More luggage pilfered! An Oscilloscope this time!!!

[vadsoom]

I can't tell you how angry I am!!!! Either I'm terribly unlucky or there is a MAJOR problem going on with airline baggage handlers! >:(

I went from Rochester, NY to Indianapolis, IN via Charlotte on Monday. Because my Leatherman Charge had been pilfered a few months ago, I listened to my wife (thank God) and left it home. However, my oscilloscope was too large to hand carry so I wrapped it up i my clothes for extra padding and asked the TSA to use a wire tie to fasten the luggage zipper pulls together to prevent pilferage. Other than the scope and a high-voltage probe, there was nothing else in the bag.

When my luggage arrived in Indy, the wire tie was still in place, but the zipper had been torn open and the scope and high voltage probe were gone - about $5000 worth of equipment! It was clear this was pilferage because not one single item of clothing that the scope had been wrapped in was missing - two pair of jeans, three shirts, three pairs of socks and three briefs - all there. If the zipper had broken on it's own, the clothing would have tumbled out with the scope wrapped inside.

I immediately filed a report with the airline and mailed the receipts this morning, but I'll have to wait to see if the airline will respond. This sucks! I had to borrow the equipment from my customer and looked like a complete chump. They were understanding, but I'm not the kind of guy to go into a situation unprepared. It's a awful feeling.

I am done checking luggage. From now on, I'll either ship equipment in advance or hand carry everything I need.

[LLCoolBeans]

:(

I hope there was some sort of insurance.

Just curious, what airline?

[vadsoom]

US Airways and no, I did not have insurance. I figure I'm paying for a ticket and it's the airline's responsibility to ensure the belongings I trust to them are handled carefully. I shouldn't need insurance - they are the ones who should need the insurance if they cause damage or loss to my belongings.

When I invite someone to ride in my car, they don't need insurance - I do. The same should apply to the airlines.

[LLCoolBeans]

US Airways and no, I did not have insurance. I figure I'm paying for a ticket and it's the airline's responsibility to ensure the belongings I trust to them are handled carefully. I shouldn't need insurance - they are the ones who should need the insurance if they cause damage or loss to my belongings.

When I invite someone to ride in my car, they don't need insurance - I do. The same should apply to the airlines.


Agreed, but I just looked up their lost/damaged baggage policy...
Baggage Policies (http://www.usairways.com/awa/content/traveltools/baggage/baggagepolicies.aspx)


Copyrighted material removed per User Agreement. (http://edcforums.com/index.php?topic=11638.0)

Also shortened link. Please have a look here on how to do this yourself:
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Ray
:dabird:

[vadsoom]

LLCoolBeans,

The oscilloscope was a Fluke Scopemeter. They're built like tanks and hardly fragile, liquid or perishable. It's a tool, not computer hardware and is not covered on the list provided. I've taken this same scope on dozens, if not hundreds of service visits wrapped in the same way over the past 14 years.

When I turn over my belongings to the airline for transport, it's their responsibility to take reasonable precautions to prevent damage or loss. They have not done this and a crime has been committed - IMO, negligence and theft and it's their responsibility to provide compensation for the loss of my equipment.

Video cameras and recording equipment are inexpensive and should be installed in all areas where baggage handlers interact with customer's property. The airlines should start prosecuting these thieves instead of paying them. Damage I can almost understand - theft is a whole different ball game. Even the baggage claim agent conceded that this is a case of theft.

[LLCoolBeans]

Not arguing with you, I agree, it is their responsibility. This is definitely an unfortunate situation and I'll think twice about US Airways, the next time I make travel arrangements. (Although, generally I fly Delta as they are the only non-union domestic airline)

The airline, on the other hand, has to draw the line somewhere, and it looks like in the case of US Airways $3000 is it. What I mean is, giving an exaggerated example, if you were, for instance, to check $100,000.00 worth of gold coins in your baggage, the airline can not be responsible for the entire amount.

