Nanker Posted December 19, 2010 Share Posted December 19, 2010 Thanks Joe. Let us know how that works out. I ended up having to make a claim on my home owners insurance. Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Posted December 19, 2010 Share Posted December 19, 2010 regift! I was wondering what to get my Dad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Jack Posted December 19, 2010 Share Posted December 19, 2010 I would seriously consider e-mailing this story to a bunch of newspapers to see if it will be picked up by anyone. This is the kind of story that a lot papers will run with, and it might give you some leverage in getting your money back. And with people traveling this week with presents, it's the perfect time for an article about it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peace Posted December 19, 2010 Share Posted December 19, 2010 For others travelling, it's really easy to ship your stuff ahead. Much more secure (and insurable) than checking bags. I've been doing this more and more when I travel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fezmid Posted December 19, 2010 Share Posted December 19, 2010 For others travelling, it's really easy to ship your stuff ahead. Much more secure (and insurable) than checking bags. I've been doing this more and more when I travel. Isn't it pretty expensive though? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Jack Posted December 19, 2010 Share Posted December 19, 2010 Can you still use a lock on your luggage? My dad traveled a lot and would you zip ties to hold his zippers together, is that still ok? What is the new thing to do with laptops? Do you have to turn them on or anything? Can you xray them? I am not going to let this get at all away from me and will carry it in my backpack with my Sirius radio, batteries and such. You can buy "TSA Approved" locks, usually find them in the luggage section of your local department store. TSA workers are supposed to have keys to open them. When they first came out though there were news reports of them being cut off. I've never had that problem though. For your electronics, when I went to Australia and China, I only packed my clothes and toiletries in my checked bags. All my electronics (laptop, camera, DVD player) and their cables/chargers/etc went into a padded backpack I had. I only had to remove my laptop as others have mentioned, and only once was I questioned what was in my bag, (screener asked if I had a DVD player in there) but no one every asked to search my bag or turn anything on. This was back in 2007. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dean Posted December 19, 2010 Share Posted December 19, 2010 Isn't it pretty expensive though? I would imagine how much you are sending, and how fast you need delivery (as well as what airline you fly). Some airlines now charge for the EVERY bag, including the first one. The charge can be $25/per or more depending on the size and weight. I've always found FedEx ground pretty reasonable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Jack Posted December 19, 2010 Share Posted December 19, 2010 For others travelling, it's really easy to ship your stuff ahead. Much more secure (and insurable) than checking bags. I've been doing this more and more when I travel. Isn't it pretty expensive though? I depends on where you go. I'm lucky here in the Cuse that I have both a FedEx and UPS terminal that I can ship out of instead of using one of the storefront places that adds onto the standard shipping charge. There's also the Post Office "if it fits, it ships". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
truth on hold Posted December 19, 2010 Author Share Posted December 19, 2010 For others travelling, it's really easy to ship your stuff ahead. Much more secure (and insurable) than checking bags. I've been doing this more and more when I travel. not really an option for me as I was traveling to Asia Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BuffaloBud Posted December 19, 2010 Share Posted December 19, 2010 You're not supposed to lock your checked luggage. Most of the times they'll ask. I never lock mine, but I assume they'd want you to unlock it or, as SpillerTime said, they'll unlock it (i.e. cut it open) for you. So, I wouldn't zip tie it. My strong suggestion, as a very frequent flyer and one that checks his luggage, don't put anything in the checked luggage that's of high value. Camcorders, laptops, etc. The baggage handlers are not at all trustworthy, as Joe6pack just found out. (Sorry, Joe, but my guess is the baggage handlers; not TSA as this kind of crap has been going on long before TSA was even initial that meant something.) If you have presents, don't wrap them, and carry them on (or FedEx./mail them). Laptops are not a problem. Put it in your carry on. They'll make you take it out and put it in a separate bin/bus pan to go through the xray, but you don't have to turn it on or anything. It's really a non issue. They'll probably want you to put your sirius radio in a separate bin as well. Again, no biggie. But, they really key in on electronics for whatever reason. The best way to get through security is travel light and just do what they ask. I always check a bag just so I go through security light and I don't have to deal with my shaving lotion being too big or anything like that. Plus it just makes getting through security a breeze. Plan to take your shoes off - no matter what kind they are. I usually put my watch, cell phone, ipod, etc. in my jacket pockets; that way I can just take my jacket off and put it in a bin and all my stuff is easier to keep track of. Otherwise, it's really common sense and do whatever they ask you to do - its easier and quicker than arguing. Pick a security line without a bunch of kids if at all possible. My suggestion on going through security is to wear sneakers, warmup pants or something that does not need a belt, and a tee shirt / long sleeve shirt. No Metal!! If you want to look nice (other than above) at your destination put it in a carry-on and change after going through security. