Airport security going through luggage

[Drince88]

You can purchase locks that TSA can disable. Not all airports do the screening where you could be contacted TO open a lock.

I pack absolutely nothing of value in my checked bag, so it's not an issue - and most of my luggage problems have come with the whole bag being 'misplaced' or whatever, not with individual items (except for the time that I must have forgotten to zipper one compartment that held one shoe, and I got to the conference with one black pump. Had to go to the mall to buy a new pair of shoes!)

[danyoung]

I don't know of any LEGAL reason not to allow CPAP machines in luggage. If I'm right in my thinking, they do not generate oxygen, they just blow ambient air. Is that correct? If so, there would be no heat generation and no fire hazard. Are they battery powered?

Just a little plug-in air pump, no oxygen. Thanks for the clarification.

[bradk]

the TSA has the authority to destroy any non TSA-approved locks and they have. they've actually destroyed a number of TSA approved locks too.

you can use zip ties. if you're searched, they're supposed to replace them.

but none of this matters unless you have at least a hard shell case. as most luggage nowadays is fabric anyway, someone determined to get into your bags is only a knife blade away.

i think i remember having to prove the luggage belonged to us back in the late 80s.

this is a document/list of all special needs equipment allowed to pass through security as per the TSA: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/index.shtm

note that if you opt to check equipment, airline liability is limited if offered at all. check with the airline's specific policy before you plan on holding them accountable.

and this page covers things that you are advised not to pack in checked luggage (including NEVER warnings): http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1052.shtm

[Leslie]

Anyone read the article today about a theft in Washington airport and getting the claim denied by TSA? I read on and it seems like there is somewhat a theft problem with the airports baggage handlers. And then TSA to keep deniening the passengers claims. Well I have made up my mind Im carrying my nebulizer and husbands CPAP machines and camera in our carry on's. I was debating about checking them but after reading this article my mind is made up. Better to be safe then get ripped off.

[91wingnut]

the TSA has the authority to destroy any non TSA-approved locks and they have. they've actually destroyed a number of TSA approved locks too.

I agree with you Brad, the whole "buy a TSA lock" thing is a waste of money. The TSA will have only 2-3 people screening flights that leave every 20 minutes in the morning (with my airline anyway) in the bag room. Each flight will have between 150 and 250 bags for them to check through the x-ray and some to actually open and go through, so they have to move fast. No excuse to break locks I know, but the pressure to keep up is put on them by the TSA and the airline. They need more help I think.

I do have those hard "clam shell" suitcases with the combination lock. What I do is write the combination on a piece of duct tape and put it right on the suitcase in big, black numbers. This does two things, : 1) It keeps the TSA from breaking the lock that holds the suitcase closed and 2) It is a deterrent, in my opinion, to any handlers who might be looking for valuables. Hey - who would put the combo right on the suitcase if there was anything of value in there? All my goodies are in my carry on. If they want to take my dirty laundry, well, I guess i can't stop them! :fez:

[EmmasMom]

Final tip: if you must put your camera or video camera in your suitcase, remove all memory cards and video tapes and put them in your carry on. The airline will replace you cameras if they are lost/stolen (see my previous post) but they can't replace your vacation memories.......hope this helps!:fez:

Actually, for many airlines this is not true. I worked for a major carrier for almost 10 years in customer service and one of my jobs was handling bag claims. Things like electronics, monetary instruments, antiques, furs, jewelry, fragile items, etc. were specifically not covered for loss or damage. Really the only things covered were clothing and toiletries. Be sure to ask your carrier for specifics. If something was reported stolen we would file a report and pretty much nothing ever came of it. Bottom line - if it is important, carry it on or leave it at home.

[mazzie]

Any bag inspected by TSA should have an 8.5 x 11 piece of paper with a letter explaining that you bag was inspected and why right on top of your stuff as you open the bag. This ransacking is not as wide spread as it once was. Airlines are quick to monitor baggage handlers now, and are quicker to fire them if caught going through bags.


My mother had her suitcase "ransacked" (literally) and had items missing last time she went. We were not aware of the piece of paper, but I know there was nothing like that in her case. That is good to know as I'm sure as my mother thought, there was nothing she could do about it.

[91wingnut]

Actually, for many airlines this is not true. I worked for a major carrier for almost 10 years in customer service and one of my jobs was handling bag claims. Things like electronics, monetary instruments, antiques, furs, jewelry, fragile items, etc. were specifically not covered for loss or damage. Really the only things covered were clothing and toiletries. Be sure to ask your carrier for specifics. If something was reported stolen we would file a report and pretty much nothing ever came of it. Bottom line - if it is important, carry it on or leave it at home.

Thanks for the clarification....I stand corrected! I guess I'm an old timer when it comes to that. I'm in maintenance so I don't see the policy changes with that as you have. I know they USED to have blanket coverage, (at least with UAL they did) but I guess that's changed evidently.

It really angers me to see where the aviation world is going.....always cutting customer service to save a buck. And they wonder why complaints are up?:mad:

[Ohthatjeff]

Final tip: if you must put your camera or video camera in your suitcase, remove all memory cards and video tapes and put them in your carry on. The airline will replace you cameras if they are lost/stolen (see my previous post) but they can't replace your vacation memories.......hope this helps!:fez:

Another reason is that the checked baggage scanners can harm the memory cards/tapes/film. I had a Playstation memory card get pretty much wiped once.

[Mermaid]

Just a note... my bf traveled with his CPAP for the first time last month. He carried it on and they told him he needed to pull it out for the machine, like a laptop. This was in Hawaii. They didn't ask him to do that in Phoenix, but Phoenix also missed a steak knife in my luggage that I had forgotten about. San Jose caught it on the way home and I could not imagine what they were looking for when they pulled me aside.