[LLCoolBeans]

In the future, if you do ever check expensive equipment again, you might try a Pelican hard case or something similar. It would probably better protect your equipment from accidental damage in addition to making it more difficult for a criminaly minded baggage handler to gain access.

[vadsoom]

I see your point. It would be foolish to check gold or anything of extreme value. It's just so frustrating because of the number of times I've flown exactly the same way with exactly the same scope. Why should this trip have been any different that than the last 100? There just does not seem to be any accountability for the airlines or baggage handlers. The only thing I can think of is the baggage handler(s) felt they needed to steal and sell it to buy gas. :brickwall:

I've considered the Pelican / Rhino case idea, but since the TSA won't let me lock my checked luggage any more, I just figured that an expensive case screams, "Hey! I've got something valuable inside! Please steal me!" I routinely travel, sometimes to questionably safe locations, with some expensive stuff (OQO model 2, oscilloscope etc) and try to leep as low a profile as I can.

I'm planning making some changes so I never have to check a bag again, especially finding a smaller oscilloscope.

Thanks!

[LLCoolBeans]

I've considered the Pelican / Rhino case idea, but since the TSA won't let me lock my checked luggage any more,...


What about those TSA approved locks? Have those been done away with? If I remember correctly they are just like normal locks only TSA agents have a master key. This way only a TSA agent can gain access, not just any baggage handler.

I don't fly very often, but I remember seeing them (the locks) for sale in the trinket stores in the airport.

[greenLED]

When US Airways has exercised the ordinary standard of care, it shall not be liable for damage to or damage caused by fragile articles, liquids, or perishables, nor for the loss of, damage to, or delay in:

Man, that list SUCKS! It pretty much covers everything a regular Joe could possibly ever put in their checked luggage (other than clothes)... unbelievable! :(

I hope you get some sort of resolution, vadsoom!

[bruner]

I can't tell you how angry I am!!!! Either I'm terribly unlucky or there is a MAJOR problem going on with airline baggage handlers! >:(...

In my opinion, there is a MAJOR problem going on with airline baggage handlers. I know at least three people who have had items lost or stolen from checked baggage.

I'm afraid to check any luggage at all. When we travel by air, we pack light and everything is carry-on. Not always possible for many travelers, but definitely reccommended.



...Video cameras and recording equipment are inexpensive and should be installed in all areas where baggage handlers interact with customer's property. The airlines should start prosecuting these thieves instead of paying them. Damage I can almost understand - theft is a whole different ball game....

+1 on that!

Dan

[bpa]

I'm afraid to check any luggage at all. When we travel by air, we pack light and everything is carry-on. Not always possible for many travelers, but definitely reccommended.


Especially now that the airlines are charging for checked baggage. Just think: you can now pay for the privilege of having your luggage pilfered! :rant:

[jonny8642]

Hey vadsoom,
I've been in the same situation you have been in, except I've only been a flying for two years now. But as far a o-scopes and flying go I would still check my clothes through the airlines and ship the tools separately. But i carry a Tektronicks oscilloscope on board, can't remember what model off the top of my head right now, but it's about the size of a portable dvd player. Most of the time I don't have an issue gong through security. Just when a TSA agent who thinks its a bomb because of the shape of the batteries :brickwall: for some reason :brickwall:.

[tacdrivrnc]

Picked these tips off another forum:

"One note on using TSA rules to your advantage.

Weapons that travel MUST be in a hard case, must be declared upon check-in, and MUST BE LOCKED by a TSA official.

A “weapons” is defined as a rifle, shotgun, pistol, airgun, and STARTER PISTOL. Yes, starter pistols - those little guns that fire blanks at track and swim meets - are considered weapons…and do NOT have to be registered in any state in the United States.

Get a starter pistol for each piece of luggage you need protected, along with a lockable case big enough for your expensive gear plus the starter pistol. All I have to do upon check-in is tell the airline ticket agent that I have a weapon to declare…I’m given a little card to sign, the card is put in the case, the case is given to a TSA official who takes my key and locks the case, and gives my key back to me.

