carried on a book and my PSP multimedia player. I arrived home and realized all 3 items were gone from my luggage and there was no TSA paper in my luggage stating that they had checked my bag. I am disgusted to say the least. I blame myself mostly for trusting my possessions to underground baggage handlers. I will never again check ANYTHING electronic, valuable, personally identifiable, etc. Now, who do I go after? TSA, US Air? According to Bill O'Reilly's interview in 2005 on Fox News (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,157047,00.html) TSA may be my best bet. My fellow travellers were not immune. My friend had his $900 watch stolen on the same flight. Plus, he found a bottle of cologne that didn't belong to him in his bag when arriving home. They must rifle through our private and costly bags before they're loaded onto the aircraft or before being reintroduced into the baggage carousel at the arrival airport. There's not much we can do I assume, except for being proactively defensive by taking pre-emptive steps to deter these thieves. Carry on what you can. Leave the rest at home....

Posted By Matt on February 16, 2009, 11:34 PM

Based on the number of reports here, I would say there is a REAL problem with stolen items from checked bags. My sons very expensive coat was stolen out of a checked bag 2 days ago. All we get is the run around. The airline says it is TSA. TSA says it is the airline employees. When I tried to download the claim form from the TSA site it said the document is damaged and can't be repaired. The entire system is damaged. A system where we trust our personal items will arrive safely and instead we are at the mercy of thieves. Thieves that obviously have no fear of prosecution or even losing their jobs. I have not checked anything electronic or a camera in my suitcase before for fear of it being stolen but it seems pretty low to steal someones coat from their suitcase. They also took another jacket and a nice pair of jeans but I'm sure it was the Italian leather coat they wanted.
These stories are a sad commentary on the way the air travel industry is handled and managed.

Posted By Linda on February 19, 2009, 12:19 PM

I had my bag of jewerly stolen out of my carry on, by the TSA guy that sits behind the xray machine. I was traveling on Jan. 10th of 09. The airport was Cancun, Mexico. I wondered what was taking my bag check longer than the other in front of me. As my bag rolled down the belt toward me, I noticed the guy behing the screen peek over the panel and watch me pickup my bag. I wondered why he was watching me. I now know he was watching to see if I'd check for my jewerly bag inside. I did not even think of TSA stealing it. The bag never left my hand the entire day except for that moment. I was heartbroken to find someone put in such authority is a theif! I didn't know I could file a complaint. I am doing this as soon as I finish this comment. I will also be busy telling everyone I know how this is almost a racket just waiting to rip off the public. I am sick over the whole thing. I did complain when TSA asked me to remove my jewerly just recently and put it on the belt. They have a private area in which they can steal and we can't see their hands. What's up with that? This needs to change. Why do they need to be out of our sight while going through our personal belongings?

Posted By Stephanie Surprenant on February 28, 2009, 10:42 PM

Lost? That bunch of crooked criminals steals from us and nobody cares. Only "Valuables"? No, unfortunately they do not care any more. Had two sets of indian jewelry for my daughters (value about $40 toal) and some meorial coins (worth about $10) in our luggage. Guess what - STOLEN.
TSA should fire ALL of their employees and start over with a more stringent hiring process - and maybe develop some kind of care for what they are supposed to do. They are not their to steal from their customers and perform stress tests on travel eauipment. If you ask me - let's get rid of them completely, they are as useless as it gets anyhow.

Thomas Runge, Cincinnati, Ohio

Posted By Thomas Runge on April 8, 2009, 9:53 PM

The only real solution is to reduce TSA in size to the bare minimum needed to accomplish checkpoint searches at concourse entrances. Everything else is mission creep.

Posted By Selectee on July 12, 2009, 7:02 PM

Laptop stolen from TSA in Las Vegas. Claim denied from TSA. Yup screwed... One question WHERE ARE THE CAMERAS???

Posted By Brandon on August 30, 2009, 10:28 PM

Surely you must be joking. I just returned from a trip to MIA, returning via ATL, and found that a small wristwatch I was given by the company I visited was stolen surgically out of my suitcase. They left everything else, but thi sitem must have been "suspicous" and upon "inspection" was removed. However, no note from the TSA was left behind. Not sure if they do that anymore, though.
It is a perfect scenario though,. you MUST unlock your bags, which makes it really easy for them to get in, and after scanning they know exactly where to find what they like. Nice system. I may just lock them in the future anyway.

By the way - be sure to tell your elected representative about your stories, as they have enough pull to at least make life for the TSA staffers uncomfortable. While that probably won't help much, at least it is a deterrent.

