Might as well invest in a Tumi for that kind of cash! I’ve come to believe that high end bags are a target for thieving baggage handlers as well as carousel thieves. I’ve been there once, and never again. It’s carry on from now on.
TSA in Atlanta tried stealing my gaming laptop back in 2016. The agent stacked several bins on top of the bin my laptop was in and stacked them with the other bins. When I saw that my laptop bin was missing I said something to the guy, he said there was no laptop in any of the bins, I told him to let me check the bins he stacked, he said I couldn't come behind the roped area, I yelled for a supervisor and he threatened to have security escort me out. I yelled again and actually got a police officer to come over, he checked a couple of the bins down and said there was no laptop, I told him to look at the bin about 7 down, I could see that it was raised up higher than the rest, sure as shit, there it was. I reported this to TSA but they never replied.
I had the same thing in Atlanta. I saw a TSA agent walking off with my Breitling watch. No explanation, he just threw it in a bin after I was shouting at him l.
Airline pilot here, place your phone and wallet (and nice watches, jewelry, etc) deep inside of a zipped compartment in your luggage or purse. If it's loose in a bin, it's just begging to go for a walk. Even if they have to open the luggage to inspect it, you'll be standing there while they do it. Never check any item you can't afford to lose.
@rickgesell9468 I have never traveled before by plane. We will be taking a trip. I have a pace maker and cannot go through a scanner. What happens in that case?
I went through the TSA line and had to put my items in 3 bins. A lady put her bin in between two of my bins, most likely by mistake, but the TSA lady took her bin from between mine and put it behind mine so that my 3 bins were together. I liked that she did that and thanked her.
I was moving to Hawaii from Colorado and bought a new (less than $100) bright yellow SMALL carry on suitcase. Everything of value I owned, that wasn't in my personal item case or on me, was in that carry on - tax papers, medical, legal, my children's pictures, and much more. The gate agent at United Airlines, where my family and I had worked for years, told me my carry on was too large. My suitcase was small so I could handle it because I'm small. People with giant carry ons were boarding the plane. I pointed this out to the agent but he had control of my life and I started crying but he just stood there and lied to my face. I couldn't afford to miss that flight. I couldn't afford to leave that suitcase because I knew in my gut he was going to steal it. I boarded but left my seat and went out to the gate and MY little suitcase was the only one there! Why was I not surprised? I took it and reboarded, found plenty of overhead for it and sat down. Pretty soon I hear someone yelling my name on the plane. He grabbed my arm and asked me if I took my suitcase. People around me saw a very large man grabbing my skinny arm and basically terrorizing me. I then told him my heart medication was in the suitcase, which most of it was because I couldn't fit anymore in my personal item. He let go of me as people around were looking at him. He told me not to do it again and left. I have never flown United again since they started hiring crooks.
Hi. I'm sorry for the distress caused by being manhandled. Please understand that others feel for you. Being bullied is something that is hard to get over.
They hire thug gate agents on Delta out of Minneapolis too. I was bullied by female thugs coming and going to Palm Springs. I was in first class and was treated very badly. And profiled and followed by Security like a criminal. I am no criminal.
Don't walk through security while your handbag is still on the other side, no matter how many times they tell you to go through. You are being separated from your valuables. Let others go ahead of you. I had an agent take my LV handbag off the conveyer turn his back to me, and rifle through it while constantly looking over his shoulders to see if I was still there. I was yelling at him to give it back, and with all the airport noise he just ignored me. Watch your stuff, those uniforms do not mean they are honest people.
Personally, I would've been RIGHT ON TOP of THAT agent.... and I would've been grabbing my stuff BACK away from them while the camera was rolling, because we would've gone LIVE on social media Oh yes, and I would've named names, shown faces, everything
Around 2009ish, the security screening back then took 2 pair's of expensive sunglasses that i had deliberately put at the very top of my handbag so i would notice them if they were to go missing by some off chance, which was an intuitively inspired action for some reason, & thankfully i didn't ignore it. Upon raising the alert that my sunglasses were missing, as well as saying it out loud enough to draw attention to the situation, they kept on saying over & over again that they would take my details and if the items showed up they would call me. Hell nooo...not a chance, they were there a moment ago i know because i put them at the top of my bag so i could see immediately if they went missing, so i kept insisting that they call the Feds because i wasn't about to go anywhere until both pairs were handed over. By this stage, one of them appeared quite nervous and they kept trying to get me out of there for obvious reasons, so i said i was camped there until they handed them over. They began looking between the trays...🙄 SERIOUSLY !?!?!? Sunglasses are bulky items, especially when both pairs were in their proper cases. How they thought that they'd get stuck between the stacked trays is beyond me. Just by that action alone, confirmed who the culprit was right there. They became quite frantic that i wasn't budging or about to be hushed up with some insane BS routine spiel about taking my details and getting back to me if they turned up. The culprit was infact the team leader that day and they called me into the tiny office which was just off to the side of where they were screening... and that's when i said i would call the Feds to investigate a theft and put in a formal complaint with their supervisor of airport security if necessary... and if i needed, i would go even further...eg: social media or on one of those current affair type of programs that were on air back then. Little did i realise back then what i know now !!! 😐 As it turned out, the security leader made out like she was looking through the desk drawers for a pen or something and then miraculously found both pairs of sunglasses would you believe and stupidly asked if they were mine...🙈 Thankfully, i got both pairs back and still managed to catch my flight. That was definitely at Brisbane Airport and around 2009 if memory serves correctly. There was an escalator immediately after going through the domestic flight screening process, so once you're done and get on the escalator, good luck getting back down if it's still the same now as it was back then. It really pays to have more time up our sleeve to be well prepared and to check all our items before we leave the security screening area ! These day's it's easier for me to put everything into a carry on🧳which has a pin code lock as well as a padlock and put the one 🔑 in the tray that has a decent size novelty key ring attached to it so it's not easily hidden..and that's it, if they want to search, then they can give a valid reason and search it in front of me. At Melbourne airport, security attempted to take my bags away to search them and i had to call out for the Feds again. I told them that they could search my bag's not a problem there, but it had to be done in front of me or i'd have to involve the Feds. We can't simply accept everything they say, we must question everything and know our rights back to front nothing less, it's up to us.
Last flight, I had opened a bag of hershey’s kisses and dumped them into the front pocket for easy snacking. The screener held my bag and walked me over to a table to inspect it while giving me the evil eye and calling back up, and I’m just chattering away innocently. Three others show up, he asks again if he can check my bag, I say sure, y’all always do. Surrounded by security, he unzips the pocket and lifts a handful of foil wrapped kisses… that’s when I actually understand this event, and start laughing saying I’m sorry guys, I never thought kisses would be an issue. They practically threw the candy into the bag, zipped it and waved me away 😂 😂 😂 Wanna mess with airport security. Dump kisses in the your front pocket of your carry on.
You are right about Paris CDG-On my way to Istanbul for work, an agent moved away 2 Armani products that were perfect flight sized. When I asked her about it, she looked very annoyed that I saw her move. She was just stealing my products with no shame.
Another tip to avoid chaos, confusion, and angst... as soon as your stuff comes through the scanner and is within reach get your bins of stuff off the rollers and bring it over to the near by tables and sort it all out there and put your shoes and coats back on. So frustrating to not be able to get to my stuff because everyone is standing in front of the rollers getting dressed and organized.
My pet peeve. And that goes for anywhere there is a queue of people that cannot get by. Yes,TSA checkpoint, plane aisles while boarding or exiting the plane and everyone in front of you has moved on, doorways or areas in front of escalators.on Yes, by all means, let's all wait while you put on your belt, dig through your bag, or hold your conversation in the only doorway out. It always happens when you have a short connecting flight. Common courtesy, man.
TSA precheck is the answer. Also, get serious when you are going through the magnetometer. I am sick of all the nonsense, chatter, and dumb people who just stand there after their bags go through the conveyor belt. MOVE along. The key is preparation BEFORE you get to the line. Put your valuables in a personal bag or crossbody and NEVER let it leave your sight. Disraction is a thief's best friend. Be aware, move along, and remember you are NOT the only person trying to get somewhere at the airport.
Oh one time (and this was right after Thanksgiving in 2001), I was randomly called for a search at the gate before boarding my connecting flight home. I had been visiting family. My grandmother had given me some of my mom’s jewelry (which was very expensive) and my dad had given me cash and a large check to fix something with my car. They looked through my carryon and purse and separated me by a wall. When I got home, a friend who worked with law enforcement told me, “you should have said you wanted to at least watch.” But it was right after 9/11 and I didn’t want to make waves. Luckily, nothing was taken, but it scared me. I told my mom I would never have that much valuable stuff with me on a plane again. I doubt that jewelry has been insured in years.
Yes, there should be tips on how to keep from being robbed no matter WHO you're protecting yourself from You don't know that Part of Revelation might possibly be unfolding because look how much hotter Summers are getting, but as God said in his word people still won't quit doing what they're doing, which also involves stealing He said something in his word about scorching men with either fire or great heat, but they STILL WON'T REPENT! There's been a picture of something to do with the Sun, but God only knows what's up with that As soon as someone who happens to be an observer talk about it online, their access to the observance page was blocked Someone's hiding something
I'm more attentive when I'm going through security ever since I saw a security agent grab my wallet. He saw that I had seen him and put it under my clothes in the other bin. Strange behaviour!
Don’t let airport security (TSA, etc.) stress you. Be methodical when adding, and removing your items in trays. Always keep your gear in sight. Don’t pass the walk-through metal detector before your bag goes into the x-ray machine. And to repeat: look at what the airport security is doing with your luggage.
Exactly right Mike. Don’t pass through the metal detector until your bag enters the x-ray machine & never let your bag out of sight (as far as is possible), many of the “security” staff are on minimum wage.
Sometimes you can't "always keep your gear in sight." The TSA requires you to temporarily relinquish possession and control of your personal items for scanning but does not guarantee the items will not be damaged, lost, or stolen while not in your possession.
I learned the ‘no black suitcase” rule almost 20 years ago. On my first trip to LA, I found myself waiting at the baggage claim forever because I couldn’t tell MY black suitcase from all the other black bags. It went around 3 or 4 times times before I realized it. I swore never again would my bag be black!
Two years ago when I was coming back from Greece, I did a really stupid thing, I left my wallet in the bin at the security check at the Athens airport. I didn't realize it tell about 15 minutes later when I was going to buy a couple of things. I ran back to the security check area fully expecting that my wallet would be gone, but no they had taken it and locked up in a safe. After a couple of question to verify it was mine, they gave it back to me but made me check to be sure everything was still there. I don't think I would have ever seen my wallet again had this happened in the USA.
going trhough tsa at Rapid City SD, i lost my phone when my daughter put her bin on top of mine. we realized about 30 mins later but couldn't find it. spoke with a police office, who gave me the number for the airport manager, and within 2 days they had shipped it to me in Phoenix. very grateful
I once dropped my driver's license going through security. Fortunately I realized when I went to put it back in my wallet. Fortunately when I went back they had it and gave it to me without asking for identification.
I got lucky is USA leaving for Athens in fact. Left my bag of jewelry and it was still there. And on way home from Egypt I left my wallet in my stowaway luggage on the outside zip. and it was still there. It was the most stressful plane ride ever. Have faith!
I spent many hours on a bus going up into a mountain town where there was no plane access, and on this bus, I met an interesting gentleman who worked with an airline fairly high up. The number one thing he told me to keep suitcases safe was to make them look old and beat up. From that point on when I buy new suitcases I purposely bang around, and get them good and scratched. Then I take a spray can and add a bunch of graffiti-type art if you can call it that. Not only does it stand out, but nobody wants to touch it. I highly recommend skins for your computers, phones, tablets, and any other equipment. I would choose something wild and kind of child-like that makes it look like it might be a child's computer, and cover up anything brand logos on it. Nobody needs to see the apple or the snakes of a Razor computer, cover that stuff up. The airport is not the place to brag about how expensive your computer is. If you don't want it to be child-like, then go with something like a realistic scary snake or spider pic, or something that is completely gross. If this is your work computer just put a skin on it that is professional, but a bit on the loud side. Or put a skin on it that makes it look like it has been to hell and back like it has been checked and flown in the underbelly of the plane. The point is thieves won't pick up something that they think is cheap (child-like) and obnoxious. They are not going to pick up something obnoxious in any kind of way. Too easy to get caught.
