TSA, stolen tools

[Paddy]

This is the second time I have traveled with tools in a checked bag and they are all missing when I arrive. Both times I have the card TSA puts in the bag to inform me my bags were searched. I always have tools in my bag so it's not every trip, but twice a year.....

I have no problem having my bags searched. safe for me right? But I'm an engineer and some jobs/labs I go to tools are real handy.

So this time I'm off to Prague to test high voltage equipment. I bring a leatherman and an old tape measure. Both gone. I know they were not taken because they are "prohibited"

Last time it was Delta, this time American/British Airlines. When I made a claim at delta they pushed me to TSA, TSA pushed be back, Arg!

Any one else finding missing stuff?

Patrick T

 

[Travelover]

So, you don't believe in "tipping"? :laughing:

 

[czechsonofagun]

Czechs have very bad reputation as far as stealing

 

[Transit]

I have used a small shipping container in the past with hardened locks. Now they are looking to pass the buck.

 

[Paddy]

Czechsonofagun,

I'm back at your old stomping grounds, EGU in Prague. But I don't think the tools were taken by a Czech. I'm betting while in US.

I guess I'll start hiding the tools in a laundry bag!

Patrick T

 

[johnrex62]

If you can, I would suggest shipping via Fedex or a insured ground carrier. There are too many opportunities for the bonded personnel to graze through your belongings and pass the blame along to someone else.

I travel weekly and either carry everything possible as carryon or buy it when I get there. I am through outfitting other people's toolboxes.

 

[Cat_Driver]

They did one of those specials where they video tape these Government thieves going through everyones luggage and stealing everything that they can get their hands on.

When the busted them one guy had so much loot in his garage it was stacked floor to ceiling.

 

[bp fick]

If you can, I would suggest shipping via Fedex or a insured ground carrier. There are too many opportunities for the bonded personnel to graze through your belongings and pass the blame along to someone else.

I travel weekly and either carry everything possible as carryon or buy it when I get there. I am through outfitting other people's toolboxes.

Agreed. I use FedEx or other carrier to ship important things to my destination ahead of my flight. Small expense compared to replacing things. Welcome to the new normal.

 

[Wayne County Hose]

Next time I would put the tools in a ziploc bag with some dirty underwear. Gotta clean your tools, but I would rather have dirty tools than none.

 

[czechsonofagun]

Czechsonofagun,

I'm back at your old stomping grounds, EGU in Prague. But I don't think the tools were taken by a Czech. I'm betting while in US.

I guess I'll start hiding the tools in a laundry bag!

Patrick T

Good for you, my dad worked in Bechovice for 30 years or so - SVUSS, next door to EGU.

If you hide it in laundry bag, they will think you have some bad intensions with it. Is it so critical to have your own tools?

 

[jpm]

they took a old tape & a leatherman, their not even good theives.

 

[Pushing_Tin]

I'm an air traffic controller and we see these guys out smoking on their breaks all of the time. We have officially designated TSA as "Thousands Standing Around." :laughing:

 

[Chilly807]

What I can't understand is why the TSA tag goes INSIDE the box, not taped to the outside??

Anyone know why this is?

Sean

 

[aczlan]

What I can't understand is why the TSA tag goes INSIDE the box, not taped to the outside??
Anyone know why this is?

Probably because of the risk of a baggage handler with sticky fingers seeing from the outside which bags had been checked by the TSA then taking things and letting the TSA be blamed for it.

Aaron Z

 

[Chilly807]

Here's the story.. A few years ago we were flying to Jacksonville via Boston for work, and had a large aluminum work box full of coveralls, tools, etc.

We left Halifax, the box had a hasp and padlock attached as well as being duct taped shut.

Baggage went through Halifax no problem, cleared customs in Boston. When it arrived in Jacksonville, the lock was gone and the tape had been cut and replaced. Obviously opened and re-sealed.

Me being cautious at the best of times, I asked the TSA supervisor in Jacksonville what had happened. His response was that they had PROBABLY opened it in Boston after customs for inspection.

My reply was that since there was no way of knowing externally what had happened, we were refusing to claim the box from the baggage carousel until someone else from TSA opened it.

He asked me why... reply was "It wasn't like that when it left Halifax, and the last time I saw it it was sealed, I have no way of knowing what's in there now.. it could have 20 kilos of coke now, and I don't want to run into the owners of said stuff outside the terminal if that's the case."

He looked a little worried, then muttered, "Or something nastier than coke, maybe.."

At this point we were starting to get behind something solid, like concrete pillars, and watching. He wasn't happy about it, but he did open the case, and lo and behold, there was the TSA slip from Boston inside the box.

Everything was there, but it wasn't a good situation.

Sean