Missing Items In Luggage?

[tampaflyer]

I just took a Southwest flight and when I got home I found a note in my bag that said my luggage had been searched. As I unpacked I realized that some clothing I purchased while on vacation was missing from the bag. Has anyone else experienced this? Anyone know what security is in place with the TSA and Southwest employees?

 

[jimntx]

That's scary. The one time I was on vacation that my luggage was searched, they called me back to the checked luggage x-ray machine area to be there while the luggage was searched.

Did the note look like something official? For instance, with a TSA symbol on it and a number to call with questions?

 

[FWAAA]

I don't see anything scary here. Every time TSA opens a checked bag to resolve a screening issue, they are supposed to place a notice in the bag. Happens many thousands of times each day.

Hard to tell if TSA or WN luggage personnel took the clothing. It may have been inadvertently removed from your bag by TSA; happens the other way around as well - a while back, a passenger found a TSA uniform in their bag. Made the news.

Make a claim with TSA and WN - see if either will compensate you.

Hint: don't hold your breath.

 

[tampaflyer]

That's scary. The one time I was on vacation that my luggage was searched, they called me back to the checked luggage x-ray machine area to be there while the luggage was searched.

Did the note look like something official? For instance, with a TSA symbol on it and a number to call with questions?

jimntx - Yes, the note was an official one from TSA. When I called TSA to report the theft, I was on hold for over ten minutes so I hung up. However, I did download a form from their website that can be used to report the theft. I also called Southwest but I was told that they did not have a form that I could fill out online or that they could email to me. I would have to drive to the airport and report the loss in person. I bet a lot of "missing" items go unreported do to the hassle.

I am very curious as to how often these security thefts are taking place. A friend just told me that there was a big bust recently out at TIA. A group of TSA inspectors were arrested for stealing. Apparently TSA employees are not searched or closely supervised on a regular basis. Does anyone know if Southwest or TSA has any theft prevention?

 

[kiowa]

No note in my bag, just a missing bottle of tanqueray. i was rewarded with a broken padlock that was not mine put in the place of the gin. i suspect it was a joke by the rampies not the tsa.

 

[BuffaloJoe]

Can a passenger insist that his/her baggage remain locked at all times?

 

[KCFlyer]

Can a passenger insist that his/her baggage remain locked at all times?

You can, but then they'll take you and your bags off the plane. It's my understanding the if the baggage is locked, the locks will be broken and the bag searched.

 

[deltaflyboy]

Can a passenger insist that his/her baggage remain locked at all times?

Yes - purchase a TSA approved lock, do not use a regular lock...
TSA approved locks allow the TSA screeners to open the lock without breaking it..

http://www.amazon.com/TSA-Approved-Travel-...5491&sr=8-2

 

[BuffaloJoe]

Yes - purchase a TSA approved lock, do not use a regular lock...
TSA approved locks allow the TSA screeners to open the lock without breaking it..

http://www.amazon.com/TSA-Approved-Travel-...5491&sr=8-2

OK Thank You very much for the info and link! I appreciate it.

 

[QA4Jet-A]

OK Thank You very much for the info and link! I appreciate it.

While a note from the TSA showing a bag was searched, that still doesn't warrant new clothing missing. That is BS and I'd report it, call back, harass the hell out of them until I got some satisfaction. If I have to check a bag,I always carry what I need the most in a carry-on. I like checking a bag on my trips home and put in a note for the TSA..... Warning, I ate Broccoli last night and broke wind repeatedly, use gloves and a mask. I read a reply on their notice when I got home... it said, "Thanks for the Warning"!

 

[SKY HIGH]

While a note from the TSA showing a bag was searched, that still doesn't warrant new clothing missing. That is BS and I'd report it, call back, harass the hell out of them until I got some satisfaction.

......according to their television show, Airline, they give out FREE CLOTHES to (smelly) passengers. (one of the first episodes)

 

[nbmcg01]

......according to their television show, Airline, they give out FREE CLOTHES to (smelly) passengers. (one of the first episodes)
[/quote

The one time my bag was opened, and a note left, it was my own fault. I had packed a can of spray starch, and it was not on the "approved list". And yes, it was gone.

 

[KCFlyer]

......according to their television show, Airline, they give out FREE CLOTHES to (smelly) passengers. (one of the first episodes)

While other airlines just let the smelly and drunk passengers board.

 

[Kev3188]

While everyone was so busy assuming rampers had nothing better to do than steal your clothes, an important factor was missed: Many times, those bags are not closed back up after search (either the TSA is busy and forgets, or they're lazy, depending on time/city). So as your Samsonite goes through the baggage matrix there's a good chance things can and will fall out. I can't tell you how many times bags come through to us open with their contents all over the belt behind them.

 

[SKY HIGH]

While other airlines just let the smelly and drunk passengers board.

.....LOL, like that charade on the show wasnt for the camera's!!!