TheFLCowboy From United States of America, joined Jan 2004, 403 posts, RR: 0 Posted (9 years 4 months 2 weeks 6 days 7 hours ago) and read 1793 times:
This is my first post to a.net and I wanted to get some opinions on something that has been bothering me lately. In catalogs for the holidays Brookestone was selling a lock that had a key to allow the TSA to open it. It got me thinking, checked luggage is sniffed for bombs, x-rayed at least once, and more than likely sniffed by a dog. So where exactly does the TSA get the authority to open my bag and go through it on a whim after its already been examined 2 or 3 times? I lock my luggage for a reason, to keep people out of it.
Just wanted to get some other opinions. I searched for something on this and it didn't look like anybody else had talked about this yet.
Bruce From United States of America, joined May 1999, 5025 posts, RR: 17 Reply 1, posted (9 years 4 months 2 weeks 6 days 7 hours ago) and read 1773 times:
If the x ray machine detects something that they think looks suspicious then they would open it. Or of they consider it suspicious for any reason.
On my last trip, I used the curbside check in at BNA and after i got my boarding pass (southwest) i remembered i had parked my car in a handicapped space in the garage (it was close to the building) and i was going to have to quickly move my car further out on the lot. i did not park far out at first because i simply wanted to check in quick and get the A boarding pass and i would take me too long to walk all the way from the end of the lot.
Anyway, after they gave me the pass I started running back to the garage as i did not want to get a ticket. WEll, they must have thought it suspicious for a man to check in a bag and then RUN back to the garage so when i got to my destination and opend the suitcase there was a letter from the TSA saying they searched it.
bruce
Bruce Leibowitz - Jackson, MS (KJAN) - Canon 50D/100-400L IS lens
FLY777UAL From United States of America, joined May 1999, 4510 posts, RR: 3 Reply 2, posted (9 years 4 months 2 weeks 6 days 7 hours ago) and read 1770 times:
TSA opening luggage is just another way for them to screen the baggage, if there aren't machines available or dogs around. Even if they were to open it after going through machines and past dogs, they would go through it for a reason and not just, "on a whim" like you seem to think. Osama would lock his luggage for the very same reason--to keep people out of it, don't ya think?
You seem very keen to keep people out of your luggage--what exactly are you hiding in there?
Nlink From United States of America, joined Nov 2003, 313 posts, RR: 0 Reply 3, posted (9 years 4 months 2 weeks 6 days 7 hours ago) and read 1762 times:
The TSA has the right to open your bag at any time, as does the airlines if they deem it necessary, as does any federal law enforcement officer, and some local officers. It was that way also before 9-11, minus the TSA.
TheFLCowboy From United States of America, joined Jan 2004, 403 posts, RR: 0 Reply 4, posted (9 years 4 months 2 weeks 6 days 7 hours ago) and read 1741 times:
FLY777UAL-
I don't have anything to hide. I just don't like people going through my stuff without me being there. I'm just weird like that.
I guess it was just a misconception on my part. It's nice to know that they won't search it just because they want to break locks off and cause inconvenience.
I personally don't hold the TSA in very high regard anyway. When I go through the checkpoints, it looks to me like the same people are screening now that were pre 9-11.
Nlink From United States of America, joined Nov 2003, 313 posts, RR: 0 Reply 5, posted (9 years 4 months 2 weeks 6 days 7 hours ago) and read 1736 times:
Believe me, at least in my local airport the employees are different, only kept 2 of the original group. They are much more professional, at least a majority are. I still have some gripes though about them for not doing all he checkpoint work, as they still make the airline employees do part of there job, which is crazy imo, as they did it before TSA took over the checkpoint did it all with 20 people and now they do less in our airport with 75 people.
PiedmontGirl From United States of America, joined Nov 2003, 1124 posts, RR: 14 Reply 6, posted (9 years 4 months 2 weeks 6 days 7 hours ago) and read 1734 times:
The hand search of luggage is just another way to screen it.
