ishootthings Loc: Western shore of Lake Michigan

On the day of our departure en route to France last month, my camera, Canon 7D Mark II was stolen by either baggage handlers and/or TSA workers. My camera is always with me, never checked in baggage. While departing on our ORD-JFK leg of our trip continuing on to Nice, all passengers were told at the boarding gate to check their carry-on luggage at the end of the jetway as there wasn't room on the regional jet. Ugh! My camera roll aboard carry on, double locked with TSA approved locks went in the baggage hold, not to be seen again until arrival in Nice. After gathering our luggage at baggage claim in Nice, going on to our hotel, you can only imagine how shocked I was to UNLOCK my bag to find my camera stollen. The clever thieves had put the locks back on...after taking my camera ( and make op bag....really?).
I alerted my insurance company. Three weeks later upon our return home, I filed the papers and less my $1,000.00 deductible ( ouch!) a couple of weeks later had my camera etc replaced. ( Thank you West Bend Mutual!)
Lesson learned? WEAR MY CAMERA ON ALL FLIGHTS!
I've never had anything stolen before. It really is a horrible feeling, especially when you know your belongings were stolen by "trusted😱 government/airline employees."
I chose not to let the theft ruin our trip in France, as there are way more serious problems one could have. My husband and I were blessed to have an amazing trip, our health is great and how blessed we are to even be able to travel.
Just want everyone to learn from what happened to me.🙃

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

As a rule, my gear is with me - period. Also, I am insured with a $25,000 replacement cost policy (replace with new), with a $500 deductible, but I am looking around for something with better coverage even if it is higher in cost. It costs me about $250/yr.

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

I never check my camera or surrender it to the gate-check. Inside the rollerboard that I use as carryon, the main camera stuff rides in a padded camera bag that I can easily pull out with those last minute gatechecks. I've done it in the boarding line, on the tarmac, in the door of the plane, or wherever the forced gatecheck tags are handed out.

sarge69 Loc: Ft Myers, FL

My wife and I try to travel without checking baggage. Of course we have to check clothes at times but my camera gear goes into a back pack with my laptop and stays with me. I don't trust airlines or TSA. I can get my D7000 and 2 lens (plus the one on the camera) in my backpack.

Sarge69

gsmith051 Loc: Fairfield Glade, TN

Tough way to start a trip. Locks on a bag announce to world that there is something valuable inside. Some time ago airlines started getting tough on the small aircraft about carry on baggage. Someone on the forum said he flys first class and buys another seat for his camera gear. I switched to first class and found there is always room for a carry on bag and airline personnel do not bother first class ticketed passengers. Last week the guy next to me had two bags in the overhead. Little much! At any rate I always carry a small backup camera with me plus my cell phone just in case. Glad to hear you had a good trip despite the loss. 😀

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

Locks are worthless with a zippered bag. S-

Open A Locked Suitcase With A Pen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5mvvZl6pLI

ishootthings Loc: Western shore of Lake Michigan

Thank you to each of you for your worthwhile thoughts on this issue. I have travelled half way around the world several times and have never had a thing stolen . Live and learn. I'll know better next time.
Thank you all again!
Sonja

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

Great video, Steve. Thank you.

ELNikkor

TSA stole a rifle scope from my bag...maybe they were afraid I might use it on a gun!

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

ABC News Nightline did a TV Special, and used secret cameras with permission, showing TSA agents stealing your stuff. A laptop had a GPS installed, and was witnessed being stolen by one TSA Agent. They found out where the TSA Agent lived, knocked on his door, and requested the laptop to be returned. An electronic device was shown to the Agent at the door that made clear it was in his house. He gave it back to the Nightline Reporter. He was fired.

pelha Loc: middlle of nowhere NY

when i was told there was no room for my roller carry-on, i replied that it contained electronics with lithium batteries & all my meds, which i then proceeded to pull out & stuff into my backpack, which luckily, was expandable. medicines are never to be checked, also it's illegal, and dangerous, to check lithium batteries. the carry-on then was sent below, 90% empty, & i had to carry more weight than i should, but in a relatively squishable form, which did fit available space. turned out 3 bins were taken up with what looked like a ski bag. i would have made a fuss, if i had time, but i had barely made the connection (thanks to incoming flight delay) and it was the last flight out that day.

blackest Loc: Ireland

The lithium battery thing is worth remembering as it can ensure things stay closer to hand. It should over ride all baggage must be checked.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Those TSA locks are great, aren't they. They keep anyone out of your luggage - except people who work at the airport. I've read articles saying that baggage handling areas are like shopping malls for workers at the airport.

ishootthings Loc: Western shore of Lake Michigan

Exactly! They don't seem to be concerned about that anymore.😳

ishootthings Loc: Western shore of Lake Michigan

They need to do more of that, but the TSA workers all have their hands in the pot.