Thefts of cigarettes, laptops and credit cards from checked luggage by baggage handlers working at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport should serve as a reminder for travelers:
• Don't put anything of value in your checked luggage, especially electronic equipment, cameras, cash or credit cards.
• Always lock your checked bags, preferably with a Transportation Safety Administration-approved lock that can be opened by security screeners, then relocked.
"Since August, everyone has been focused on the ban on liquids (in carry-on luggage) at security checkpoints," said Sea-Tac spokesman Bob Parker. "They need to be equally focused on what things are appropriate to put into checked bags. Valuable items should not go into checked bags. They are fine in your carry-on, and that's where they should be."
Changes in security rules have travelers confused about what they can and can't take onboard in their carry-ons, Parker said. Security rules ban most liquids and gels in containers larger than three ounces, but most other items are allowed, with the exception of knives, guns, lighters, etc.
Many travelers also think they have to leave their checked bags unlocked. After the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the airlines and TSA encouraged people not to lock checked bags so that security screeners could inspect them. That advice has changed.
Checked bags are screened electronically, and some are inspected physically. If a bag is locked, screeners may cut the lock. That's where the TSA-approved locks come in.
Available for around $8 each at luggage stores, American Automobile Association outlets, airport shops and through other retailers, the locks, signified by either a diamond symbol or a flame, depending on the company that makes them, can be opened by screeners, then relocked . "In the case of Menzies (the ground services crew accused of the thefts while working for Alaska Airlines at Sea-Tac), a lock would have prevented them from entering those bags," said Jennifer Peppin, TSA spokeswoman in Seattle.
Airlines cover travelers flying domestically to a maximum of $2,800 for loss of checked luggage or items packed inside. Most international liability is limited to $9 per pound, but airlines exclude many types of valuables including binoculars, cameras, laptop, almost any type of electronic equipment, keys, furs, etc. For a full list, refer to "Checked Baggage" on your airline's Web site.
If your luggage is damaged or pilfered:
• Report the loss to your airline within 24 hours. Retain copies of your ticket and baggage claim check.
• File a claim with TSA. See tsaclamis.com or call 866-289-9673.
• Parker also advises filing a police report.
No comments:
Post a Comment