Absolutely! I still use the luggage my parents purchased for me when I went to college. It's presentable, but it looks like what it is, mid level luggage, out of date, and Definitely not interesting. It Definitely doesn't look like luggage that might contain something worth stealing! No one gives it a second look. Bonus: It's easy to identify! When I need new luggage, I will buy "vintage".
I have a backpack that i put all of my important items locked in on the bottom. On top, I place my travel accessories. I use a travelon purse that I slide into the backpack and the backpack has a tsa lock. Once I have my passport scanned I stick it into the backpack and zip it. Then I go through security. I make it a point to not bring expensive items. I stopped bringing a laptop and am strongly considering not bringing my tablet. Its a pain to figure out if I need to pull it out or not, which depends on the agent, in my experience. My checked bag is locked with a cover and then I use a strap around it. I make my luggage hard to get in quickly.
Before getting to security I put all items I do not need to get through security in a zippered pocket inside of my briefcase. Includes my watch, wallet and phone. (I print my boarding pass-not on my phone and have my Global Entry ID card only). Years ago, the pull on zipper broke off so it is not easy to unzip without the little metal hook I have elsewhere in my briefcase.
While returning home from Europe this past Thursday and going through TSA-Pre in the Atlanta airport, I was not allowed to keep my passport with me. Since my bag was already scanned, I had to place it in a bin by itself. I was extremely nervous as I was moved 2 entry points away from the scanner. I was able to retrieve my passport and had it checked as valid afterwards. Also, about your bottle opener - I had one before boarding a train in Madrid and was pulled aside for a luggage check. My bottle opener was confiscated by security because of the size and having a blade. Said bag did not cause any issues in neither of the US airports I had visited before flying to Europe. I want to thank you for preparing me as a single traveler as I usually travel with my husband and kids.
I could imagine your anxiety being far from your passport. Soon after the document and boarding pass check, I would place my passport, pass, and wallet in my personal item (sling bag). I almost lost my boarding pass by putting it in the bin and the TSA noticed it when he was putting away all the bins.
That's not legal. There is ZERO reason to take your documents away from you. They will pass through a body scanner without setting it off. Also if you're a US citizen it is illegal to refuse you entrance if you declare yourself. That's coming from a border patrol agent 6 days ago!!
My husband is an inventor of expensive guitars. He's the only one in the world that makes those guitars. And one was stolen from the baggage department at a airport port. It was immediately sold to a unsuspecting buyer. And the guitar has to come back to us occasionally for maintenance. My husband cracked the theft ring at the airport baggage department. He carefully tracks all of his creations. His creations are one of a kind. And sought after by the music community. Very proud of him for cracking the theift ring. Not all baggage departments have scrupulous employees. But it does make you think about what's in your baggage. There is a market for lost luggage. Millions of pounds per year. If you don't want your stuff lost. Better be taping your address all over it. God bless all your journeys.
I see this all the time, why do people think they have to carry their ID and boarding pass with them through the body scanner ?? Put that stuff in your bag and close the bag shut
Good question, the answer is that for years after 9/11 you had to show your ID yet AGAIN at the gate. They did get rid of that step so now you need only your boarding pass, after showing your ID two times-plus no one without a boarding pass being allowed past those checkpoints anyway. But the fear still lingers: what else are they going to want from me? Other than that, maybe simple absent mindedness. Yes, you can stash your ID after TSA sees it upon you entering the security line. I’m aware of someone who still uses the men’s method of change, keys, etc. in a pocket. Is the passport safer stashed or lying in an open dish in the big bin (since it can’t be in a pocket)? I don’t know.
I wear a jacket with zipper pockets, put my valuables (watch, wallet, cell phone, passport, etc.) in the pockets, zip them shut and put the jacket in the TSA x-ray tray. Flying is such BS; I hate it so much. Security workers who get caught abusing the public need to go to prison for a long time. Young people put up with this nonsense because they've never known anything other than the post-9/11 world. Those of us old enough to remember the pre-9/11 days don't even want to go to an airport anymore.
You got it! This whole control us is taken to another level and we lost so much to these criminals. They are looking for stuff they can sell on EBAY!!!
If you truly hate flying so much, there are alternatives. Train, bus, chartered driver, or drive yourself. And if traveling to another continent there is passenger ships. Or you could choose to not travel at all. Instead of complaining, change your own actions. 😄
@@absurdnerd7624still doesnt mean flying should have stupid weird security procedures which are clearly a result of America's love of bureaucracy rather than anything intelligently secure.
Accidentally left my bag in Dubai airport during the scrum after Covid to get through to the train They couldn’t have been more helpful. Bag taken to security, contents photographed which I had to identify when I picked up. Well Done Dubai !!!
I use colorful handle grippers on my hand carry and suitcases to differentiate from others . Another way of preventing TSA “mishandling” your valuables is to pack them inside clear ziplock and then a colorful or pattern bag…. Lessons learned from losing quite a few items going through US TSA lines in the busy LAX, NY airports…
Some good tips. Thanks, again. "Hidden" documents pouch. It is lightweight, washable, and discreet when worn around the neck, or as a belt within my waistband. Mostly it keeps my critical ID, passport, boarding pass, and cash next to my body at all times and hands free at inspections minimizing the chance of loss. Peace of mind. I am not that worried about corrupt TSA but more with inspectors in sketchy developing countries, especially typically macho parts of the world. Mainly, I do not travel with anything valuable. The few items that I care about are in my clear (see through), brightly coloured safe pouch, and the six items in it are listed and photographed. One thing that I think helps is to be organized at every stage. An orderly bag makes it easier to detect when something is disturbed or missing, and deters random thievery. With the exception of seasonal or special excursion/activity items, I pack (or remain packed) the same for every trip whether 3 days or 3 weeks. I might only deviate from this for an overnighter. Cold weather obviously necessitates more layers and appropriate boots. My clothes are in 3 nearly weightless silicone nylon packing cubes, plus a similar toiletry kit. My one alternative pair of shoes is in a shoe bag, and the dead space inside my shoes have long narrow pouches filled with my socks, specialty socks, and..... drier sheets (that deodorize and can be used in a tumble drier if available). Each packing cube is labeled and they fit neatly into my travel rolling carry-on with backpack straps, side carry handle, shoulder sling strap ( 4 different carry options for various conditions). I also use a bag within a bag within a bag system (like a Russian matrushka doll) for when I know I need extra gear/clothes/cargo on the return trip. My core luggage is the same, the bag I described which is carry-on size. But I sometimes I carry, folded flat inside my carry on bag, a rectangular military cordura bag which is the max allowable suitcase size. This helps a lot for when I shop on the road or carry bulky items. I also have a nifty roll-up garment bag for my suit and dress shoes. This can fit in my carry-on also, as I reserve about half the space for things I might bring back. And finally, there is my hand baggage which is 90% of the time my trusty old Osprey daypack. It has a 6 litre hip pack which I have clipped onto the top as a brain. And inside the Osprey pack is a Fjällreven shoulder (my "possibles") bag which serves as an organizer. In turn, this backpack can even fit into my carry-on also when I am comfortable that I won't need anything but my water and my music for like the home bound leg of my journey. Speaking of "possibles bag", I carry an extra little silicone-nylon zipper pouch for TSA and I put my keys, wallet, watch, rolled up belt, folding toothbrush (pre-toothpasted), packet of wet wipes, rolled up ear phones, and polar bear Pez dispenser into it before security so that nothing is loose in the bins. I place this pouch, my travel documents secure organizer, and my water flask with lid open in one bin, laying my jacket on top. Travel locks are next to useless IMO. Besides TSA, almost anyone can buy a TSA master key online, cheaply. But also, those little travel locks are so chintzy one can snap it off with a butter knife (which I have when I lost my key). The only thing a baggage zipper lock might do is slightly deter/delay a casual thief and let you know that someone busted your lock. Cheap plastic zip ties serve the same purpose, and there is a hi-vis orange lockout tag variant used by electrical safety inspectors with an official looking "Do Not Use" tag. More useful during travel, I think, is one of those retracting cable locks. I secure my bag in waiting areas, trains, ferries, hotel luggage storage, and even wifi cafes where I might leave for a sec to grab a quick sugar packet or might doze off while relaxing. I have one with a motion detector alarm built-in which is also handy as a hotel room door handle warning alarm. This cable lock can serve as a distinct luggage tag by just affixing a sticker label (and cover all but the name with another sticker for opsec). I sometimes use the wire cable in a loop to hold my jacket next to my luggage hands free. There are perhaps 5 other applications as a personal defense device. Air tags. One hidden in each bag.
Before going through the screener.... Make certain you placed your security pouch and contents securely in a carry on or under seat bag... Either wise the security agent will have you remove the security pouch right there in the open from your waist or neck in public... Then after you board the plane go to the toilet and replace the security pouch back on your waist or neck in private.....
Wow, great tips, thank you for the effort of writing them down! I would copy and save these tips into my notes if this app would allow it. I'll try to remember them. Thanks again!
@@eddym5532 an (Apple) air tag is a BlueTooth tracking device that works with your smartphone, tablet or computer. Tile is a similar item/company. Those are the two largest, there are smaller companies offering similar service, but some go out of business (like TrackR).
Bright colorful luggage SOUNDS good, but the other passenger with the same colorful luggage won't even check the tag. I caught one lady making off with my bright green bag - which looked exactly the same as hers. Use the ribbons and stickers , people.
I use a mix of sewed on dog leashes (cheep ones that have been cut up) that have been arraigned into my initials on the front, back and sides except for the two sides with the handles as well as using several different colors of paracord (because I make my own customized modular dog leashes with the hardware that was salvaged from the cheap dog leashes and some "virgin"/not really traditional hardware) that I stitch down and "braid" onto the handles on my bag so that I can spot my bag from nearly 50 feet away from me.
I think we stopped a situation like this at Heathrow. We were flying back home to Ottawa going thru security. My Daughter and I were both told to leave our passports in the bin. This has happened many times before so I was cautious but not alarmed. I went thru first then my daughter. I stopped and looked at her and said where is your passport? Nowhere to be found. A tsa agent was screaming at us to move on. I stood my ground with that we were staying until my daughter gets her passport back. They told me several times they didn’t have it and to move on. Out of the corner of my eye I saw something hit the floor under the X-ray scanner and there it was, my daughter’s passport. I will be now always putting away the passport and as soon as they check it and my boarding pass.
Your description sounds to me like someone really did have your daughter's passport, but because you stood your ground, it sounds to me like you put the heat on and someone probably took cover and dropped the passport behind the x-ray machine I guarantee if someone screamed at me like you describe, I'd be screaming right back that much louder Comma having a naturally BIG LOUD BOOMING voice.... Plus I wouldn't doubt that I probably would have gotten physical if it came to THAT Plus I would have been overthrowing some stuff belonging to THEM, so that place would have looked like a HURRICANE hit it by time I got done I GUARANTEE, they NEVER would've messed with ME again by time I got done If Jesus can cleanse the temple by overthrowing money changers tables and running out the thieves, we can do the same thing If Jesus can do it, so can we! The temple became a den of thieves just like our airports are becoming a den of thieves Jesus cleansed the temple, and so can we go in and cleanse these places that are stealing from people What Jesus did, SO CAN WE 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
I put my watch, wallet and my phone in my bag. I cover my checked bag in random strips of coloured duct tape, and I make sure the tray with my laptop goes through last. I still get my bag searched 50% of the time, because I carry so much electronic stuff for work.