Some things are not readily identifiable when viewed on machines. For example, cheddar cheese and plastique have the same density. If a suitcase has both a curling iron and a blow dryer in it and the cords are not neatly bundled, it can just look like a bunch of unidentifiable wires.
Jhooper From United States of America, joined Dec 2001, 6195 posts, RR: 13 Reply 7, posted (9 years 4 months 2 weeks 6 days 7 hours ago) and read 1725 times:
Welcome to Airliners.net, TheFLCowboy . Their authority to search your bag comes in the form of an "implied consent". By checking in your luggage and flying on the airlines, you voluntarily submit to the security measures in place. Sort of like the "inplied consent" law which gives law enforcement the right to administer a blood-alcohol test to drivers.
Last year 1,944 New Yorkers saw something and said something.
MidnightMike From United States of America, joined Mar 2003, 2892 posts, RR: 16 Reply 8, posted (9 years 4 months 2 weeks 6 days 4 hours ago) and read 1684 times:
FL Cowboy
Welcome aboard, the minute you purchase a ticket you are giving consent for your luggage to be inspected. Just like driving a car , while driving the police can inspect your car if they have a suspicion that their something wrong.
Jhooper From United States of America, joined Dec 2001, 6195 posts, RR: 13 Reply 9, posted (9 years 4 months 2 weeks 6 days 3 hours ago) and read 1638 times:
Just like driving a car , while driving the police can inspect your car if they have a suspicion that their something wrong.
actually, in that case they need more than mere suspicion. They need either a search warrant indicating probable cause exists or specific consent.
Last year 1,944 New Yorkers saw something and said something.
TheFLCowboy From United States of America, joined Jan 2004, 403 posts, RR: 0 Reply 10, posted (9 years 4 months 2 weeks 6 days 2 hours ago) and read 1610 times:
I personally just don't like people going through my stuff without me being there. What if they "forget" to put some of it back in my bag. It would be like an act of congress to try to get it back.
AA777MIA From United States of America, joined Aug 2003, 686 posts, RR: 3 Reply 11, posted (9 years 4 months 2 weeks 6 days 2 hours ago) and read 1593 times:
Its part of traveling these days.. I flew to NY, and even as a crewmember for a different airline (i checked my luggage), my bag had been searched and their was a note stating that it had... I think it was very professional..
SprxflySWA From United States of America, joined Nov 2003, 597 posts, RR: 0 Reply 12, posted (9 years 4 months 2 weeks 6 days 1 hour ago) and read 1587 times:
Believe me, I see many times when items are accidentally left out of checked bags after being inspected by the TSA. They usually make an effort to locate bag item came out of, but they never know what airline or what destination it belongs to.
I would think they would put all items from a bag in one tub, and when the tub was empty, then close bag and send it on its way. But then again, I have seen many 1/2 zipped bags they send out!
Airdude66 From United States of America, joined Nov 2003, 187 posts, RR: 0 Reply 13, posted (9 years 4 months 2 weeks 6 days 1 hour ago) and read 1568 times:
A certain percentage of checked luggage must be physically searched. It is the law.
If you want your privacy, ship it Fedex or go Greyhound. Meanwhile lets remember those who died on 9/11.
Everything would be a lot better in this industry if everyone just simply determined to comply with the regulations.
L-188 From United States of America, joined Jul 1999, 29350 posts, RR: 62 Reply 14, posted (9 years 4 months 2 weeks 5 days 22 hours ago) and read 1538 times:
What I want to know is who the hell gave the TSA the right to pull anybodies certificate without cause, and without a way to appeal it?
Thats right pilots, All the TSA has to say is no more and there isn't a damm thing you can do about it!
OBAMA-WORST PRESIDENT EVER....Even SKOORB would be better.
