Baggage thieves

[asuran]

http://www.cnn.com/2015/04/13/us/airport-luggage-theft/index.html

Has anyone here lost anything from their checked baggage when they travel?
I remember back in the days when we had those tiny locks for our luggage but since 9/11 that is not allowed anymore.

I have enjoyed moving around freely without too big of a carry-on and never had a problem with my baggage thus far but it's something that I will have to change. Just to be safe.

 

[MissCroft]

Never lost anything from my checked baggage but have opened my suitcase to find that it had been looked through (items removed from bags, etc.) and everything was all over the place.

I understand they have to do it but it's annoying when you spend so much time folding and organizing everything. If I remember correctly, they left some sort of note/card saying that it had been inspected.

 

[onthebottom]

Use TSA accessible locks and I've never had an issue with something missing, moved/rearranged yes.

 

[punter]

I remember back in the days when we had those tiny locks for our luggage but since 9/11 that is not allowed anymore.

Are you sure? I used one a few years ago without a problem.

 

[destillat]

The locks are still permitted.
If you use a TSA approved lock, they can open it without damaging it if they want to inspect your bag.
If you don't use an approved lock and they feel like inspecting your bag, they will just cut the lock.

 

[asuran]

If I remember correctly, they left some sort of note/card saying that it had been inspected.

I remember getting that note too on one of my rare longer (3 weeks) trips.
They didn't shuffle too much with my stuff, I packed things in compartments, each in separate bags. (LOL, neat freak!!)
For casual clothes; dress clothes; tooth brush/shaver stuff; socks and underwear etc..etc.. Makes things easier for unpacking too.

Are you sure? I used one a few years ago without a problem.

Ah, yes. As destillat said, they will just cut/break it if they suspect anything in the baggage.
I remember it happened to a colleague of mine, thus my thought was it wasn't allowed.

 

[abv]

Use nylon zip ties.

 

[MissCroft]

I think they can also open combination locks. (?) I don't even bother locking my checked baggage because I don't want them to break my suitcase.

 

[viewsonic]

There's no point in ever putting a lock on a suitcase anymore, the work around is way too easy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mf-DGKUNffI

 

[harryass]

I don't get it why airports allow the general public to be in the domestic baggage pickup area. The domestic flight baggage area should aslo be separated and restricted to passengers only. So easy for someone to just walk off with your baggage

 

[TeeJay]

I don't get it why airports allow the general public to be in the domestic baggage pickup area. The domestic flight baggage area should aslo be separated and restricted to passengers only. So easy for someone to just walk off with your baggage

You need to walk past security when exiting airport

 

[checks]

You need to walk past security when exiting airport

At Vancouver it is possible to walk right up to the baggage carousel without going near security. You could theoretically walk up, grab a bag and walk right to a car. Nobody would have any clue. Unless they happened to see you grab their bag. Usually the passengers are there before the bags arrive.

 

[MissCroft]

At Vancouver it is possible to walk right up to the baggage carousel without going near security. You could theoretically walk up, grab a bag and walk right to a car.

Yes.....I think Calgary is the same.

 

[TeeJay]

Considering they need you to have baggage in your possession to bust you I find it very hard to beleive any international airport would be like that

Sure some local ones maybe but Vancouver or Calgary? No way

 

[abv]

Pearson too. You can walk into & out of the domestic baggage claim without passing any type of security.