TSA in Denver Colorado does not care. They yell at passengers, have no where for a disabled person to sit to remove casts, and they are more concerned with visiting with fellow workers that paying attention to travelers. If I never leave from that airport again I will be happy
What would they do if we went back to casts that you CAN'T remove? 🤣🤣 If YOU CAN'T remove the cast, neither will THEY 🤣 I guarantee if they yelled at me, I'd SCREAM RIGHT BACK and NOT comply! I guarantee by time I was done, that place would be a mess Because I'd probably end up overthrowing a LOT I guarantee if they ever messed with me, that place would look like a HURRICANE hit it, because I'd take serious measures to CLEANSE that place IF it was ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY Every single passenger needs to be like this because I guarantee it's the PASSENGERS who could keep those workers IN CHECK If those workers KNEW the passengers could take desperately serious action, I don't think the staff would want to mess with ANYONE
My procedure is as follows: Packing: Liquids in the regulation transparent bag, but then inside another brightly coloured plastic bag for valuables, all inside my carry on. Just before security: Retrieve bag in bag, and take out the transparent bag with the liquids, putting it back in the carry on. Place wallet, watch, keys, phone, passport etc in the valuables bag but keep in hand in case boarding card or whatever is needed to be shown at security. At security: Retrieve liquids bag and place on tray (probably with laptop and/or coat). Put valuables bag inside carry on and place on tray. After security: Retrieve valuables bag and put the contents back where they belong on your person. Put the liquids bag inside the now empty valuables bag and put back into carry on. Not only does this secure your valuables, but it also means you won't forget watch, house keys etc as they are all together.
I had a TSA officer try and swipe my IPhone in NYC. She didn’t realize I was watching her like a hawk but when she did she put it back in the tray, giving me a dirty look. I now always keep my phone and other valuables in my suitcase case and never in those trays. They can pull me aside and search my suitcase if need be.
Yes TSA agent stole money from me a few times . Once i noticed it & it got found - another time @ SFO airport i didnt notice till my next stop & called back to SFO 'TSA' office - no help. 3 months ago @ Haneda airport in Tokyo they took my money /passport /vry important documnts out of bottom of my carry-on day pack. I discovered this while waiting 4 connecting flight. BIG trouble/ problems - 2 police took me by private elevator back to the check point & one agent (there were about 7 agents standing round) gave mt my "rf-blocking" pouch ... why they took out & held for a few hours ? Why i had to go thru SO MUCH anxiety about "who stole my IMPORTNT documnts rf-id block pouch" - now i need to cancel trip .. whats going on ??? My conclusion: travel as light as humanly possible - buy what yu need when yu get there & abandon/giv away stuff when yu return. Tnx un2 the religion of peace 4 all this troubles on a world wide extent. TREMENDOUS waste of money. SO MANY troubles
shame on you for the "rwligion of peace" comment, you bigot! What misguided and criminal people might do in the name of religion has nothing to do with the religion itself.
My daughter was in first class a few weeks ago, when the woman in front of her had a meltdown and had to be removed from the flight, along with her two young (embarassed) children. The woman grabbed their luggage, tossing it around to show her displeasure, and left. When the flight landed in Mexico, another first class passenger found his suitcase was not on board. If anyone around you is removing luggage, don't look away if you're embarassed for them. The missing bag meant the man could not enter Mexico. Heaven knows what the end of the story was for him.
Although I have TSA pre-check, I was required to remove my short boots. And people need to remember that security requirements in different countries may be different than those in the U.S.A. I got yelled at in India for not including my charging cords in the bin. There were no signs indicating their requirements. They also confiscated a pair of children's scissors that can barely cut paper. It can be a very frustrating process but we always need to try to be patient.
One time, I had an incident at a small carnival similar to what you described at the airport They had this inflatable slide, and in order to use it you had to leave your belongings down at the bottom So I left my fanny pack down there and when I went to retrieve it, to pay for another activity, it was MISSING I raised my voice and raised awareness to the situation and told everything like it was, one of the workers who was by the slide came around from behind something with my pouch in his hand and returned it to me when I said contained cash that was going to go to THEM to pay for is THEIR activities.... Thank GOD for giving them the HEART to RETURN that stolen item, ESPECIALLY since other customers were NEARBY Thankfully, a short time later, I was able to find a little cubby hole to leave fanny pack on my motorcycle I was driving at the time....
Even though my suitcase is generically black, I store a photo of it on my phone, I put an AirTag inside to hopefully track it, but also have a suitcase strap in a bright contrasting colour with my name embroidered on it in large letters…. Makes it so much easier to spot 😊
Put ALL of your valuables in your bag BEFORE you put your bag on the x-ray rollers. Lock your bag if possible. If TSA has to look inside of your bag, they will need you to be there to unlock it. It also prevents other passengers from swiping your valuables if you’re delayed going through the body scanner.
Personally, I wouldn't go through the body scanner without my bag proceeding at the speed I'm going If I have to get separated from my bag, I'm not going through that body scanner until I can go through at a moment I can grab my bag right on the other side Best yet, don't even take luggage Instead, wear clothes you wouldn't mind losing because The idea is to go by something from a thrift shop at your destination that you also wouldn't mind losing The idea is to go to either Goodwill and leave your current change of clothes or even go to a nearby laundromat and leave your change of clothes If they have a donation table, leave them there or even in a washer or dryer You can also buy travel sized hygienics and just leave them in a public bathroom when you start your trip home The only thing that'll be different is your change of clothes walking back into your home
The time to put your jewelry, keys and other small items into a pouch in your luggage is when you get to the airport. When I get there, I stop at some seats and start "stripping". I even put my jacket/sweater in my carry on...sometimes I put it in my checked luggage as I won't need them on the plane. Everything small goes into one pouch so I've only got my suitcase to put in the bin, then electronics in another bin. That's it.
Exactly what I do As soon as I get to the airport I put everything in my zipped up carryon bag.i hold my passport/Id and phone which I drop in the bag once I go through security
TSA started stealing from it's inception ... I first heard of many years ago over $10K worth of Nehihau shell leis were stolen from an unsuspecting local Hawaiian artist who relies on his art to survive.
❤❤❤ Great tips! I once had a plain navy cloth suitcase. I used small bottles of acrylic paint in red and white to mark random designs on my suitcase. This is even better than a sticker because that paint is permanent. It was easily the most recognized bag in the airport. A friend used this method on a cruise and saved his luggage as he spotted it being left behind on the dock as the cruise ship began to move away. 😊
I’m really taken aback by this video. I’m beginning to feel that desire to travel is actually dangerous. You’re talking about actual theft while in line never mind pickpockets at your destination! It’s easy to get distracted, especially if you’re traveling with children and now you have to worry about being robbed? This is too much.
TSA Cares is a great program! Our granddaughter is autistic/non-verbal and the TSA agents are very sweet with her, recognizing she must be assessed differently. Makes a huge difference, as she isn't overstimulated. Happy Sunday, Megan!
TSA cares is quite an excellent program...... when the agents understand what things need to be changed for the individual who requested assistance from the program. Luckily for me, I opt to use the program for the few times I do fly as I am not only on the Autism spectrum (quite high functioning) but I also have severe chronic pain as well as having to wear custom leg braces so I opt to be strip searched as I am able to hand over my clothing so the agent can feel them up all they want as I'm not in them (lol).
I'm a volunteer in another branch of public service, and I've actually had training in recognizing and not aggravating autism spectrum reactions. it's good that awareness is increasing.
Thank you for mentioning this. I am an adult autistic female and verbal, but I get overwhelmed with sensory issues going through security checkpoint. I have only flown by myself a handful of times, but I have more often than not been yelled at and/or have to be patted down, searched, and wand scanned. I become non-verbal around authority figures and especially the TSA because I am over-stimulated, anxiety ridden, as well as unable to follow instructions because my brain feels like it shuts down and then I become non-verbal. Last year a TSA agent was yelling at me when I was putting my items in bins, asking me if some stuff in a bin in front of mine were my items. They weren't, but it took me several seconds to process what the woman was asking me and then by the time I was able to shake my head "no", the person who owned the items showed up. After that, I saw the agent go around to another agent who was processing people through the body scanner. I ended up being patted down, scanned with a wand, and my bags were searched. I hate being touched by anyone and even though I tried very much to hold myself together, I began crying, only to be yelled at even more. I remember the agent asking why I was acting like a toddler due to my tears and uncontrollable stimming movements. I have to fly alone in a couple of days from now and I filled out an application for TSA Cares. I hope that I can get that help and that I can figure out what I need to do at the airport to be able to maybe have a smoother experience.
I use to work with TSA, that was for about five years. I knew of the scams behind the special group who collected all rejected oversized liquid at the end of the day. I also witnessed the mishandling of passenger luggage in the lower leveled baggage screening. I can say this, the younger immature men, un supervised, would just horse around, slinging bags around. This is a reason fragile thing were not spared. We were taught how to figure out the codes to locked bags. I mean, there was a lot to know.
I travel a lot for work. Order of operations is: suitcase (which takes the longest to scan and buys me time), bin with laptop and shoes, zipped purse (which also takes time). There is no “accidentally” grabbing my laptop because it’s clearly between my 2 other items.
One more. When traveling with my wife, I first let her go through security and AFTER she is on the other side, I put my stuff on the security belt and wait till they go in the xray machine before myself entering the security. And of course use air tags for the last couple of years
My best tip... I wear a travel vest with multiple zippered pockets with my phone, wallet, keys, earbuds etc instead of carrying a purse. Once I put it back on, it's easy to feel that everything that was in it is still there.
When I travelled this year in Asia, a few airports did not allow me to hold my passport. I didn't need to remove my apple watch in many places, but in one place, the lady touched my apple watch (I turned off "always on") display to check. None of them asked me to take my ipad out or had concern about my lotion/cream in the pocket of my bag even though I had a liquid bag inside my carry-on suitcase.
The most chill, safe and efficient security check I've been through is at Arlanda airport outside Stockholm, Sweden. There they actually want you to keep everything inside your bags and jacket when it goes through the scanner (they have some advanced scanner that can see everything anyway). Anything detected to have something questionable inside that needs a 2nd screening is automatically routed to a screening area out of the way of other passengers where you can calmly talk to the security agent. If all airports had the same security screening I would like flying a lot more.
My almost empty designer bag, placed on the top of another bag that was not completely closed, dissapeared after I passed security check for the TSA pass holders in Atlanta International Airport in December 2022. I found the bag missing 5 min later, came back, asked the workers who scanned my stuff and Lost and found just across them, emailed to the Lost and Found next day, and of course, nothing was found. I couldn't believe myself. Fortunately took my passport and other importand things out this bag right before the security check.
TSA kept my security flashlight this trip. I only traveled with my carry-on. I have Global Entry, have been vetted and am secure and 68 years old. I use my security flashlight when walking if in a dangerous area or for dogs along my path in central America. I have only EVER made a sound with the tazer if followed in New Orleans returning to my hotel at night - or followed by dogs. They then stay away. It is in a carry holster. It had a cap over it, so that has to be removed if i need it for protection. He called a supervisor - it was thrown in the trash. 😢
My niece worked at the airport loading suitcases on planes and she said people were going through luggage and stealing passenger belongings all the time. I guess no cameras back then. Thieves suck!
Always put everything into the bag preferably in a pocket or a retrieval pouch or alternate in the inside pocket of a jacket preferably zipped. Items of any kind should never lay loose on the tray. Also lock the bag with a TSA approved lock if possible, this means if they want to inspect it you will be witnessing it, it also keep other peoples long fingers out, place an Airtag inside the bag, you can place an additional one in the valuables pouch.. place sticker or other indicators on the outside. Place the toiletries that you have already packed at home in a see through 1l bag on the tray. As others said don’t go through metal detectors/body scanners before you see the bag enter the X-ray. This minimise the risk of a passenger stealing from you. Also black, grey, silver or white is no go in airports…
During my last trip to the Philippines via Doha, Qatar I had one of the most brightly colored suitcases on the line. I had also had made some unique patches on my backpack that made it clear to whom it belonged. Also my laptop has some stickers on it that make it obvious to whom it belongs although I had to swap out one of them. I have a pacemaker now and generally TSA is pretty nice with me. Also I tend to use my backpack every day at the range so I have to really check it for anything firearm related.
