Stolen Luggage from SFO

I've just returned from San Francisco and unfortunately an expensive item has been stolen from my luggage - the VA staff at the revivals lunge were great and asked someone from baggage to take details but from that point on it seems I am on my own.

My problem is this - despite have a Samsonite suitcase with locks on it and a combination lock as well, I can't lock it because US 'Homeland Security' will break it open. Virgin say as a result I am responsible for lost content [:0].

How can I protect my belongings from these muppets who steal at SFO and how can I report it to the airport police so they can catch these stealing scum [:(!] (pardon my language).

Any ideas greatly appreciated - on a side note the VA baggage lady said she couldn't contact SFO as they start work (8 hour difference) after she finishes for the day!!! Nice job if you can get it

By the way food not bad but avoid the chicken LHR -> SFO (dry and unpleasant)- stick to booze

[preiffer]

http://www.tamperseal.com/

(Specifically, these)

I use them all the time. They won't STOP someone getting into your bag, but you'll know there and then that somebody HAS.

(As a result, they're one hell of a deterrent )

How did this person get into your bag, did you leave it unattended, or was it after you checked it in for a flight.

I always lock mine, it's not a very big lock (those pathetic ones that come with luggage) but as Paul said, I'll know someone opened it.

[Nottingham Nick]

Originally posted by Doc
and how can I report it to the airport police so they can catch these stealing scum [:(!] (pardon my language).

Sorry to hear about your problems, the SFO Airport Police can be contacted by email [email protected]

Their website has an online crime reporting page.

Hope they catch the scum that did this to you.

Nick

[Decker]

Doc

Just use TSA approved padlocks and lock it. Despite the fact that in early days they used to even cut these they have improved and I now find my bags locked even after inspection ...

Sorry to hear about your lost item.

SFO is one of the airports where the TSA has now subcontracted screening - as part of Uncle Sam's u-turn on airline security (i.e. slowly trickling the private sector back into pax/luggage/cargo screening, going back to paying peanuts, getting monkeys, and hoping no-one notices - my opinion, though I know others who share it).

The contract screeners, "Covenant Aviation Security", have a customer website at this URL - http://www.cassfocustomerservice.com/

If they have opened your bag, you should find a Government mandated notice of inspection. If something is missing, and there was no mandatory notice, then it's fair to assume foul play.

If you suspect it's one of their screeners which has picked your bag over, you can also file a report there, though I'd agree with NN about filing a report with the SFO airport police, and let them deal with it.

I personally try hard to avoid putting anything of significant value, or difficult to replace, in a checked bag - instead preferring to try and carry the items on. Having to gate check them is preferable, if you are going to end up having to check them.

Another tip is to avoid showing up to the airport too early, as this means your checked bag is sat around in the baggage area for a longer period, a temptation for any wayward handling staff with light fingers.

(I'm not suggesting that everyone who works behind the scenes at an airport is a crook, btw!)

Cheers,
Mike

I always lock my cases, my insurance is invalid if I dont. I use samsonite cases and believe me the TSA can open these if they wish (and so could any thief).

Paul

[preiffer]

The issue I have with the "TSA Approved" locks is that they're approved because the TSA have master keys to get into them with...

...so how many baggage handlers have those keys, too? [:0]

One of the weirdest things ive ever seen though for security is a service where for Û8, they wrap your bag in plastic cellophane! (TSA would love that), I saw it on my recent visit to PMI

[Nottingham Nick]

They do it at SFO right next to the VS check in desks.

I don't know, but I wouldn't think they would allow it for transatlantic flights. Has anyone done it?

Nick

DO you not think the xrays can get through the polythene?;) Seriously thought I am sure if anything suspect showed up it wouldn't take long to cut the polythene off if anything did show up.

You can't beat the following advice:
Don't put anything overly valuable in your case
Have good Travel Insurance
Lock your case

Paul

[preiffer]

Originally posted by p17blo
You can't beat the following advice:
Don't put anything overly valuable in your case
Have good Travel Insurance
Lock your case

I can beat that:

Don't lock your case with a lock you like - it won't be there when you collect your bag

Seriously, a lock does nothing ex-US. They'll have that off in a second, and you won't be sure if it was a TSA guy or a baggage handler rummaging around in there. [:0]

Originally posted by preiffer
http://www.tamperseal.com/

(Specifically, these)

I use them all the time. They won't STOP someone getting into your bag, but you'll know there and then that somebody HAS.