That’s the procedure. The case is extra-tracked…TSA does not want to lose a weapons case. This reduces the chance of the case being lost to virtually zero.

It’s a great way to travel with camera gear…I’ve been doing this since Dec 2001 and have had no problems whatsoever."

Heres another:

"IE, showed up at Orlando airport at 0530 on Sunday for a 0730 flight. Lines were already so long to check in we probably wouldnt have made the flight. Delta admin-type asked me and others to step out of line and use check-in kiosk. Told her no-go as I was checking guns. She was extremely polite and helpful as she excorted me and wife to head of 200+ people in line. Then hand-carried our bags to TSA and got us thru there in a minute or two."

And one more suggestion:

"Upon arrival at the departures terminal, find the first customer service rep for the airline you're flying on. Ask where the check-in location for over-sized baggage and/or cargo is located (most of the major airports will have a separate area away from the crowds and lines). When I get over there, I tell the airline staffer at the desk that I have firearms to declare and I would prefer to not make it obvious to everyone around. Every single time I've done this, I've received nothing but courteous & prompt service in getting my kit checked in and cleared through with TSA*."

[GassHogg]

I flew from St. Thomas to Little Rock with a 2 hour layover at Atlanta. When I got home I was missing a Rino 130 GPS. I've e-mailed Delta Airlines but haven't recieved an answer yet. Next time, I'll keep my expensive electronics with me.

[vadsoom]

I'll be making some changes to how I pack for travel from now on. I've always packed light, but I'll be taking it to the extreme. I don't think I'll use the starter pistol route, but I will get a smaller o-scope (maybe USB based), disposable, bladeless multitool and some new light weight cloting and travel bag. Even if I have to spend a few dollars for equipment specific to travel, it will be worth it to avoid this frustration.

I've spoken top lots of people who bought those expensive TSA locks just to find them removed when their bags arrive at the destination.

I'll be starting another thread on travel specific gear recommendations. I want to keep my travel gear and EDC as complete as possible, but very light weight..

[SarGeek]

I had a Dell laptop stolen from checked baggage 5 or so years ago. After months of BS the TSA eventually gave me a couple hundred bucks towards to cost of the laptop. The thing that scares me is that if these ***holes as the TSA are taking things out of luggage they must be doing something with them...to do something with them they must be able to get them out of the baggage search area to their vehicles. Think about the reverse what would stop one of them from bringing something in from the outside and putting it in someones luggage...ie a bomb for a terrorist event or drugs to frame someone. The TSA employees make barely more than minimum wage (per the job posting for a TSA screener on USA Jobs which states that they make "24,432.00 - 36,648.00 USD per year") and require little training (they are not LEOs--there is no centralized federal training for them at FLETC where all federal LEOs are trained).
As mentioned the only things that seem to work is to pack a pistol of some sort or to ship items to your destination.

[inthedark]

Sorry to hear about your experience. That's the first rule of traveling, don't EVER check anything in that you don't want to lose. I've been really fortunate I've never lost anything, but I have had my luggage misplaced a few times and know people who've had brand new electronics stolen out of the boxes in the checked luggage, and only had empty boxes when they arrived. About the only thing I will check in nowadays is clothes, and even then I'll keep at least one set with me.

Those TSA locks won't do you much good because if it really was the baggage handlers or screeners who stole the items, I'm sure they've got keys to them anyway. About the only advantage for the locks is you would at least know that someone with a key was the one who took it. Since your bags were checked in, did you retrieve them directly from the baggage carousel? Sometimes people's flights are delayed or for whatever reason, I've seen bags sit around unattended to make room for new bags. I've also waited for baggage that never arrived, only to find out they switched the baggage claim area and it had sat around in the open where anybody has access to them. It wouldn't be too hard for anybody to go take one to a hidden area and just rip it open to grab something.