To also prevent TSA staff steeling your items, when I go on holiday, mostly in Europe. I used a heavy duty A4 zipper bag, with some modifications, like attaching a steel punch hole, which allows me to put through security wire. The security wire is attached to my ruck-bag with a pad lock. Another thing you could do, on the A4 zipper bag, you have a label with a message: ITEMS IN THE ZIPPER ARE PROTECTED WITH UNIQUE SMART WATER. Now the TSA person wont have an idea if its protected or not, but should be enough to put them of from tampering with your items
I always lock my wallet and other small valuables in my carry on back pack before I get to the x- ray machine. If TSA needs to look closer, I will need to unlock it and we can look together.
I flew out of a small airport in Franklin PA the TSA women went into my purse and took money out.she was the only agent there I did not know until I stoped to get something to eat and had no money .
If you're into the black color like me ( black or dark suitcase). You can always decorate it with stickers, use a suitcase cover or a colorful luggage strap. But my favorite is to use many travel 🧳 stickers
I had a TSA person attempt to steal my purse by concealing it inside the scanner. When I asked him to continue the scanning and give me my purse he said I had everything. I had to raise a ruckus to get my purse back. Yes! This happens.
I flew out of Heathrow a month ago and they instructed us to not remove our liquids bag from our carry-on luggage and they wouldnt allow me to keep my passport in my hand while going through the scanner. I had to put it under my bag in the bin and hope that it was on the other side when I picked it up. It was.
Never held my passport in my hand ever at any airport, always in coat pocket or bag. As for LHR you must've been at one of the new scanners (they are few and far between but great)
I've been hassled by security when I held my passport in my hand. I've also been hassled by security when my passport was the only thing in my pockets. These morons act like a passport is some kind of nefarious object.
Years ago, I stuck my license in my back pocket before going through the body scanner, not thinking anything of it. Luckily, I didn’t get patted down or anything, but I got my hands swabbed for explosive residue. I have precheck now, but I won’t make that mistake again. Edit: I broke the two hour rule one time at a small airport, thinking it wouldn’t be crowded. They were down to one scanner, and it was a nightmare. We were basically waiting in line until it was time to board and then being rushed through security and running to our gate. Absolute chaos.
I had a 6am flight at Columbia, West Virginia airport.. TSA did not open until 5:30.. I know what you went thru!! And I had to do it on two different occasions.
I bring a dollar corkscrew similar to yours although it has the little foil cutter wheels rather than the small knife so if security flags it no big deal. Now the last 4 trips to EU , 2 departing Toronto and back from Lisbon, and Paris never was an issue @ security screening.
I do the following: TSA Pre-Check Throw all items on my body in my personal item bag such as wallet and watch. The only items going through the scanner is my carryon and personal item bag and occasionally my jacket. After going through TSA, take my items out I had on my body and continue on.
Thanks for the advice on international airport security, I'm making my 1st international trip this year so I have a lot to learn about safely traversing these different airports.
Hi Megan. I purchased an RFID Crossbody bag with an RFID wallet. Do those items need to be scanned separately going through TSA or can I keep them in my personal carry-on bag? Thank you!
I highly recommend TSA Pre. It is worth the money and time since everything goes way faster on that line but unfortunately it only works in The US. Now, Heathrow Airport security in London and the Airport in El Salvador are very hardcore and will search through every little thing you carry in your luggage.
I had no trouble passing the PSA precheck. The fee was $78. However, my adult son's status is pending. Even though it is his fault, in the past he did jail time for petty theft and a small amounts of drugs. I am wondering if he will receive Pre-Check at all..
El Salvador: they made me sit in a chair and take my shoes off and a woman literally went through every milimeter of my footwear. I felt sorry for her.
While boarding a train in Spain, the passenger behind me was pushing me, phisically pushing me. the content of my purse ended up spilling, phone, money and passport, underneath the conveyor belt. Turns out, we had another 30 minutes before the train was leaving and we were only 10 ppl in line. I waited until they cleared security and scrolled down the conveyor to retreave my things. I find most passengers more agressive and rushed than absolutely necesary.
This is real. I had this type of theft happen to me. One TSA Agent kept me distracted while another took my backpack and stole from it when he "searched it". I did not find out what happened until I reached my destination. I filed an offical complaint of which I got a "we will look into it", and then a "sorry nothing we can do response". I have a friend who was pick pocketed at a busy airport. Be care full and trust no one. :(
Yes, it happened to me told me I had to take my necklace off and put it in the bag. Put it in the bag it went through and when I picked it up, it wasn’t in there and they just denied denied deny and I had to leave I was going to my grandmother‘s funeral. The problem was, it was a handmade item that was a gift from someone. Got back home had to ask that artist to make me another one so the person who gave it to me would not know.😢
I am travelling for 30 years a lot, many oversea trips. My checkin suitcase was delayed by 24 hours a few times when i had close connections. I never had anything lost or stolen from my luggage. Most of my trips were in US, Canada and Eu.
All valuables go in my zipped up carry on shoulder bag . I do that long before I even get to TSA..My phone and passport I hold until they are checked then slipped into the same shoulder bag. I watch it like a hawk going into the scanner and coming out
If you need to use the bins you're doing it wrong. You're luggage usually had an easily accessible hot/easy access pocket. Should you need to empty your pockets, which should be near empty already because you're a smart trvaler and know you're going to the airport(right?) you shove all those items into the hot pocket and send them all through the scanner. This reduces chance of leaving anything behind and keeps your stuff grouped. Marking/tagging black bags is a must. Better yet is to not use a generic black bag. I've seen people grab other people's stuff on accident.
I’m going to be flying domestically this summer, and watching the TSA mess in this video just makes me nervous. I did not want to have to fly again, but I can’t drive that distance any more, and there is a problem now with me taking my old standby, Amtrak. I appreciate your videos, Megan, and have figured out on my own many of your excellent tips during my crazy travel days of 2009-2019. I’ve always been conscious of theft, but in all of society it’s gotten much worse since the pandemic.
Megan is talking about worst case scenarios. Many thousands of people go through TSA without any problems and most travelers are honest. Read the post (above) by @robertallison1580. He has some very good ideas regarding keeping valuables safe. It truly is a shame that people who are hired to assure that we are safe are those we need to watch out for. Have a great trip.
@@colleenmarin8907 i am heading to Schenectady, NY. There is supposed to be a 30-minute stop in Albany before continuing 20 minutes to Schenectady. I asked my brother if he could pick me up at the Albany station, which he has done before, but now he refuses. When i went up last September, the train stayed in Albany 1 hr 20 minutes. No crew was onboard (it being a crew change station), and the passengers in my car went crazy. I could not go out because I didn’t trust leaving my luggage with him, and i have disabilities that make lugging my bags back and forth, up and down stairs, difficult. I have hypersensitivity to all forms of smoke and dust, and people had been smoking (tobacco and weed) in the restroom by the exit and just outside the exit. The people were also drinking and extremely loud. I felt sick and had a smashing headache by the time we reached Schenectady. When we got to Schenectady and i told my brother what had happened, i asked again for him to drive the hour-long round trip to the Albany-Rensselaer station, and he again refused. So when i got back home to Virginia, i changed the beneficiary of my $120,000 Roth IRA from him to a good friend who could use the tax-free money. This is what senior citizens can do to get the last laugh.
I had the same exact bottle opener taken by TSA after successfully flying on 15+ flights with it in my carry-on. After telling him the same thing you said, I didn't want to argue with him anymore. He was adamant it was not allowed. This was in the TSA-Pre line too.
Every single time I fly I get the little note in my checked bag saying it was “randomly” searched. I never check anything but books, shoes and clothing . I’ve had books go missing. One time all of my shirts didn’t make it back into the bag. Nothing expensive. I guess someone thought it would be funny to have me arrive at my destination with nothing to wear.
The worst part is that I go to that Miami airport yearly to visit my niece. Maybe I should start flying in to Fort Lauderdale? Thanks Megan for all your helpful tips and keeping us safe!
When traveling with my husband, I go through security first since he always sets off an alarm due to his past surgeries. That way I can keep an eye on our possessions on the end of security while he watches it as it goes through the X-ray machine.
When flying out of Manta, Ecuador, security agents rifled my carryon and extracted a Kindle Oasis. I had been reading it minutes before going through the line, and looked for it a few minutes later on the other side. Gone. I went back immediately and challenged each of them. “Hey, have you taken my electronic device? Where is it?” Nobody would meet my eyes. They gave no response more than looking down and shaking their heads. That’s when I knew they were all in on the thieving.
I once had a pink floral patterned suitcase my mother bought me with this kind of thinking in mind. I set it down next to the bus leaving for the city. When I got to my destination, it was GONE. Someone had stole it right out from under the nose of the person who was loading luggage unto the bus. So, so much for that theory.
I had a beautifully wrapped wedding present for my niece-in-law and nephew in my checked luggage. It was a lovely set of porcelain sushi dishes and place settings. TSA thought that it looked like a bomb. How? Who knows. So, they totally destroyed the wrapping but left me one of their little "love notes" saying they'd been there. I was furious and will never understand how that could look threatening, or do they just attack all gift wrapped items that aren't theirs? There was no opportunity before the wedding to re-wrap it either. I'm STILL mad about it. They really have NO right to perform their illegal searches that violate our civil rights. Supposed or imagined "threats" does not give it to them, but they will continue for as long as we let them. Meanwhile, we all stand in line, like good, little obedient schmucks, holding our shoes. smh
My daughter bought me a nice black small roller suitcase for my travels . I really liked it and was excited to use it . At baggage pick up I learned she got me what must be the most popular black small roller suitcase in the world . lol
One close to where I live at is the same way so I was shocked. Flying out of a different one this time so hope they have it too. It did make a big difference because I was able to leave my liquids bag and my electronics in my backpack
You don’t have to do much. If you have an ice pack to keep the insulin cold just make sure that it’s completely frozen. I would also take it out of your carry bag before you submit your items for x-ray. That way if they have to look it’s already on the outside of your bag. My nephew took a large amount (several months supply) when he spent a year studying in Spain. TSA tested it and let him go. If it’s just a small amount they probably won’t even test it.
I always buy a colorful suitcase and at security I'm usually traveling with someone else one of us goes through the body scanner and the other stays behind with the bags that way one of us has eyes on our bags at all times.
Too many people have bright colors now. Sometimes I have more problems finding my purple suitcase! Last year in Houston there were 4 of the same purple suitcase on the carousel. The owners of the other purple suitcases and I had a good laugh about it. Now I use brightly colored tags on mine which usually helps.
The thing with the wine opener is it's a challenge to see in the bag if it has a knife blade. If you pull things like that out the operator can glance at it much easier. Also big plastic bags of change Here's one more thing to look into for a video and let people know. In the US we're getting new x-ray equipment. Some airports have already switched. These are the x-rays that look like a jet engine. With these you LEAVE EVERYTHING IN YOUR BAG! The downsides-- The bag has to be a carry on. It has to fit into the bins. So no more late check in thinking you can gate check a big check-bag. Hope that make sense.
I've always done the opposite. I pull all of my valuable items out of my bag, and place them next to it in the bin. This way there is no way an item will go missing without me noticing, and there will likely be other witnesses as well. I also don't let my stuff go through security until I am also going through security, so it doesn't have to wait for me on the other side. I also make a point of packing light, so it all fits neatly into one bin, so I only have to keep my eye on one bin.
I lost my suitcase in May in Egypt…. I know i never would’ve seen it again if it wasn’t for the OUTSTANDING tour group we used…we were literally escorted through the airport and we didn’t even stand in One line. The Tour company did everything for us….and STILL my suitcase was lost. Without them, it would’ve been a loss….the airport employees were not interested in anything I had to say, it was the WELL KNOWN, HIGHLY REGARDED Tour company that were able to get my bag to me 2 days later.
