Airport Thieves
At least she had the expensive things in her carry-on.
She checked two bags in San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Columbus, Ohio. She had an airplane change in New York. JetBlue all the way. JetBlue and the TSA, of course.
When she got home, one of the checked suitcases had the TSA's "Notice of Baggage Inspection" flyers inside, the sheet that notifies the passenger that the bag had been opened and the contents inspected. What the suitcase didn't have in it anymore was a clear plastic bag with low-value jewelry, a pedicure kit, and an unopened package of panties.
At least she had the expensive things, including the diamonds she got for Christmas, in her carry-on.
It seems unlikely that the TSA inspector would have stolen the items and then put the inspection notification in the bag, but you never know. It could have been a baggage handler in either San Juan or New York.
I emailed JetBlue and the TSA. No response yet from either, but it's been only a weekend and a holiday since I sent my complaint.
Sure, we all know, we're not wise to put valuables in checked luggage. My own rule is: Never check anything you ever want to see again.
But underwear?
Passengers are warned to leave bags unlocked for inspection. What TSA should do is open bags with the owners present, and allow the bags to be locked immediately after inspection.
Theft aside, there is a greater problem suggested by these common thefts from baggage, and that is this. If some people with access to baggage are such sleazy bitches and sons of bitches that they'll steal trifles from passengers, it follows that they might cheerfully insert a bomb in someone's luggage for a few terrorist dollars.
She checked two bags in San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Columbus, Ohio. She had an airplane change in New York. JetBlue all the way. JetBlue and the TSA, of course.
When she got home, one of the checked suitcases had the TSA's "Notice of Baggage Inspection" flyers inside, the sheet that notifies the passenger that the bag had been opened and the contents inspected. What the suitcase didn't have in it anymore was a clear plastic bag with low-value jewelry, a pedicure kit, and an unopened package of panties.
At least she had the expensive things, including the diamonds she got for Christmas, in her carry-on.
It seems unlikely that the TSA inspector would have stolen the items and then put the inspection notification in the bag, but you never know. It could have been a baggage handler in either San Juan or New York.
I emailed JetBlue and the TSA. No response yet from either, but it's been only a weekend and a holiday since I sent my complaint.
Sure, we all know, we're not wise to put valuables in checked luggage. My own rule is: Never check anything you ever want to see again.
But underwear?
Passengers are warned to leave bags unlocked for inspection. What TSA should do is open bags with the owners present, and allow the bags to be locked immediately after inspection.
Theft aside, there is a greater problem suggested by these common thefts from baggage, and that is this. If some people with access to baggage are such sleazy bitches and sons of bitches that they'll steal trifles from passengers, it follows that they might cheerfully insert a bomb in someone's luggage for a few terrorist dollars.
posted by Eric Rush | 4:47 PM
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