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reed83HOF Posted December 20, 2010 Share Posted December 20, 2010 And with people traveling this week with presents, it's the perfect time for an article about it. I can see the headlines now..."Want to get felt up and robbed? Just go to your nearest airport" On a serious note, this is a great idea and it would definately give you a little leverage and help others. It is kind of amazing and shocking to me that there are places in airports that go unmonitored mostly becuase of the new TSA junk-feeling procedures. Hope things work out for you.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beerball Posted December 20, 2010 Share Posted December 20, 2010 hey now, they are on top of things Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peace Posted December 20, 2010 Share Posted December 20, 2010 not really an option for me as I was traveling to Asia I'm not second-guessing you in particular: Just noting the option. And last I checked, you can ship to Asia. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HopsGuy Posted December 20, 2010 Share Posted December 20, 2010 Not to Hijack this thread, but I am concerned after reading this threat about something like this happened; I will be flying for the first time in about 8 years in a few weeks. Can you still use a lock on your luggage? My dad traveled a lot and would you zip ties to hold his zippers together, is that still ok? What is the new thing to do with laptops? Do you have to turn them on or anything? Can you xray them? I am not going to let this get at all away from me and will carry it in my backpack with my Sirius radio, batteries and such. Any tips on making it an easier travel? I will be flying Charlotte to Houston. Oh, and what about the body scanner/groping? Traveling tip at the CLT airport: After you check your bags and have your boarding pass, go to the security check point to the far left (D/E?) It's always the shortest security line. Usually there's no wait, but since this is the holidays, there will probably be a slight delay but still way better than the other more crowded lines for US Airways. Once you're in the terminal, you can easily get to your gate. /The more you know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrDawkinstein Posted December 20, 2010 Share Posted December 20, 2010 Sorry to hear that Joe. I agree with taking some pictures of teh opened packages (if possible) and start spreading this around on the net. People love to pick up on stuff like this and the airline deserves to be embarrassed. For Jboyst and anyone else traveling, an important holiday tip: ship everything (via UPS/Fedex) that you would normally pack/check instead of carrying it with you. I do this every year I go back to Buffalo and it rules because 1. You dont have to carry anything through the airports, 2. You can even insure your packages just in case, 3. UPS doesnt have scumbags that go through your packages. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
truth on hold Posted December 20, 2010 Author Share Posted December 20, 2010 I'm not second-guessing you in particular: Just noting the option. And last I checked, you can ship to Asia. takes forever and costs a fortune Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peace Posted December 20, 2010 Share Posted December 20, 2010 takes forever and costs a fortune Neither of those statements is true. I ship at least weekly to Korea, Japan, India, and China. Most of what I ship is 15-20 lb packages and gets there in 3-4 days. Less than $100 for a 25lb package. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
truth on hold Posted December 20, 2010 Author Share Posted December 20, 2010 Neither of those statements is true. I ship at least weekly to Korea, Japan, India, and China. Most of what I ship is 15-20 lb packages and gets there in 3-4 days. Less than $100 for a 25lb package. Stuff I had needed to arrive with me and it was't all together until the day I left. Also, I do consider tacking on another $100 to an already costly flight outrageous. Bottom line: airports shouldn't have handlers that blatantly tear thru 15 wrapped, unopened packages in checked baggage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrDawkinstein Posted December 20, 2010 Share Posted December 20, 2010 Stuff I had needed to arrive with me and it was't all together until the day I left. Also, I do consider tacking on another $100 to an already costly flight outrageous. Bottom line: airports shouldn't have handlers that blatantly tear thru 15 wrapped, unopened packages in checked baggage. $100 for shipping is cheaper than having to replace everything that was stolen. Agreed that they shouldnt have such people working there, but the fact is they do. Pay for shipping, or pay for replacing the items. Id rather pay for shipping and keep the scumbags out of my stuff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
truth on hold Posted December 20, 2010 Author Share Posted December 20, 2010 (edited) I can see the headlines now..."Want to get felt up and robbed? Just go to your nearest airport" On a serious note, this is a great idea and it would definately give you a little leverage and help others. It is kind of amazing and shocking to me that there are places in airports that go unmonitored mostly becuase of the new TSA junk-feeling procedures. Hope things work out for you.... The issue I'd have with going public (although Im seriously considering it), is the airline itself has been good to me over the years. When I contacted their lost and found they seemed amenable to reimbursing me and Emailed me a claim form. They indicated they've been having a lot of problems with the Newark airport, and part of this stems from the baggage handlers working for the airport and not the airline. Again, this airport is in the heart of Jets country, literally a mile or two from the stadium as the crow flies ... If I decide to go public, what should I do? Send an Email to various news sources? Edited December 20, 2010 by Joe_the_6_pack Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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