I never worry about anyone mistaking my bag for theirs, because I had a hard shell, bright orange piece of luggage that no one else seemed to have. Unfortunately, someone else did have one, which I picked up and didn’t check carefully to make sure it was mine. I ended up having to make a 45 minute trip back to the airport in order to return that bag and get mine.
I just turned 75. Several weeks ago at the TSA on our way to New Orleans, the agent said to me "Are you 75? I answered "No". He said "Yes you are because if you are 75 you do not have to take off your shoes when you go through the TSA line!" So, I turned 75 a bit early this year! Great to know now as we go through TSA lines. I also made a vest with 4 hidden, zippered pockets in which I can keep all my most valuable items and it goes through the scanner just fine. Bon Voyage all.
Thank you Megan for you tips and links ! As I will be traveling next month I will be thinking of you and your tips as we approach the security check. I do have Beatles luggage which is easy to spot (huge Beatles fan) and Beatles stickers to alert me of my stuff !! I was shocked to see a TSA agent stealing but they are human after all -sad but true. I was happy to see Ollie in your video today, and we adopted a cat last month and named him Ollie or Oliver !!! So as always I enjoy your videos and seeing you too !! Be well, Howard
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Need more than 10% to be able to afford this bag! It’s $300 for a carry-on bag!
Exactly what I came to say! I truly appreciate your videos! But can't drop $300(or $270)on a carry on bag!
300 dollars?? no thanks.
Might as well invest in a Tumi for that kind of cash! I’ve come to believe that high end bags are a target for thieving baggage handlers as well as carousel thieves. I’ve been there once, and never again. It’s carry on from now on.
Yes, it's a sponsor, otherwise you'd tell your followers to put those hundreds into an airline ticket
TSA in Atlanta tried stealing my gaming laptop back in 2016. The agent stacked several bins on top of the bin my laptop was in and stacked them with the other bins. When I saw that my laptop bin was missing I said something to the guy, he said there was no laptop in any of the bins, I told him to let me check the bins he stacked, he said I couldn't come behind the roped area, I yelled for a supervisor and he threatened to have security escort me out. I yelled again and actually got a police officer to come over, he checked a couple of the bins down and said there was no laptop, I told him to look at the bin about 7 down, I could see that it was raised up higher than the rest, sure as shit, there it was. I reported this to TSA but they never replied.
Disgraceful.
I had the same thing happen and found it in another lane with a TSA agent
I had the same thing in Atlanta. I saw a TSA agent walking off with my Breitling watch.
No explanation, he just threw it in a bin after I was shouting at him l.
@@TrevorDodd-ev1sx Cannot believe the dishonesty of people who are in a service position. I hope you reported the incident to the airline HR.
Seeing this is making me get a disposable laptop for traveling that will just have streaming services on it
Airline pilot here, place your phone and wallet (and nice watches, jewelry, etc) deep inside of a zipped compartment in your luggage or purse. If it's loose in a bin, it's just begging to go for a walk. Even if they have to open the luggage to inspect it, you'll be standing there while they do it. Never check any item you can't afford to lose.
That's what I do. Thanks.
People these days has no common sense,dumb as a sack of rocks..
@rickgesell9468 I have never traveled before by plane. We will be taking a trip. I have a pace maker and cannot go through a scanner. What happens in that case?
@@lyndaadams5584 TSA will ask you if you have any devices in you,they will give a personal pat down.
@@lyndaadams5584 Pat down, make sure they know your condition.
I went through the TSA line and had to put my items in 3 bins. A lady put her bin in between two of my bins, most likely by mistake, but the TSA lady took her bin from between mine and put it behind mine so that my 3 bins were together. I liked that she did that and thanked her.
That is standard procedure and should never happen. TSA is supposed to watch for that.
I was moving to Hawaii from Colorado and bought a new (less than $100) bright yellow SMALL carry on suitcase. Everything of value I owned, that wasn't in my personal item case or on me, was in that carry on - tax papers, medical, legal, my children's pictures, and much more. The gate agent at United Airlines, where my family and I had worked for years, told me my carry on was too large. My suitcase was small so I could handle it because I'm small. People with giant carry ons were boarding the plane. I pointed this out to the agent but he had control of my life and I started crying but he just stood there and lied to my face. I couldn't afford to miss that flight. I couldn't afford to leave that suitcase because I knew in my gut he was going to steal it. I boarded but left my seat and went out to the gate and MY little suitcase was the only one there! Why was I not surprised? I took it and reboarded, found plenty of overhead for it and sat down. Pretty soon I hear someone yelling my name on the plane. He grabbed my arm and asked me if I took my suitcase. People around me saw a very large man grabbing my skinny arm and basically terrorizing me. I then told him my heart medication was in the suitcase, which most of it was because I couldn't fit anymore in my personal item. He let go of me as people around were looking at him. He told me not to do it again and left. I have never flown United again since they started hiring crooks.
Hi. I'm sorry for the distress caused by being manhandled. Please understand that others feel for you. Being bullied is something that is hard to get over.
I was bullied by a united boarding agent as well. They hire thugs. Glad you made it through. Good job following your instincts.
They hire thug gate agents on Delta out of Minneapolis too. I was bullied by female thugs coming and going to Palm Springs. I was in first class and was treated very badly. And profiled and followed by Security like a criminal. I am no criminal.
Wow, so glad I don't fly united anymore! Thank you and so sorry you had this horrible experience.
I never fly United
Don't walk through security while your handbag is still on the other side, no matter how many times they tell you to go through. You are being separated from your valuables. Let others go ahead of you. I had an agent take my LV handbag off the conveyer turn his back to me, and rifle through it while constantly looking over his shoulders to see if I was still there. I was yelling at him to give it back, and with all the airport noise he just ignored me. Watch your stuff, those uniforms do not mean they are honest people.
Personally, I would've been RIGHT ON TOP of THAT agent.... and I would've been grabbing my stuff BACK away from them while the camera was rolling, because we would've gone LIVE on social media
Oh yes, and I would've named names, shown faces, everything
Around 2009ish, the security screening back then took 2 pair's of expensive sunglasses that i had deliberately put at the very top of my handbag so i would notice them if they were to go missing by some off chance, which was an intuitively inspired action for some reason, & thankfully i didn't ignore it.
Upon raising the alert that my sunglasses were missing, as well as saying it out loud enough to draw attention to the situation, they kept on saying over & over again that they would take my details and if the items showed up they would call me.
Hell nooo...not a chance, they were there a moment ago i know because i put them at the top of my bag so i could see immediately if they went missing, so i kept insisting that they call the Feds because i wasn't about to go anywhere until both pairs were handed over.
By this stage, one of them appeared quite nervous and they kept trying to get me out of there for obvious reasons, so i said i was camped there until they handed them over.
They began looking between the trays...🙄 SERIOUSLY !?!?!?
Sunglasses are bulky items, especially when both pairs were in their proper cases. How they thought that they'd get stuck between the stacked trays is beyond me.
Just by that action alone, confirmed who the culprit was right there.
They became quite frantic that i wasn't budging or about to be hushed up with some insane BS routine spiel about taking my details and getting back to me if they turned up.
The culprit was infact the team leader that day and they called me into the tiny office which was just off to the side of where they were screening... and that's when i said i would call the Feds to investigate a theft and put in a formal complaint with their supervisor of airport security if necessary... and if i needed, i would go even further...eg: social media or on one of those current affair type of programs that were on air back then.
Little did i realise back then what i know now !!! 😐
As it turned out, the security leader made out like she was looking through the desk drawers for a pen or something and then miraculously found both pairs of sunglasses would you believe and stupidly asked if they were mine...🙈
Thankfully, i got both pairs back and still managed to catch my flight.
That was definitely at Brisbane Airport and around 2009 if memory serves correctly.
There was an escalator immediately after going through the domestic flight screening process, so once you're done and get on the escalator, good luck getting back down if it's still the same now as it was back then.
It really pays to have more time up our sleeve to be well prepared and to check all our items before we leave the security screening area !
These day's it's easier for me to put everything into a carry on🧳which has a pin code lock as well as a padlock and put the one 🔑 in the tray that has a decent size novelty key ring attached to it so it's not easily hidden..and that's it, if they want to search, then they can give a valid reason and search it in front of me.
At Melbourne airport, security attempted to take my bags away to search them and i had to call out for the Feds again.
I told them that they could search my bag's not a problem there, but it had to be done in front of me or i'd have to involve the Feds.
We can't simply accept everything they say, we must question everything and know our rights back to front nothing less, it's up to us.
Last flight, I had opened a bag of hershey’s kisses and dumped them into the front pocket for easy snacking. The screener held my bag and walked me over to a table to inspect it while giving me the evil eye and calling back up, and I’m just chattering away innocently. Three others show up, he asks again if he can check my bag, I say sure, y’all always do. Surrounded by security, he unzips the pocket and lifts a handful of foil wrapped kisses… that’s when I actually understand this event, and start laughing saying I’m sorry guys, I never thought kisses would be an issue.
They practically threw the candy into the bag, zipped it and waved me away 😂 😂 😂
Wanna mess with airport security. Dump kisses in the your front pocket of your carry on.
Way too long…bored.
@@TheMissPooveyToo long
Wow incredible. Thank you for your wisdom
@@davidlawson4281nobody’s asking you to read it you donut!
You are right about Paris CDG-On my way to Istanbul for work, an agent moved away 2 Armani products that were perfect flight sized. When I asked her about it, she looked very annoyed that I saw her move. She was just stealing my products with no shame.
I put my valuables inside my carry on and lock it, if TSA wants to search the carry on, I'm there to watch the process.
If you lock your bags and they want to search...they will cut your bags open, without you there.
@@daved4120 TSA searches carry on bags in the presence of the passenger. You're thinking of checked bags.
@@daved4120 We're talking about carry on bags. You're wrong.
Another tip to avoid chaos, confusion, and angst... as soon as your stuff comes through the scanner and is within reach get your bins of stuff off the rollers and bring it over to the near by tables and sort it all out there and put your shoes and coats back on. So frustrating to not be able to get to my stuff because everyone is standing in front of the rollers getting dressed and organized.
Good tip! Safe travels
@@PortableProfessional thanks for your tips and hard work making your content
My pet peeve.
And that goes for anywhere there is a queue of people that cannot get by.
Yes,TSA checkpoint, plane aisles while boarding or exiting the plane and everyone in front of you has moved on, doorways or areas in front of escalators.on
Yes, by all means, let's all wait while you put on your belt, dig through your bag, or hold your conversation in the only doorway out. It always happens when you have a short connecting flight.
Common courtesy, man.
TSA precheck is the answer. Also, get serious when you are going through the magnetometer. I am sick of all the nonsense, chatter, and dumb people who just stand there after their bags go through the conveyor belt. MOVE along. The key is preparation BEFORE you get to the line. Put your valuables in a personal bag or crossbody and NEVER let it leave your sight. Disraction is a thief's best friend. Be aware, move along, and remember you are NOT the only person trying to get somewhere at the airport.
@chrisdemnianyk4357 it would be nice if other countries did TSA precheck.
Agreed on everything you said.
This is mind-blowing. Tips on how to avoid getting robbed by TSA. As if air travel wasn't difficult and risky enough these days.
Oh one time (and this was right after Thanksgiving in 2001), I was randomly called for a search at the gate before boarding my connecting flight home. I had been visiting family. My grandmother had given me some of my mom’s jewelry (which was very expensive) and my dad had given me cash and a large check to fix something with my car. They looked through my carryon and purse and separated me by a wall. When I got home, a friend who worked with law enforcement told me, “you should have said you wanted to at least watch.” But it was right after 9/11 and I didn’t want to make waves. Luckily, nothing was taken, but it scared me. I told my mom I would never have that much valuable stuff with me on a plane again. I doubt that jewelry has been insured in years.
Lucky they didn’t have taste. Probably thought it was fake.
Agreed ! It’s all really disconcerting ~
Yes, there should be tips on how to keep from being robbed no matter WHO you're protecting yourself from
You don't know that Part of Revelation might possibly be unfolding because look how much hotter Summers are getting, but as God said in his word people still won't quit doing what they're doing, which also involves stealing
He said something in his word about scorching men with either fire or great heat, but they STILL WON'T REPENT!
