A Survey: Has any UHH member had a piece of photo equipment stolen from checked luggage?
Nov 15, 2017 09:53:45 #
Back in the late 70's I had a Konica 35mm SLR stolen out of checked luggage on a PSA flight. Since I had no way to prove the camera was in the bag, PSA politely told me to take a hike. I do believe I got the last laugh though. I eventually bought another camera and 35+ years later I'm still shooting while PSA no longer exists.
Nov 15, 2017 10:01:45 #
The only thing I ever checked of a photographic nature, is a tripod - which I do about two to three times per year. Never had a problem - knock wood!!!
Nov 15, 2017 10:02:33 #
MacGregor
Loc: North America
Never lost anything after much travel, including one trip where a cheap backpack zipper gave out (a cautionary tale in itself) and my bag and ALL contents and valuables came back to me wrapped in what looked like an entire roll of duct tape.
Nov 15, 2017 10:17:39 #
autry
Loc: Ashland, VA. - Center of The Universe
Security at every level of an airport is absolutely ridiculous. Until you get to the baggage claim. Then its just like take whatever bag you want...
Nov 15, 2017 10:47:38 #
There have been a number of airport theft rings reported over the years. One was at Boston's Logan Airport a few years ago and lots of people had stuff stolen from luggage by the luggage handlers. I lived in Boston at the time so this was too close to home. Consequently I never check anything important to my trip ... ever.
Nov 15, 2017 10:51:51 #
Traveled over 44 countries; never had anything stolen by airline or TSA employees. I cannot say the same thing for cruise ships.
Nov 15, 2017 10:59:00 #
I used to work security at Denver International Airport. I would say 99% of thefts was by employees. Employees have access to sensitive areas. One case I point is a United Pilot brought a very expensive custom rifle from Switzerland. It was stolen vert easily. We know how I won't mention how but it was super easy since all of the information was available by United employee if they per sued it aggressively.
Nov 15, 2017 11:01:04 #
jaycoffman
Loc: San Diego
No photo equipment stolen--probably because I do not put it in checked luggage. I have had TSA drink a bottle of rum and leave 1/2 inch at the bottom and I have had an expensive Swiss Army Knife stolen. TSA is notoriously indifferent to reports of stolen items. I do have one friend who took a picture of her photo equipment in her case and left a note to that effect on top of the equipment. It wasn't stolen but I really don't know if they even opened that case. Best be very careful of what you check and push if it gets stolen because things do get stolen.
But, remember, most TSA agents are professional and honest and do not steal--it's just the small percentage who do that give rise to false stereotypes.
But, remember, most TSA agents are professional and honest and do not steal--it's just the small percentage who do that give rise to false stereotypes.
Nov 15, 2017 11:02:50 #
I spent 30 years of my working career frequently travelling by air. While I tried to carry on my bag when possible there were many, many times that I had to check luggage. When I tool my camera I always carried my camera bag on, but over those years I never had anything stolen from checked baggage. Eastern Airlines did, somehow, lose two of my bags somewhere between Charlotte and Philadelphia many years ago. They showed up two weeks later.
Nov 15, 2017 11:06:40 #
At the gate, I was asked by Iberia's ground attendant, literally in front of the plane's gate, to have my carry on luggage checked in. The flight was from Madrid to Athens. Lack of space was the excuse, but the bin space in the cabin was more than plenty. Hash hash...I forgot to take with me from my carry on my iPhone and my running GPS watch. These items never arrived to Athens, or at least to me. Iberia promptly denied liability. The moral, do not leave your valuables out of you sight or possession. Never have them in checked in luggage. As far as I am concerned, I will no longer fly Iberia, even for free.
Nov 15, 2017 11:09:35 #
Nov 15, 2017 11:09:39 #
Nov 15, 2017 11:12:07 #
Yankeepapa6
Loc: New York City
mcveed wrote:
That's what you get when you pay baggage handlers minimum wage, and supervisors only slightly more. A well packed lens would have survived. I'm really more interested in the stolen question. When I travel on a photo trip my carry-on limit is filled with my photo gear and I check my clothing and other items. When I travelled on short trips for duty I never checked anything either, but that was years ago. How do you handle your stuff now with baggage and carry-on limits?
I think they may get more than minimum wages. Wages have nothing to do with honesty. How many politicians do we have in Washington?? Also those who did not get elected.
Nov 15, 2017 11:22:30 #
True most TSA are honest. However I will re emphasize most thefts are done by employees of the airlines they do not have extensive background checks. Also a word of caution....Do not label your luggage as fragile. That luggage is tossed, dropped stomped on and kicked. I learned that last year when I worked for Christmas money for an unmentioned airline. I watched these senior guys telling me watch this as they dropped stomped on kicked and abused the fragilely marked luggage. In one case they actually opened the suitcase and smashed the liquor bottles. These guys are overworked and under paid. I have witnessed entire crews walk of the job leaving the management to finish the work.
Nov 15, 2017 11:23:07 #
jaxpics
Loc: NNJ
mcveed wrote:
I have never packed a camera body or lens in check... (show quote)
It happens ... sorry if this was posted already.
http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2013/08/30/authorities-kennedy-airport-workers-busted-in-alleged-baggage-theft-ring/
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.