If you travel with expensive equipment in the future, best bet is to ship it to your destination ahead of time. Then at least you have it insured. It sucks that the airlines won't reimburse you for the full amount, but then from their point of view, most people can't prove what they had in their bags in the first place, and I'm sure they get a lot of false claims. They should put video cameras in the critical areas, but if it's employees that are doing the stealing, then they'll just go to areas they know aren't monitored.

[SarGeek]

In my case I know for a fact that it was the TSA. I was traveling with a group and we were late for our flight. The flight was an early morning one out of LGA and we made it with only minutes to spare...the luggage was checked at check in, searched and then put on the plane we flew out on. Less that 20 min after checking out bags we were airborne on the plane with out luggage. On the other side I got my suitcase as soon as it came through the baggage carousel.
Inthedark, I understand what you are saying as a devils advocate and you raise a valid point. I'm curious about the actual search areas...is each screener in their own booth with the item they are searching or is it an open factory type area...how does one hide a laptop and carry it out...especially 5 years ago, this was a big item...not some tiny little thing like today. Or in the OP's case an oscilloscope. I'm over loosing the laptop but the logistics of stealing the stuff they do is still interesting.

[GassHogg]

I flew from St. Thomas to Little Rock with a 2 hour layover at Atlanta. When I got home I was missing a Rino 130 GPS. I've e-mailed Delta Airlines but haven't recieved an answer yet. Next time, I'll keep my expensive electronics with me.


I got my reply from Delta today.

Dear Mr. Cunningham, Thank you for your e-mail regarding your Delta trip and the mishandling of your luggage. I am sorry to learn about the inconvenience you experienced. The tariff rules and ticket contract covering your travel exclude responsibility for cash, jewelry, cameras, electronic and computer equipment in checked baggage. We realize this is disappointing for you and trust you will understand our position. If you have insurance coverage that will provide for payment, we will be happy to cooperate with your representatives in their investigation. We appreciate your business and trust your future flights will be enjoyable. We hope you will continue to make Delta your airline of choice. Sincerely, Suzettra WalkerClaims ManagerCentral Baggage Service

[greenLED]

:(
I call bsbsbsbsbsbsbsbsbsbsbsbsbsbsbsbsbsbs

[Lugsalot]

Wow, just look at all the extremely valuable items that are conveniently exempt from the "tariff rules and ticket contract!" :rolleyes:

I bet all these "lost" items are dumped directly into the black market to supplement the airlines' coffers. They probably have every pawn shop within ten miles on speed dial, and some kind of incentive program for employees who rip off the most goods in a month. :-X

Tacdrivrnc, that's some pretty interesting advice. I wonder how many more people are now going to declare "weapons" (airguns) to get the double-plus good rockstar treatment (ie, not having your property stolen). I know I'll be tempted to pack the Red Ryder next time I go back East (or anywhere else that can't be easily reached by train or automobile).

God, flying sucks. :rant:

[bigfoot]

I've got a flight coming up early next month and I won't be checking a bag at all. Flying used to be hard enough. It's getting to the point where it's like the Greyhound of the skies.

[vadsoom]

...Greyhound of the skies.


It's worse than that... I have yet to lose anything on any bus ride I've ever taken.

[greenLED]

vadsoom, I was thinking... your oscilloscope is not an "electronic or a computer equipment". It is an *analyticial instrument*, and as such, does not fall under the exclusions of their policy.

It's a long shot, I know... but, man, losing one of those and then nobody takes responsibility... :(

[inthedark]

I bet all these "lost" items are dumped directly into the black market to supplement the airlines' coffers. They probably have every pawn shop within ten miles on speed dial, and some kind of incentive program for employees who rip off the most goods in a month. :-X

God, flying sucks. :rant:


I doubt the airlines see any profit from lost equipment, it's the employees stealing it. The airlines would lose a lot more money in ticket sales than they could ever make from stealing goods from passengers. However, it's no secret that all the goodies confiscated by the TSA during the security checks wind up on Ebay. Just do a search for TSA, you'll find a lifetime supply of SAK's and nail clippers. At least it's good to know that there are that many people carrying SAK's out there. However, I have a feeling the good stuff never ends up at auction, but on some employees keychain somewhere.