There's been a picture of something to do with the Sun, but God only knows what's up with that
As soon as someone who happens to be an observer talk about it online, their access to the observance page was blocked
Someone's hiding something
@@SpinMeaStoryfor me personally I would've made a HURRICANE, NOT JUST WAVES....
I'm more attentive when I'm going through security ever since I saw a security agent grab my wallet. He saw that I had seen him and put it under my clothes in the other bin. Strange behaviour!
good eyes!
Don’t let airport security (TSA, etc.) stress you. Be methodical when adding, and removing your items in trays. Always keep your gear in sight. Don’t pass the walk-through metal detector before your bag goes into the x-ray machine. And to repeat: look at what the airport security is doing with your luggage.
Exactly right Mike. Don’t pass through the metal detector until your bag enters the x-ray machine & never let your bag out of sight (as far as is possible), many of the “security” staff are on minimum wage.
Sometimes you can't "always keep your gear in sight." The TSA requires you to temporarily relinquish possession and control of your personal items for scanning but does not guarantee the items will not be damaged, lost, or stolen while not in your possession.
oʻ@@80cardcolumn
@@80cardcolumn How convenient of them.
Kinda hard when the side of the scanner toward the belt blocks your view and people "suddenly" block your view.
I learned the ‘no black suitcase” rule almost 20 years ago. On my first trip to LA, I found myself waiting at the baggage claim forever because I couldn’t tell MY black suitcase from all the other black bags. It went around 3 or 4 times times before I realized it. I swore never again would my bag be black!
I just tie a colorful scarf to my black bag. Indeed, i found an awesome carry-on, which i had to have, but it only existed in black.
I bought rolls of decorative duct tape and wrapped it around mine to easily find it
@@cindybuck8994great idea!
Been doing this for years. I had access to colored athletic tape when traveling with sports teams.@cindybuck8994
@@cindybuck8994 I've also put coloured duct tape stripes on my black suitcases and use purple luggage tags.
Two years ago when I was coming back from Greece, I did a really stupid thing, I left my wallet in the bin at the security check at the Athens airport. I didn't realize it tell about 15 minutes later when I was going to buy a couple of things. I ran back to the security check area fully expecting that my wallet would be gone, but no they had taken it and locked up in a safe. After a couple of question to verify it was mine, they gave it back to me but made me check to be sure everything was still there. I don't think I would have ever seen my wallet again had this happened in the USA.
going trhough tsa at Rapid City SD, i lost my phone when my daughter put her bin on top of mine. we realized about 30 mins later but couldn't find it. spoke with a police office, who gave me the number for the airport manager, and within 2 days they had shipped it to me in Phoenix. very grateful
I once dropped my driver's license going through security. Fortunately I realized when I went to put it back in my wallet. Fortunately when I went back they had it and gave it to me without asking for identification.
I got lucky is USA leaving for Athens in fact. Left my bag of jewelry and it was still there. And on way home from Egypt I left my wallet in my stowaway luggage on the outside zip. and it was still there. It was the most stressful plane ride ever. Have faith!
@@Tad-For-Global-Peace Apollo was looking out for you. 😺
I think so Hari! 😍☮️
I spent many hours on a bus going up into a mountain town where there was no plane access, and on this bus, I met an interesting gentleman who worked with an airline fairly high up. The number one thing he told me to keep suitcases safe was to make them look old and beat up. From that point on when I buy new suitcases I purposely bang around, and get them good and scratched. Then I take a spray can and add a bunch of graffiti-type art if you can call it that. Not only does it stand out, but nobody wants to touch it.
I highly recommend skins for your computers, phones, tablets, and any other equipment. I would choose something wild and kind of child-like that makes it look like it might be a child's computer, and cover up anything brand logos on it. Nobody needs to see the apple or the snakes of a Razor computer, cover that stuff up. The airport is not the place to brag about how expensive your computer is. If you don't want it to be child-like, then go with something like a realistic scary snake or spider pic, or something that is completely gross. If this is your work computer just put a skin on it that is professional, but a bit on the loud side. Or put a skin on it that makes it look like it has been to hell and back like it has been checked and flown in the underbelly of the plane. The point is thieves won't pick up something that they think is cheap (child-like) and obnoxious. They are not going to pick up something obnoxious in any kind of way. Too easy to get caught.
Absolutely! I still use the luggage my parents purchased for me when I went to college. It's presentable, but it looks like what it is, mid level luggage, out of date, and Definitely not interesting. It Definitely doesn't look like luggage that might contain something worth stealing!
No one gives it a second look.
Bonus: It's easy to identify!
When I need new luggage, I will buy "vintage".
What do u mean "skin"? What's that?
@@belindadavid3241stickers.
@@belindadavid3241 skins are generally peel and stick or removable stickers that fit the size of your electronic
i would STOP flying # 1
I have a backpack that i put all of my important items locked in on the bottom. On top, I place my travel accessories. I use a travelon purse that I slide into the backpack and the backpack has a tsa lock. Once I have my passport scanned I stick it into the backpack and zip it. Then I go through security. I make it a point to not bring expensive items. I stopped bringing a laptop and am strongly considering not bringing my tablet. Its a pain to figure out if I need to pull it out or not, which depends on the agent, in my experience.
My checked bag is locked with a cover and then I use a strap around it. I make my luggage hard to get in quickly.
What cover do you use?
Before getting to security I put all items I do not need to get through security in a zippered pocket inside of my briefcase. Includes my watch, wallet and phone. (I print my boarding pass-not on my phone and have my Global Entry ID card only). Years ago, the pull on zipper broke off so it is not easy to unzip without the little metal hook I have elsewhere in my briefcase.
While returning home from Europe this past Thursday and going through TSA-Pre in the Atlanta airport, I was not allowed to keep my passport with me. Since my bag was already scanned, I had to place it in a bin by itself. I was extremely nervous as I was moved 2 entry points away from the scanner. I was able to retrieve my passport and had it checked as valid afterwards. Also, about your bottle opener - I had one before boarding a train in Madrid and was pulled aside for a luggage check. My bottle opener was confiscated by security because of the size and having a blade. Said bag did not cause any issues in neither of the US airports I had visited before flying to Europe.
I want to thank you for preparing me as a single traveler as I usually travel with my husband and kids.
I could imagine your anxiety being far from your passport. Soon after the document and boarding pass check, I would place my passport, pass, and wallet in my personal item (sling bag). I almost lost my boarding pass by putting it in the bin and the TSA noticed it when he was putting away all the bins.
That's not legal. There is ZERO reason to take your documents away from you. They will pass through a body scanner without setting it off. Also if you're a US citizen it is illegal to refuse you entrance if you declare yourself. That's coming from a border patrol agent 6 days ago!!
My husband is an inventor of expensive guitars. He's the only one in the world that makes those guitars. And one was stolen from the baggage department at a airport port. It was immediately sold to a unsuspecting buyer. And the guitar has to come back to us occasionally for maintenance. My husband cracked the theft ring at the airport baggage department. He carefully tracks all of his creations. His creations are one of a kind. And sought after by the music community. Very proud of him for cracking the theift ring. Not all baggage departments have scrupulous employees. But it does make you think about what's in your baggage. There is a market for lost luggage. Millions of pounds per year. If you don't want your stuff lost. Better be taping your address all over it. God bless all your journeys.
I see this all the time, why do people think they have to carry their ID and boarding pass with them through the body scanner ?? Put that stuff in your bag and close the bag shut
Good question, the answer is that for years after 9/11 you had to show your ID yet AGAIN at the gate. They did get rid of that step so now you need only your boarding pass, after showing your ID two times-plus no one without a boarding pass being allowed past those checkpoints anyway. But the fear still lingers: what else are they going to want from me? Other than that, maybe simple absent mindedness. Yes, you can stash your ID after TSA sees it upon you entering the security line.
I’m aware of someone who still uses the men’s method of change, keys, etc. in a pocket. Is the passport safer stashed or lying in an open dish in the big bin (since it can’t be in a pocket)? I don’t know.
I wear a jacket with zipper pockets, put my valuables (watch, wallet, cell phone, passport, etc.) in the pockets, zip them shut and put the jacket in the TSA x-ray tray. Flying is such BS; I hate it so much. Security workers who get caught abusing the public need to go to prison for a long time. Young people put up with this nonsense because they've never known anything other than the post-9/11 world. Those of us old enough to remember the pre-9/11 days don't even want to go to an airport anymore.
I think this is on purpose. Nazis tactics slowly taking over the planet.
You got it! This whole control us is taken to another level and we lost so much to these criminals. They are looking for stuff they can sell on EBAY!!!
If you truly hate flying so much, there are alternatives.
Train, bus, chartered driver, or drive yourself. And if traveling to another continent there is passenger ships.
Or you could choose to not travel at all. Instead of complaining, change your own actions. 😄
Exactly
@@absurdnerd7624still doesnt mean flying should have stupid weird security procedures which are clearly a result of America's love of bureaucracy rather than anything intelligently secure.
Accidentally left my bag in Dubai airport during the scrum after Covid to get through to the train
They couldn’t have been more helpful. Bag taken to security, contents photographed which I had to identify when I picked up. Well Done Dubai !!!
The penalty for theft is severe in certain Middle Eastern countries.
I use colorful handle grippers on my hand carry and suitcases to differentiate from others . Another way of preventing TSA “mishandling” your valuables is to pack them inside clear ziplock and then a colorful or pattern bag…. Lessons learned from losing quite a few items going through US TSA lines in the busy LAX, NY airports…
Some good tips. Thanks, again.
"Hidden" documents pouch. It is lightweight, washable, and discreet when worn around the neck, or as a belt within my waistband. Mostly it keeps my critical ID, passport, boarding pass, and cash next to my body at all times and hands free at inspections minimizing the chance of loss. Peace of mind.
I am not that worried about corrupt TSA but more with inspectors in sketchy developing countries, especially typically macho parts of the world. Mainly, I do not travel with anything valuable. The few items that I care about are in my clear (see through), brightly coloured safe pouch, and the six items in it are listed and photographed.
One thing that I think helps is to be organized at every stage. An orderly bag makes it easier to detect when something is disturbed or missing, and deters random thievery.
With the exception of seasonal or special excursion/activity items, I pack (or remain packed) the same for every trip whether 3 days or 3 weeks. I might only deviate from this for an overnighter. Cold weather obviously necessitates more layers and appropriate boots.
My clothes are in 3 nearly weightless silicone nylon packing cubes, plus a similar toiletry kit. My one alternative pair of shoes is in a shoe bag, and the dead space inside my shoes have long narrow pouches filled with my socks, specialty socks, and..... drier sheets (that deodorize and can be used in a tumble drier if available). Each packing cube is labeled and they fit neatly into my travel rolling carry-on with backpack straps, side carry handle, shoulder sling strap ( 4 different carry options for various conditions).
I also use a bag within a bag within a bag system (like a Russian matrushka doll) for when I know I need extra gear/clothes/cargo on the return trip. My core luggage is the same, the bag I described which is carry-on size. But I sometimes I carry, folded flat inside my carry on bag, a rectangular military cordura bag which is the max allowable suitcase size. This helps a lot for when I shop on the road or carry bulky items. I also have a nifty roll-up garment bag for my suit and dress shoes. This can fit in my carry-on also, as I reserve about half the space for things I might bring back. And finally, there is my hand baggage which is 90% of the time my trusty old Osprey daypack. It has a 6 litre hip pack which I have clipped onto the top as a brain. And inside the Osprey pack is a Fjällreven shoulder (my "possibles") bag which serves as an organizer. In turn, this backpack can even fit into my carry-on also when I am comfortable that I won't need anything but my water and my music for like the home bound leg of my journey.
Speaking of "possibles bag", I carry an extra little silicone-nylon zipper pouch for TSA and I put my keys, wallet, watch, rolled up belt, folding toothbrush (pre-toothpasted), packet of wet wipes, rolled up ear phones, and polar bear Pez dispenser into it before security so that nothing is loose in the bins. I place this pouch, my travel documents secure organizer, and my water flask with lid open in one bin, laying my jacket on top.