Posted By Dorn on September 5, 2009, 12:11 AM

Maybee if the Federal govt wasnt so cheap, they could hire top quality people, and not good enough for the job. Private security has the same problem. When the govt is cheap it breeds corruption among its employee's. Please dont give me they are all sworn, so are boy scouts. Pay people a good living they will think twice about losing it. Too many chiefs not enougfh Indians.

Posted By George on September 27, 2009, 7:19 PM

Its seems the acticle was about how "small" the percentage is of the reported thefts in comparison to how many people actually fly, or the vagueness of the authors sources. Could be so how personal?
as to the actual topic, does the small percentage excuse the "Breaking of the Law", if one car is stolen, does it not matter because its a small percentage? one person mugged? one woman raped? one child abused? I found myself disturbed by reading the article. I'm not great with words, but felt compelled to respond. Our author should be ashamed to have even taken on a subject where so many are effected "Personally". It doesn't matter the item, the value, how often, wrong is wrong. I'm sure whom ever is doing this, if monitored, just by the complants(location) if someone took the time they could locate the perps.

Posted By Ed on October 6, 2009, 2:50 PM

: I recently flew Jet Blue Airlines on official business From Syracuse to Orlando Fl and back with lay overs in JFK. I enjoyed the airline and found the employees to be very friendly and helpful. Until I returned home after my travel and checked my baggage. I noticed my bag was tumbled but assumed it was from the flight turbalance etc. Then I started to unpack and found my digital camera all of my jewelry and my glasses were missing. The bazarre thing was I had my camera in a hard plastic ziplock with the instruction booklet and charger. The camera and charger were gone but the booklet was there and a crumpled up piece of wrapping paper and ribbon that appeared to be from a cologne gift (not mine), My Jewelrey was also in a closed silk case with my glasses. Now I know these Items were in my bag when I checked in at Orlando International. I put them in last and because my bag was over weight rather than paying the $50 I took some other items out and I remember seeing both the camera and the jewelry at that time. I handed my bags off to the TSA and proceeded to my gate.
I am sickened by the fact that I trusted this Airline with my valuables. I am also afraid to travel an Airline that security is inadequate. If someone could take items out of my luggage then they could also put an item in. They have a big security problem. I know I will never see my valuables again and I have lost my jewelry that was expensive but the worst of it is I have lost the memory card to that camera which means that the pictures I took in Disney with my grandson who met me in Orlando are gone. Those pictures were priceless to me. I have read JetBlue's liability clause and I am aware of Their refusal to reimburse my loss. I can assure you that this will not end here. I will tell my travel people who book all their flights through JetBlue Airline exactly what happened. They booked close to 20 reservations for my conference alone. All of the RRS goes through SATO and JetBlue Airlines is their carrier. The worst thing is I have put in a claim with Jetblue and the TSA but no one I have talked to has said they were sorry. I am sick over this. Yea, maybe I should have taken them on board the plane with me in a carryon but I didn't and the truth is someone or several people working for JetBlue or the TSA are theives. And my only sin is I trusted the Airline!

Posted By Jan Longo on October 21, 2009, 3:40 PM

I like to have my bags shrink wrapped They do it at my airport for about $9. per bag.

Posted By Robynm on November 9, 2009, 5:04 PM

I had the TSA steal my prescriptions out of my luggage at ABE around 6 A M on a flight to Ca. in 2005. I hope they have got rid of the crooks and robbers and the gang mentally !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gregroypa

Posted By gregory feld on November 15, 2009, 7:15 PM

I just returned from Houston(IAH) to Tennessee (BNA). One of my two cases (pd. $50.00 for both on Northwestern aka. Delta) had been ransacked. I must say I totally agree with the inspection procedure, but the apes who went through my belongs were out to make a mess. I can't imagine WHY they saw fit to open a bag of shelled pecans and pour them into my belongs, dismember a Madame Alexander doll, and leave my suitcase contents looking like a tossed salan. TOTALLY uncalled for.
Why aren't security camera always on them anyway?

Posted By Anna on November 18, 2009, 12:10 AM

Some tips:

1) Do NOT use locks (including those TSA approved locks): they give an indication that there are important valuables in your bags!

2) Carry-on important stuffs. Too big? Ship them!

3) *Expect* your luggage to be lost or stolen (prepared for the worst case).

My two cents.

Posted By studboy on December 20, 2009, 1:24 PM

One thing people don't think about is this:

Once your baggage is out of your hands, you cannot control what goes IN or OUT of your bags.