(As a result, they're one hell of a deterrent )

I'm not sure whether the number on the tag makes a difference in terms of deterrence, Paul, but I use cable ties - the effect is the same, in that you see immediately if anyone has opened the bag, and they're nigh-on free . The only time the tie was broken I checked the contents of the case in the baggage hall, to find it was just a TSA inspection.

Best wishes

David

[preiffer]

Originally posted by DavidM
I'm not sure whether the number on the tag makes a difference in terms of deterrence, Paul, but I use cable ties - the effect is the same, in that you see immediately if anyone has opened the bag, and they're nigh-on free . The only time the tie was broken I checked the contents of the case in the baggage hall, to find it was just a TSA inspection.

I used to use cable-ties too, that is UNTIL a small problem I had.

I needed a band-aid out of my wash bag. Unfortunately, while I'd secured my bag with cable-ties (feeling quite good that nobody had been in there), I didn't have anything to cut them off with! (Stupid "no sharps" policy for hand baggage).

As a result, I use these now - they're hand-breakable

The only time the tie was broken I checked the contents of the case in the baggage hall, to find it was just a TSA inspection.

Just a cautionary note regarding checking your luggage in the baggage hall.
At mco last time the guy I was travelling with started rummaging around in his case and was promptly accosted by security. SC was written on his immigration form, as I was travelling with him my card was also marked.
It turns out SC stands for security check so 10 mins wasted answering questions about fruit and veg[:(].

Originally posted by preiffer
I used to use cable-ties too, that is UNTIL a small problem I had.

I needed a band-aid out of my wash bag. Unfortunately, while I'd secured my bag with cable-ties (feeling quite good that nobody had been in there), I didn't have anything to cut them off with! (Stupid "no sharps" policy for hand baggage).

As a result, I use these now - they're hand-breakable

Ah, the best laid plans of mice and men.......

You could always fix a series of hidden video cameras to the inside of your case, and then put a note inside that reads something along the lines of: Hello, you are free to inspect this peice of luggage, but be aware that you are being watched by no less that 7 cameras. Thank you.

[honey lamb]

Hello, you are free to inspect this peice of luggage, but be aware that you are being watched by no less that 7 cameras.

Which would then immediately be stolen!

Originally posted by honey lamb

Hello, you are free to inspect this peice of luggage, but be aware that you are being watched by no less that 7 cameras.

Which would then immediately be stolen!

Yes but...they're hidden.

[honey lamb]

Originally posted by VS-EWR

Originally posted by honey lamb

Hello, you are free to inspect this peice of luggage, but be aware that you are being watched by no less that 7 cameras.

Which would then immediately be stolen!

Yes but...they're hidden.

Well, if you're going to advertise the fact they are there and someone is bent on stealing something from the luggage, they're not exactly going to leave evidence behind, are they?

First of all, I don't know why you are trying to argue about something that I obviously was joking about, and I doubt most people would actually go to the trouble of spending time to remove all of the evidence, if it would take too much time they would probably just forget it.

[honey lamb]

First of all, I don't know why you are trying to argue about something that I obviously was joking about,

Because I was obviously joking about it also

I use cable-ties also. At least then my cases are locked (so insurance cannot complain) and TSA can get in without damaging my case if necessary.

It doesn't stop the casual thief cutting the tie either, but you'd at least hope it was a deterrant.

Of course, the probably safest solution would be to just not check luggage, and bring it onboard. Or you could just do that with the more sensitive/expensive items. Hopefully if it is questioned by staff, you can explain the situation and I'm sure they would understand (if, unless, if cannot be put anywhere safely).

[preiffer]

s

Originally posted by VS-EWR
Hopefully if it is questioned by staff, you can explain the situation and I'm sure they would understand (if, unless, if cannot be put anywhere safely).

Hmm... Not in W/Y they won't:

Not if it's over the 6kg limit, anyway