Travel locks are next to useless IMO. Besides TSA, almost anyone can buy a TSA master key online, cheaply. But also, those little travel locks are so chintzy one can snap it off with a butter knife (which I have when I lost my key). The only thing a baggage zipper lock might do is slightly deter/delay a casual thief and let you know that someone busted your lock. Cheap plastic zip ties serve the same purpose, and there is a hi-vis orange lockout tag variant used by electrical safety inspectors with an official looking "Do Not Use" tag.
More useful during travel, I think, is one of those retracting cable locks. I secure my bag in waiting areas, trains, ferries, hotel luggage storage, and even wifi cafes where I might leave for a sec to grab a quick sugar packet or might doze off while relaxing. I have one with a motion detector alarm built-in which is also handy as a hotel room door handle warning alarm. This cable lock can serve as a distinct luggage tag by just affixing a sticker label (and cover all but the name with another sticker for opsec). I sometimes use the wire cable in a loop to hold my jacket next to my luggage hands free. There are perhaps 5 other applications as a personal defense device.
Air tags. One hidden in each bag.
I'm new to all you said.. Do you have a link where to purchase all them ?
Before going through the screener.... Make certain you placed your security pouch and contents securely in a carry on or under seat bag... Either wise the security agent will have you remove the security pouch right there in the open from your waist or neck in public... Then after you board the plane go to the toilet and replace the security pouch back on your waist or neck in private.....
Wow, great tips, thank you for the effort of writing them down! I would copy and save these tips into my notes if this app would allow it. I'll try to remember them. Thanks again!
I thank you pretty much know how to take care of yourself, please consider writing a BOOK because your comments WAY TOO LONG 😊
Thanku for the tips much appreciate ❤❤
Good Ideas! Plus, use air tags in your bags, even carry ons. That way if someone picks it up thinking it is theirs (or worse), you can track it.
Yep, this should be on top of any new lists for travelling tips
What is an air tag?.
@@eddym5532 an (Apple) air tag is a BlueTooth tracking device that works with your smartphone, tablet or computer. Tile is a similar item/company. Those are the two largest, there are smaller companies offering similar service, but some go out of business (like TrackR).
I've "tagged" mine with spray paint! You want you "luggage" be "ONE OF A KIND"
I've seen others with various "appliques" SEWN ON!
Also I think it's a good idea to take pictures with air tags on them. Easy to track!!
Bright colorful luggage SOUNDS good, but the other passenger with the same colorful luggage won't even check the tag. I caught one lady making off with my bright green bag - which looked exactly the same as hers. Use the ribbons and stickers , people.
You’re right! The more you make your bag unique the better! Safe travels.
I use a mix of sewed on dog leashes (cheep ones that have been cut up) that have been arraigned into my initials on the front, back and sides except for the two sides with the handles as well as using several different colors of paracord (because I make my own customized modular dog leashes with the hardware that was salvaged from the cheap dog leashes and some "virgin"/not really traditional hardware) that I stitch down and "braid" onto the handles on my bag so that I can spot my bag from nearly 50 feet away from me.
We bought a couple of bright blue luggage straps making our cases easily identifiable.......
My husband put an X made out of white duct tape on the sides of our luggage making it easy to spot. Saw this idea in a comment on some YT site.
Agree with duct tape. We found zebra duct tape and it has been awesome.
I think we stopped a situation like this at Heathrow. We were flying back home to Ottawa going thru security. My Daughter and I were both told to leave our passports in the bin. This has happened many times before so I was cautious but not alarmed. I went thru first then my daughter. I stopped and looked at her and said where is your passport? Nowhere to be found. A tsa agent was screaming at us to move on. I stood my ground with that we were staying until my daughter gets her passport back. They told me several times they didn’t have it and to move on. Out of the corner of my eye I saw something hit the floor under the X-ray scanner and there it was, my daughter’s passport. I will be now always putting away the passport and as soon as they check it and my boarding pass.
It's a passport. Can't believe they are screaming at you to go ahead without it. Hope you got a good apology from them after that
Heathrow Airport is in London .... they dont have TSA there.
Your description sounds to me like someone really did have your daughter's passport, but because you stood your ground, it sounds to me like you put the heat on and someone probably took cover and dropped the passport behind the x-ray machine
I guarantee if someone screamed at me like you describe, I'd be screaming right back that much louder Comma having a naturally BIG LOUD BOOMING voice....
Plus I wouldn't doubt that I probably would have gotten physical if it came to THAT
Plus I would have been overthrowing some stuff belonging to THEM, so that place would have looked like a HURRICANE hit it by time I got done
I GUARANTEE, they NEVER would've messed with ME again by time I got done
If Jesus can cleanse the temple by overthrowing money changers tables and running out the thieves, we can do the same thing
If Jesus can do it, so can we!
The temple became a den of thieves just like our airports are becoming a den of thieves
Jesus cleansed the temple, and so can we go in and cleanse these places that are stealing from people
What Jesus did, SO CAN WE 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
I put my watch, wallet and my phone in my bag. I cover my checked bag in random strips of coloured duct tape, and I make sure the tray with my laptop goes through last.
I still get my bag searched 50% of the time, because I carry so much electronic stuff for work.
Never put a phone, wallet, etc. loose into a bin. Put it in another bag.
TSA in Denver Colorado does not care. They yell at passengers, have no where for a disabled person to sit to remove casts, and they are more concerned with visiting with fellow workers that paying attention to travelers. If I never leave from that airport again I will be happy
What would they do if we went back to casts that you CAN'T remove? 🤣🤣
If YOU CAN'T remove the cast, neither will THEY 🤣
I guarantee if they yelled at me, I'd SCREAM RIGHT BACK and NOT comply!
I guarantee by time I was done, that place would be a mess Because I'd probably end up overthrowing a LOT
I guarantee if they ever messed with me, that place would look like a HURRICANE hit it, because I'd take serious measures to CLEANSE that place IF it was ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY
Every single passenger needs to be like this because I guarantee it's the PASSENGERS who could keep those workers IN CHECK
If those workers KNEW the passengers could take desperately serious action, I don't think the staff would want to mess with ANYONE
My procedure is as follows:
Packing: Liquids in the regulation transparent bag, but then inside another brightly coloured plastic bag for valuables, all inside my carry on.
Just before security: Retrieve bag in bag, and take out the transparent bag with the liquids, putting it back in the carry on. Place wallet, watch, keys, phone, passport etc in the valuables bag but keep in hand in case boarding card or whatever is needed to be shown at security.
At security: Retrieve liquids bag and place on tray (probably with laptop and/or coat). Put valuables bag inside carry on and place on tray.
After security: Retrieve valuables bag and put the contents back where they belong on your person. Put the liquids bag inside the now empty valuables bag and put back into carry on.
Not only does this secure your valuables, but it also means you won't forget watch, house keys etc as they are all together.
Yes! This is exactly what I do, too.
Great tip.
Just put all your jewelry, watch, etc in that bag before you even get in line, to speed things up.
Tie bright coloured ribbons on your bags for easy identification
I had a TSA officer try and swipe my IPhone in NYC. She didn’t realize I was watching her like a hawk but when she did she put it back in the tray, giving me a dirty look. I now always keep my phone and other valuables in my suitcase case and never in those trays. They can pull me aside and search my suitcase if need be.
Yes TSA agent stole money from me a few times . Once i noticed it & it got found - another time @ SFO airport i didnt notice till my next stop & called back to SFO 'TSA' office - no help. 3 months ago @ Haneda airport in Tokyo they took my money /passport /vry important documnts out of bottom of my carry-on day pack. I discovered this while waiting 4 connecting flight. BIG trouble/ problems - 2 police took me by private elevator back to the check point & one agent (there were about 7 agents standing round) gave mt my "rf-blocking" pouch ... why they took out & held for a few hours ? Why i had to go thru SO MUCH anxiety about "who stole my IMPORTNT documnts rf-id block pouch" - now i need to cancel trip .. whats going on ??? My conclusion: travel as light as humanly possible - buy what yu need when yu get there & abandon/giv away stuff when yu return. Tnx un2 the religion of peace 4 all this troubles on a world wide extent. TREMENDOUS waste of money. SO MANY troubles
Both of your "examples" did not involve TSA ... SFO has private security and Japan does not have TSA
shame on you for the "rwligion of peace" comment, you bigot! What misguided and criminal people might do in the name of religion has nothing to do with the religion itself.
My daughter was in first class a few weeks ago, when the woman in front of her had a meltdown and had to be removed from the flight, along with her two young (embarassed) children. The woman grabbed their luggage, tossing it around to show her displeasure, and left. When the flight landed in Mexico, another first class passenger found his suitcase was not on board. If anyone around you is removing luggage, don't look away if you're embarassed for them. The missing bag meant the man could not enter Mexico. Heaven knows what the end of the story was for him.
I followed a bunch of your tips for my last couple of trips including my first big one to London and everything went so smoothly. Thank you!
Although I have TSA pre-check, I was required to remove my short boots. And people need to remember that security requirements in different countries may be different than those in the U.S.A. I got yelled at in India for not including my charging cords in the bin. There were no signs indicating their requirements. They also confiscated a pair of children's scissors that can barely cut paper. It can be a very frustrating process but we always need to try to be patient.
I had my passport taken at the TSA in JFK years ago. Making a loud stink at the time helped and my passport was "found" after a few minutes.
One time, I had an incident at a small carnival similar to what you described at the airport
They had this inflatable slide, and in order to use it you had to leave your belongings down at the bottom
So I left my fanny pack down there and when I went to retrieve it, to pay for another activity, it was MISSING
I raised my voice and raised awareness to the situation and told everything like it was, one of the workers who was by the slide came around from behind something with my pouch in his hand and returned it to me when I said contained cash that was going to go to THEM to pay for is THEIR activities....
Thank GOD for giving them the HEART to RETURN that stolen item, ESPECIALLY since other customers were NEARBY
Thankfully, a short time later, I was able to find a little cubby hole to leave fanny pack on my motorcycle I was driving at the time....
Thank you for addressing this. Travelers really need to know this.
Thanks! I think so, too.
Even though my suitcase is generically black, I store a photo of it on my phone, I put an AirTag inside to hopefully track it, but also have a suitcase strap in a bright contrasting colour with my name embroidered on it in large letters…. Makes it so much easier to spot 😊
Put ALL of your valuables in your bag BEFORE you put your bag on the x-ray rollers. Lock your bag if possible. If TSA has to look inside of your bag, they will need you to be there to unlock it. It also prevents other passengers from swiping your valuables if you’re delayed going through the body scanner.
Personally, I wouldn't go through the body scanner without my bag proceeding at the speed I'm going
If I have to get separated from my bag, I'm not going through that body scanner until I can go through at a moment I can grab my bag right on the other side
Best yet, don't even take luggage
Instead, wear clothes you wouldn't mind losing because The idea is to go by something from a thrift shop at your destination that you also wouldn't mind losing
The idea is to go to either Goodwill and leave your current change of clothes or even go to a nearby laundromat and leave your change of clothes
If they have a donation table, leave them there or even in a washer or dryer
You can also buy travel sized hygienics and just leave them in a public bathroom when you start your trip home
The only thing that'll be different is your change of clothes walking back into your home
The time to put your jewelry, keys and other small items into a pouch in your luggage is when you get to the airport. When I get there, I stop at some seats and start "stripping". I even put my jacket/sweater in my carry on...sometimes I put it in my checked luggage as I won't need them on the plane. Everything small goes into one pouch so I've only got my suitcase to put in the bin, then electronics in another bin. That's it.
Exactly what I do As soon as I get to the airport I put everything in my zipped up carryon bag.i hold my passport/Id and phone which I drop in the bag once I go through security
TSA started stealing from it's inception ... I first heard of many years ago over $10K worth of Nehihau shell leis were stolen from an unsuspecting local Hawaiian artist who relies on his art to survive.