A smuggler, working for the TSA, could conceivably use your baggage to transport illicit substances abroad. Let's take a hypothetical: you are traveling to Turkey. Just before leaving LA, a TSA inspector, working as part of a narcotics ring, inserts some cocaine into your checked baggage. Despite the fact that it's out of your hands, you are still LEGALLY RESPONSIBLE for it. You arrive in Turkey. The authorities discover the drugs in your baggage. You are convicted and sentenced to LIFE IN A TURKISH PRISON.

Between the abuse, theft and opportunities to INTRODUCE illegal items INTO you baggage, I will refuse to fly. The only way to make waves is to boycott flying until this idiocy is ended. The burocrats only understand money. When the money dries up and the airlines go bankrupt, they'll have to address these complaints. But if you keep flying and grumbling about this, it will continue unabated.

Posted By Mark Weiss, P.E. on January 11, 2010, 3:37 AM

My video camera was just stolen from a flight. It was in checked baggage and went through Atlanta. The bag looked like it had been hand inspected: all the AA batteries were removed from my two digital cameras, and everything was thrown back into the back as if it had been unpacked (I had items packed neatly between folded clothes, which were all unfolded and crumpled together - no amount of content shifting during flight could have done this much mess).

I didn't know TSA theft was a problem, and was naive to not pack these electronics in my carry on. From now on I WILL NEVER TRUST THE TSA! They are lying stealing thieves!

Posted By Matt on January 11, 2010, 8:02 PM

I noticed my purse was gone after I left security. Because of my experience @ the check point with the TSA people, I was all up sad. As I got back my stuff just sitting on the belt and anyone can take anything. No one watches it. It’s not there job I was told! There is no place to sit down and put your shoes back on, people run you over. It is a terrible situation. The US Airway people tried to called and where not succsessfull in locating anyone from DIA who could talk to me. No help from anyone when I run through DIA no worker or tried to offer assistance. I was told to stay behind security, but know one knew how to get back to the checkpoint. It has been hell on earth since then. The person who took it mad calls on my cell phone has my money, credit cards checkbook ID. Check it out, see how hard it is to file a complain with DIA. They make it so hard it’s like they hope you go away. I emailed the mayor John W Hickenlooper office, and put in the subject line RE: Filing a complaint and asking for an investigation of DIA
this is the a partly answere I got from them...
There is a Manager of Aviation at Denver International Airport, but most of the issues that you raised in your email were regarding the actions of TSA Agents who are employees of the Federal Government and therefore not managed or under the authority of the Mayor of the City and County of Denver....
Yes and who is the Manager of Aviation? She never told me!
Finding out to who to send a complain to is like pulling teeth.
Let anyone know about DIA
Thank you
They pride themselves in being a green Airport, yes someone greened them self with my money.

Posted By Angie on January 20, 2010, 5:42 PM

I had my pocket knife and my expensive prescription drugs stolen out of my check-in luggage by Atlanta TSA. The pocket knife was inside a sock stuffed in a shoe, and my precription muscle relaxers were in the original labeled bottle and then a ziplock with my other prescriptions. Have you tried to explain to your health insurance that the reason why you need a refill so soon on only the prescriptions that are narcotic is that TSA stole the medicine? I filed the proper paperwork with TSA but nothing was found and I never was refunded the $90 for the knife and $120 for the medicine.

Posted By Alan on January 22, 2010, 6:56 AM

I had a lock stolen and a bottle of horseradish opened on the plan that I planned to give to a friend. I normally carry several bottles of hot sauce and other Louisiana products that I give to my friends. I reported it and nothing ever came of it.

Posted By Valhallaarwen on January 22, 2010, 12:28 PM

So you mean that its not possible that two tsa employees working together can't both be stealing as a joint venture? and splitting the proceeds? Lets be realistic here, Do you think anyone transporting drugs or cash or other "contraband" will ever report the items missing??? Dont you think tsa employees know this??? Easy extra income for them.

Posted By richard on February 5, 2010, 2:17 PM

I just got back from flying out of Duluth, MN. I have heard rumors for many years that the TSA workers there are thieves. I had a tub of frozen cookie dough still factory sealed. Mom sent it with me since no one in family there wanted it. I thought easier to transport that then end up with broken cookies. I was told it was a paste and couldn't take it on. They stalled me so long I couldn't destroy it myself or I would miss the flight. I said well I want to see you throw it away. Nope they wouldn't do it. Those that boarded the plane after me even said they did not throw it out. So I know they kept it for themselves. I have checked bags in the past and had things stolen out of them so won't check bags from there anymore.
ALL of the TSA workers treat people like we have no brains and yell at you so beware eveyone flying from Duluth, MN. I understand rules but treat people with respect and it will go alot further.

Posted By Jonell on February 8, 2010, 1:01 PM