Necigrad From United States of America, joined Sep 2001, 183 posts, RR: 0 Reply 15, posted (9 years 4 months 2 weeks 5 days 11 hours ago) and read 1502 times:
I think I might feel a bit violated too, to be honest. But then again, I've searched bags before, even locked ones. I've seen so many vibrating bags it's not even funny. OK, well there WAS that one time shortly after 9/11 when there was two foreign girls that had a.... "rideable" sex toy. If the bag vibrates, it's going to be searched. And while YOU might not feel comfortable about it, you'd probably feel just as uncomfortable about being pulled off the plane last minute in front of all the other passengers to be present for the search. And some people do check embarassing items. Especially here in Vegas. We get quite a few vibrators. And yes, gloves are definatly worn!
BR715-A1-30 From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 16, posted (9 years 4 months 2 weeks 5 days 11 hours ago) and read 1495 times:
I only check my bags at the gate after the TSA has screened it. I will take it through the checkpoint, let them X-Ray it, then lock it up and check it at the gate.
Filterboy From United Kingdom, joined Dec 2003, 81 posts, RR: 0 Reply 17, posted (9 years 4 months 2 weeks 5 days 9 hours ago) and read 1468 times:
I have no problem with the TSA inspecting my luggage. ( I feel sorry for them having to go through my used clothes ewwwww)
The only thing that concerns me is that my luggage is left unlocked. How secure is my luggage from the TSA having inspected it and it being loaded onto the aircraft? If I arrive back in the UK and someone has placed an illegal substance in my case to smuggle it in I am still Liable and will be doing the jail time, is this the same in the US?
HlywdCatft From United States of America, joined Jan 2001, 5321 posts, RR: 7 Reply 18, posted (9 years 4 months 2 weeks 5 days 9 hours ago) and read 1460 times:
I don't know if the "Thousands Standing Around" have a place to search your luggage also in the back, but I was watching them search luggage at MCO and DTW the other day and when I gave them my bags I watched over them like a hawk before they put it on the conveyor to be sent to the plane. Now I don't know if they will search it again in the back.
I have heard many stories of "Tom's (Ridge) Stupid Assholes" stealing items from bags. If you have anything really valuable, I would suggest you pack it on carryon.
MD11Engineer From Germany, joined Oct 2003, 13334 posts, RR: 64 Reply 19, posted (9 years 4 months 2 weeks 5 days 9 hours ago) and read 1456 times:
In TXL,Berlin, Germany, if something suspicious was found on X-ray, the passenger would get called up and the bag hand searched in his/her presence. The security guards wouldn´t open it without the owner being present, to protect themselves against being sued. I would also object strongly against having my luggage searched without me being present.
MidnightMike From United States of America, joined Mar 2003, 2892 posts, RR: 16 Reply 20, posted (9 years 4 months 2 weeks 5 days 9 hours ago) and read 1454 times:
There is nothing wrong with the TSA, people are just so paranoid. If the TSA was stealing items out of people's luggage, it would be on the news in about "5" minutes.
TheFLCowboy From United States of America, joined Jan 2004, 403 posts, RR: 0 Reply 21, posted (9 years 4 months 2 weeks 5 days 9 hours ago) and read 1448 times:
It just seems to me that it is one more freedom taken away after 9-11. Don't get me wrong 9-11 was a horrible thing and yes we need to make changes in the way we handle ourselves, but between the acts that give the government the right to hold people indefinitely, have the authority to look into our backgrounds before a flight, and then going through our stuff. What's next? Are they going to look at someone's history and say "Gee, he looks like a terrorist, let's go search his house to make sure." To me, when I take my stuff on the road, that is my house because it holds all my belongings in it when I travel.
Dtw757 From United States of America, joined Oct 2003, 1415 posts, RR: 2 Reply 23, posted (9 years 4 months 2 weeks 5 days 9 hours ago) and read 1438 times:
I have to wonder about the brilliance of the TSA people examining luggage.
Last month I returned from Germany on NW from FRA-DTW. After clearing customs in DTW, you turn your luggage over to the TSA if you have a connecting flight.