[vadsoom]

vadsoom, I was thinking... your oscilloscope is not an "electronic or a computer equipment". It is an *analyticial instrument*, and as such, does not fall under the exclusions of their policy.

It's a long shot, I know... but, man, losing one of those and then nobody takes responsibility... :(


I'm thinking the same thing and am hoping they do too.

[LLCoolBeans]

I like the starter pistol idea.

[ironraven]

If it worth having when you travel, FedEx it to your destination. Any hotel that won't recieve and hold a package for you with notice isn't worth staying at.

[GassHogg]

I got my reply from Delta today.

Dear Mr. Cunningham, Thank you for your e-mail regarding your Delta trip and the mishandling of your luggage. I am sorry to learn about the inconvenience you experienced. The tariff rules and ticket contract covering your travel exclude responsibility for cash, jewelry, cameras, electronic and computer equipment in checked baggage. We realize this is disappointing for you and trust you will understand our position. If you have insurance coverage that will provide for payment, we will be happy to cooperate with your representatives in their investigation. We appreciate your business and trust your future flights will be enjoyable. We hope you will continue to make Delta your airline of choice. Sincerely, Suzettra WalkerClaims ManagerCentral Baggage Service


Here it is June 1ST and I'm still PI$$ED. I usually calm down and say lessoned learned but I'm tired of the BS.

[GassHogg]

So I sat down a emailed the Deprt of Transportation and the FAA.

Dear Sir,
Recently, my fiance and myself went on vacation to St. Thomas VI. When we returned home, we found that a GPS was missing from our checked baggage. When we contacted the airline (Delta) here was their reply.
Dear Mr. Cunningham, Thank you for your e-mail regarding your Delta trip and the mishandling of your luggage. I am sorry to learn about the inconvenience you experienced. The tariff rules and ticket contract covering your travel exclude responsibility for cash, jewelry, cameras, electronic and computer equipment in checked baggage. We realize this is disappointing for you and trust you will understand our position. If you have insurance coverage that will provide for payment, we will be happy to cooperate with your representatives in their investigation. We appreciate your business and trust your future flights will be enjoyable. We hope you will continue to make Delta your airline of choice. Sincerely, Suzettra WalkerClaims ManagerCentral Baggage Service.
We are not seasoned air travelers and were not aware that this happens. After searching the internet and reading numerous blogs and message boards. I've come to the conclusion that this happens frequently. I know that myself and hundreds others that have items stolen from checked baggage have learned an expensive lesson. We can't take everything we want on our carryon luggage and we can't lock our luggage. It looks like this problem won't get any better. From the Dept. of Transportation website

73 F.R. 28854, May 19, 2008

Several air carriers have

recently adopted policies of charging passengers an amount, in addition to the fare

already paid, for any checked baggage or for more than one checked bag. Some of these

policies imposing charges for checking a second bag add $25 to the cost of a passenger’s

trip while others may add far greater amounts for checking a single bag, either because it

is overweight or because the carrier has different fares based on whether a passenger

checks bags and the number he or she checks.

[b] It seems to me that we are paying more for checked baggaged just to have them pilfered.[b]

Is there anything that can be done by Department of Transportation, FAA, or the airlines themselves to insure that the contents of everyones checked baggage is safe and secure.
I would also like to know how many millions of dollars every year is taken from checked baggage. And who's counting?

Sincerely,
Rick Cunningham
6752 Hwy 62 W
Gassville, Ar. 72635

[bpa]

Good letter. Now send a copy to your Congresspeople and your local newspaper's consumer advocate.

You might as well have some fun with it.

[GassHogg]

Good letter. Now send a copy to your Congresspeople and your local newspaper's consumer advocate.

