On Tue, 15 Aug 2006 11:25:41 -0400, "jim"
wrote:
>
>"Dillon Pyron" wrote in message
>news:rai2e2lov304s2ebbmnna9t8puun049ruo@4ax.com...
>> Thus spake "Jean O'Boyle" :
>>
>>>
>>>"Kurt Ullman" wrote in message
>>>news:kurtullman-BCDD82.09062011082006@customer-201-> yo can still lock
>>>your
>>>suitcases. There is a special TSA lock that you
>>>> can use so they can open it with their master key. Probably at least as
>>>> secure as the regular locks (YOU can decide if that is a good thing or
>>>> damning with faint praise-grin)
>>>
>>>Kurt, I have considered buying the TSA locks, but have wondered how long
>>>before the wrong hands get on the TSA keys.
>>>Until I am convinced that is the way to go, I will use plastic ties...At
>>>least I know if a suitcase has been opened if one is cut off.
>>>
>>>--Jean
>>>
>>
>> Jean, I use colored zip ties that I bought at Home Depot for about $3
>> for 50. I use the same color on all the bags and have a different
>> color for the trip home. Each bag also has a pair of wirecutters in
>> an outside pocket. The last time TSA went through my bags, they lost
>> a sandal. And told me tough, since I didn't report it when I arrived
>> at my destination. Sydney.
>>
>> I've also heard of TSA "approved" locks being cut off.
>> --
>> dillon
>>
>
>I too have had people tell me that their "TSA approved" lock has simply been
>cut off. I still choose to use coloured cable ties to secure my bags. If TSA
>or anyone else breaks one I know it and immediately examine my bags for any
>lost articles. If anything is missing or there is no notice in my bags that
>this was TSA I make a report, right then and there and will make it to a
>real cop and not TSA or Security. Fortunately this has yet to happen nor
>should it as they is nothing suspicious in any of my luggage.
>Jim
>
A "real cop" will likely decline to take the report and refer you to
TSA and airline baggage claim. An item missing from luiggage checked
for air travel is a federal matter exclusively so far as I understand
things unless you have proof it was taken by local groundside crew.
The airline and TSA will play off against each other and double-team
you. TSA in general has zero liability for any loss for any reason
unless they choose to assume it and the airlines may or may not accept
responsibility. If you're a double-plus Platinum super frequent
diamond elite flier, you'll likely get a lot more action from the
airline than if you are just Joe or Jane Traveller going on their
once-a-year trip to the big city.
There is an old pyschology experiment in which a rat is given
electrical shocks no matter what choice he makes in a maze. Eventually
the rat goes crazy and becomes violently hysterical or catatonic.
You're now playing the same game when you travel: Take it with you
and maybe it gets conifscated (and an extra bonus of missing your
flight if they decide you need a good talking-to about your sin of
thinkin you are a free and sovereing individual) or check it and maybe
it gets stolen or confiscated and you're never told what or why or you
are told you were irresponsible for checking something valuable or
fragile and no one will help you or compensate you . Neither choice
is the right one and both give you random shocks. Fun isn't it?
Power without responsibility leads to abuse as sure as current flows
between unequal potentials.
Jim P. |