I understand the need to examine new luggage entering the country. My thing is this. I was connecting to a flight on a Saab 340 to TOL, a 49 mile flight. The TSA agent chose to open my suitcase. I was going on a flight that's 20 minutes and on an airplane that holds 30 people.
If you're going to open luggage, let's be opening it for someone alot more suspicious. Let's not be wasting time with someone connecting to a twin engine turbo prop. Maybe someone going on a farther flight on a much larger aircraft.
Airdude66 From United States of America, joined Nov 2003, 187 posts, RR: 0 Reply 24, posted (9 years 4 months 2 weeks 5 days ago) and read 1396 times:
DTW757
So Sorry we forgot to inform the TSA that you and the other TOL passengers are exempt. There certainly would be no reason to suspect anyone traveling to or from Toledo or any other close to hub cities. Terrorists are well known for boarding long distance flights only.
You can email TellTSA@tsa.gov, I am sure they will exempt you in the future.
25 Robsawatsky: As a Canadian, I am amazed by the number of posts from the US that willingly support the loss of freedom and civil liberties in the name of security -
26 C17Glbm: I think that some aspects of TSA authority are blasted way out of proportion in aspect of constant threats. I feel that opening baggage is OK if there
27 Kempa: I believe that people who object to the manual search of their luggage without their presence should be entitled to have their luggage thoroughly x-ra
28 Syncmaster: All the times my bags have been hand searched (it always seems like there is at least 1 both going and coming back) they allowed me to stand next to t
29 Jhooper: However, I feel that most TSA screeners are taking their role a little too serious I sure hope they're taking their jobs seriously...
30 C17Glbm: "I sure hope they're taking their jobs seriously..." Belittling and humiliating people and TSA security procedures are two completely different things
31 Kempa: I have never been belittled or humiliated by the TSA. Inconvenienced, yes, but it is their job to suspect everyone, and do a search so that people wit
32 C17Glbm: Inconveniencing travelers is not an issue. However, telling me that I have no reason to be dressed up in an Air Force flightsuit and walking through a
33 B747-4U3: I agree with an earlier post in this thread which said that they dislike people searching their bags without being there. I completely agree with this
34 Kempa: Walking through a civilian airport in a military flightsuit should evoke respect. However, during these times, it also arouses suspicion. I don't know
35 Jhooper: Inconveniencing travelers is not an issue. However, telling me that I have no reason to be dressed up in an Air Force flightsuit and walking through a
36 C17Glbm: Kempa I want to thank you for your insight and I totally agree with you. There are many cases where military personnel should not wear their uniforms.
37 Frntman: I understand the need to examine new luggage entering the country. My thing is this. I was connecting to a flight on a Saab 340 to TOL, a 49 mile flig
38 7574EVER: I was unpacking after being away for a weekend and I found a note in my checked bag that said something along the lines of: "Your bag was chosen to be
39 Dtw757: Airdude66 Frntman, I think maybe I've been misunderstood. I'm not saying that any city close to a hub city should be exempt. I also know that a device
40 MD11Engineer: Back in the 70´s Germany was the target of a communist group with bombings, kidnappings and hijackings. Their aim was to make the government to becom
41 Okie: Did I not catch that Ridge got busted for Drinking and Driving during the height of the Orange Alert during the Holidays. I believe that was on CNN no
42 RiverVisualNYC: The rules are very clear. The TSA can open and inspect your bags at anytime for any reason. If it's locked they will break the lock, they have the rig
43 FedExIndy: You want to know something really bad. I have seen on numerous occasions the TSA opening a bag and acually looking at developed pictures people have i
44 Silverfox: What law forbids the TSA requesting the presence of the owner of the bags whilst being searched? Surely that is the best way?
45 Frntman: DTW757- I believe the traveling public overall has become much like it was prior to 9/11......complacent. The aviation industry and passengers alike w
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