You might as well have some fun with it.


I took your advice and contacted my congresspeople and the Coalition for an Airline Passengers' Bill of Rights.
I'll give an update as soon as I get any responses.

[fshalor]

Somewhere I have a picture of a my tuba case suspended 4 feet in the air over the belt Delta uses to remove luggage from their holds on MD-88's. There's a split in the belt system which has a tendency to tiddily wink low brass instruments in their cases.

A friend's euphonium had been flipped and impaled on a pole to the side of the belt, so I pulled my camera out. Just in time to see my own horn launch off the belt. The impact cracked the wood around the bell. The only damage I saw was due to my mouthpiece falling out of the broken internal box and dinging the bell in a few places.

Delta refused to cover repair to our cases. (Which had 3-6 fragile stickers on them. ) The first argument was improper packing. Which I called them on, since I had a picture of a tuba case airborn. When they saw the picture, the story changed to "it's a professional piece of equipment, and therefore we're not responsible for it.".

Since we were traveling internationally to perform (even though I'm not a professional), I couldn't really argue the point. I have sense always gotten TravelGaurd insurance for work related trips. Particularly when I'm taking anything work related with me, or taking my personal camera equipment.

The cost was literally minimal. It is slightly age based, but a 4 week trip to Norway (from us), then Russia to board an icebreaker for 3 weeks at sea came out to about $50 for me and $65 for my older co-traveler. The year before, one of our crew had to use the insurance because his bag never made it to port. The boat's not going to wait on your bag to show up, so he had to buy all new gear in a day or so locally. And now, we get to make fun of him for having these strange and out of character euro shirts from random shops. (That trip was canceled last minute, and the insurance actually helped to get our tickets refunded, even though it was canceled due to circumstances not on their list of "covered" cases.)

I believe the travel guard stuff only covers up to $10k. If your traveling with something worth more than that, particularly if it's professional in nature, you really should ship it ahead if you can. There are some small shipping firms that will nearly guarantee delivery and condition. The service we use contracts with small guys regionally and will go so far as to send one of their people with their shipments as needed.

Now that I think about it. If you take that oscilloscope home and it's "profesisonal equipment", and your house gets broken in to; it's probably not covered under your home owners insurance. Or renters. The only reason why my instruments are covered (tuba, euphs, trombones) is because I don't make my living from them.

Good luck with the claim.

[panzer]

I think it the long run it's always your responsibility to secure your stuff and insure it. If you won't take the time or pay the money to secure expensive items then you are rolling the dice. You can't depend on others these days. It's just the way it is.

Sorry about your lose. It sucks!

[bouncer]

Not to rant too much air travel just bites now and Us Air makes it worse delays for nothing, charging to check bags, goods stolen no need of it sorry just got back from a two week business trip and had to carry everything on to make sure I had it if I ever got there took two days to fly down. >:(

[Tink]

I flew from St. Thomas to Little Rock with a 2 hour layover at Atlanta. When I got home I was missing a Rino 130 GPS. I've e-mailed Delta Airlines but haven't recieved an answer yet. Next time, I'll keep my expensive electronics with me.


Geez! I thought that as a result of 9/11 and the higher security that emanated therefrom, the thieving baggage handlers had finally been stopped in their tracks due to additional surveillance cameras and the like. Also, if you have TSA approved locks, the TSA folk who unlock them to check your baggage should be re-locking them when they are finished. If all that happened as it should, the only answer to explain the theft would have to be brute force (or a sharp knife with soft bags) or that somehow those rats had procured (stolen, probably, since they're good at that) the special keys that TSA folk use to unlock those special little (very expensive if they work at all) locks. The cheap versions (about $10 each) of these locks aren't worth buying, as they can be broken open by hand! The best ones have a steel cable (instead of the solid hasp) so that they can't be twisted open, but maybe the bums are resorting to bolt cutters. Can they be that bold and brazen? :rant:

Rant off.