❤❤❤ Great tips! I once had a plain navy cloth suitcase. I used small bottles of acrylic paint in red and white to mark random designs on my suitcase. This is even better than a sticker because that paint is permanent. It was easily the most recognized bag in the airport. A friend used this method on a cruise and saved his luggage as he spotted it being left behind on the dock as the cruise ship began to move away. 😊
Ok now you’re scaring me. So far I’ve never had any issues with cruises but we’re going on another one next spring so I need to prepare 😂
I’m really taken aback by this video. I’m beginning to feel that desire to travel is actually dangerous. You’re talking about actual theft while in line never mind pickpockets at your destination! It’s easy to get distracted, especially if you’re traveling with children and now you have to worry about being robbed? This is too much.
You can't let it deter you. You just have to be smart and observant at critical moments, and prepare for your travel ahead of time.
TSA Cares is a great program! Our granddaughter is autistic/non-verbal and the TSA agents are very sweet with her, recognizing she must be assessed differently. Makes a huge difference, as she isn't overstimulated. Happy Sunday, Megan!
TSA cares is quite an excellent program...... when the agents understand what things need to be changed for the individual who requested assistance from the program.
Luckily for me, I opt to use the program for the few times I do fly as I am not only on the Autism spectrum (quite high functioning) but I also have severe chronic pain as well as having to wear custom leg braces so I opt to be strip searched as I am able to hand over my clothing so the agent can feel them up all they want as I'm not in them (lol).
I'm a volunteer in another branch of public service, and I've actually had training in recognizing and not aggravating autism spectrum reactions. it's good that awareness is increasing.
Thank you for mentioning this. I am an adult autistic female and verbal, but I get overwhelmed with sensory issues going through security checkpoint. I have only flown by myself a handful of times, but I have more often than not been yelled at and/or have to be patted down, searched, and wand scanned. I become non-verbal around authority figures and especially the TSA because I am over-stimulated, anxiety ridden, as well as unable to follow instructions because my brain feels like it shuts down and then I become non-verbal. Last year a TSA agent was yelling at me when I was putting my items in bins, asking me if some stuff in a bin in front of mine were my items. They weren't, but it took me several seconds to process what the woman was asking me and then by the time I was able to shake my head "no", the person who owned the items showed up. After that, I saw the agent go around to another agent who was processing people through the body scanner. I ended up being patted down, scanned with a wand, and my bags were searched. I hate being touched by anyone and even though I tried very much to hold myself together, I began crying, only to be yelled at even more. I remember the agent asking why I was acting like a toddler due to my tears and uncontrollable stimming movements. I have to fly alone in a couple of days from now and I filled out an application for TSA Cares. I hope that I can get that help and that I can figure out what I need to do at the airport to be able to maybe have a smoother experience.
I use to work with TSA, that was for about five years.
I knew of the scams behind the special group who collected all rejected oversized liquid at the end of the day. I also witnessed the mishandling of passenger luggage in the lower leveled baggage screening.
I can say this, the younger immature men, un supervised, would just horse around, slinging bags around. This is a reason fragile thing were not spared.
We were taught how to figure out the codes to locked bags. I mean, there was a lot to know.
I travel a lot for work. Order of operations is: suitcase (which takes the longest to scan and buys me time), bin with laptop and shoes, zipped purse (which also takes time). There is no “accidentally” grabbing my laptop because it’s clearly between my 2 other items.
I like your strategy. Safe travels!
One more. When traveling with my wife, I first let her go through security and AFTER she is on the other side, I put my stuff on the security belt and wait till they go in the xray machine before myself entering the security. And of course use air tags for the last couple of years
That is a smart way to do it when you are travelling with a companion! Safe travels!
My best tip... I wear a travel vest with multiple zippered pockets with my phone, wallet, keys, earbuds etc instead of carrying a purse. Once I put it back on, it's easy to feel that everything that was in it is still there.
When I travelled this year in Asia, a few airports did not allow me to hold my passport. I didn't need to remove my apple watch in many places, but in one place, the lady touched my apple watch (I turned off "always on") display to check. None of them asked me to take my ipad out or had concern about my lotion/cream in the pocket of my bag even though I had a liquid bag inside my carry-on suitcase.
The most chill, safe and efficient security check I've been through is at Arlanda airport outside Stockholm, Sweden. There they actually want you to keep everything inside your bags and jacket when it goes through the scanner (they have some advanced scanner that can see everything anyway). Anything detected to have something questionable inside that needs a 2nd screening is automatically routed to a screening area out of the way of other passengers where you can calmly talk to the security agent.
If all airports had the same security screening I would like flying a lot more.
My almost empty designer bag, placed on the top of another bag that was not completely closed, dissapeared after I passed security check for the TSA pass holders in Atlanta International Airport in December 2022. I found the bag missing 5 min later, came back, asked the workers who scanned my stuff and Lost and found just across them, emailed to the Lost and Found next day, and of course, nothing was found. I couldn't believe myself. Fortunately took my passport and other importand things out this bag right before the security check.
Great ideas that I'll need to start following. I guess I've been lucky so far.
Love your dog. Looks like a cockapoo?
Close, Ollie is a goldendoodle. Great guess!
TSA kept my security flashlight this trip. I only traveled with my carry-on. I have Global Entry, have been vetted and am secure and 68 years old. I use my security flashlight when walking if in a dangerous area or for dogs along my path in central America. I have only EVER made a sound with the tazer if followed in New Orleans returning to my hotel at night - or followed by dogs. They then stay away. It is in a carry holster. It had a cap over it, so that has to be removed if i need it for protection. He called a supervisor - it was thrown in the trash. 😢
So you had a tazer and wonder why it was not allowed on the plane ? and some how that is TSA`s fault ?
My niece worked at the airport loading suitcases on planes and she said people were going through luggage and stealing passenger belongings all the time. I guess no cameras back then. Thieves suck!
Always put everything into the bag preferably in a pocket or a retrieval pouch or alternate in the inside pocket of a jacket preferably zipped. Items of any kind should never lay loose on the tray. Also lock the bag with a TSA approved lock if possible, this means if they want to inspect it you will be witnessing it, it also keep other peoples long fingers out, place an Airtag inside the bag, you can place an additional one in the valuables pouch.. place sticker or other indicators on the outside.
Place the toiletries that you have already packed at home in a see through 1l bag on the tray.
As others said don’t go through metal detectors/body scanners before you see the bag enter the X-ray. This minimise the risk of a passenger stealing from you.
Also black, grey, silver or white is no go in airports…
The fact you have to let go of your valuables is a disgrace.
During my last trip to the Philippines via Doha, Qatar I had one of the most brightly colored suitcases on the line. I had also had made some unique patches on my backpack that made it clear to whom it belonged. Also my laptop has some stickers on it that make it obvious to whom it belongs although I had to swap out one of them. I have a pacemaker now and generally TSA is pretty nice with me. Also I tend to use my backpack every day at the range so I have to really check it for anything firearm related.
To also prevent TSA staff steeling your items, when I go on holiday, mostly in Europe. I used a heavy duty A4 zipper bag, with some modifications, like attaching a steel punch hole, which allows me to put through security wire. The security wire is attached to my ruck-bag with a pad lock.
Another thing you could do, on the A4 zipper bag, you have a label with a message: ITEMS IN THE ZIPPER ARE PROTECTED WITH UNIQUE SMART WATER. Now the TSA person wont have an idea if its protected or not, but should be enough to put them of from tampering with your items
I always lock my wallet and other small valuables in my carry on back pack before I get to the x- ray machine. If TSA needs to look closer, I will need to unlock it and we can look together.
The best solution I have seen to date!
I flew out of a small airport in Franklin PA the TSA women went into my purse and took money out.she was the only agent there I did not know until I stoped to get something to eat and had no money .
Wow, and Sorry!
If you're into the black color like me ( black or dark suitcase). You can always decorate it with stickers, use a suitcase cover or a colorful luggage strap. But my favorite is to use many travel 🧳 stickers
I use bright color scarfs or tapes to wrap the handle!
@@leejuhsu yes that a bright idea :)
I had a TSA person attempt to steal my purse by concealing it inside the scanner. When I asked him to continue the scanning and give me my purse he said I had everything. I had to raise a ruckus to get my purse back. Yes! This happens.
I flew out of Heathrow a month ago and they instructed us to not remove our liquids bag from our carry-on luggage and they wouldnt allow me to keep my passport in my hand while going through the scanner. I had to put it under my bag in the bin and hope that it was on the other side when I picked it up. It was.
Never held my passport in my hand ever at any airport, always in coat pocket or bag. As for LHR you must've been at one of the new scanners (they are few and far between but great)
I've been hassled by security when I held my passport in my hand.
I've also been hassled by security when my passport was the only thing in my pockets.
These morons act like a passport is some kind of nefarious object.
Why didnt you put it IN your bag ?
Years ago, I stuck my license in my back pocket before going through the body scanner, not thinking anything of it. Luckily, I didn’t get patted down or anything, but I got my hands swabbed for explosive residue. I have precheck now, but I won’t make that mistake again.
Edit: I broke the two hour rule one time at a small airport, thinking it wouldn’t be crowded. They were down to one scanner, and it was a nightmare. We were basically waiting in line until it was time to board and then being rushed through security and running to our gate. Absolute chaos.
I had a 6am flight at Columbia, West Virginia airport.. TSA did not open until 5:30.. I know what you went thru!! And I had to do it on two different occasions.
I bring a dollar corkscrew similar to yours although it has the little foil cutter wheels rather than the small knife so if security flags it no big deal. Now the last 4 trips to EU , 2 departing Toronto and back from Lisbon, and Paris never was an issue @ security screening.
I travel frequently with my work. I obtained my TSA Precheck about 3 years ago. Totally worth it. I used my United Airlines points to pay for it.
I do the following:
TSA Pre-Check
Throw all items on my body in my personal item bag such as wallet and watch.
The only items going through the scanner is my carryon and personal item bag and occasionally my jacket.
After going through TSA, take my items out I had on my body and continue on.
Thanks for the advice on international airport security, I'm making my 1st international trip this year so I have a lot to learn about safely traversing these different airports.
Hi Megan. I purchased an RFID Crossbody bag with an RFID wallet. Do those items need to be scanned separately going through TSA or can I keep them in my personal carry-on bag? Thank you!
I highly recommend TSA Pre. It is worth the money and time since everything goes way faster on that line but unfortunately it only works in The US.
Now, Heathrow Airport security in London and the Airport in El Salvador are very hardcore and will search through every little thing you carry in your luggage.
If you're going to UK and El Salvador, you might want to go the rest of the way up to Global Entry.
I had no trouble passing the PSA precheck. The fee was $78. However, my adult son's status is pending. Even though it is his fault, in the past he did jail time for petty theft and a small amounts of drugs. I am wondering if he will receive Pre-Check at all..
Get Global Entry instead of TSA Pre. Global Entry costs only $22 more and includes TSA Pre.
El Salvador: they made me sit in a chair and take my shoes off and a woman literally went through every milimeter of my footwear. I felt sorry for her.
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While boarding a train in Spain, the passenger behind me was pushing me, phisically pushing me. the content of my purse ended up spilling, phone, money and passport, underneath the conveyor belt. Turns out, we had another 30 minutes before the train was leaving and we were only 10 ppl in line. I waited until they cleared security and scrolled down the conveyor to retreave my things. I find most passengers more agressive and rushed than absolutely necesary.
If they are close enough to push you, they are close enough to feel your elbow to "acccidently" swing back into their nose
This is real. I had this type of theft happen to me. One TSA Agent kept me distracted while another took my backpack and stole from it when he "searched it". I did not find out what happened until I reached my destination. I filed an offical complaint of which I got a "we will look into it", and then a "sorry nothing we can do response". I have a friend who was pick pocketed at a busy airport. Be care full and trust no one. :(
Yes, it happened to me told me I had to take my necklace off and put it in the bag. Put it in the bag it went through and when I picked it up, it wasn’t in there and they just denied denied deny and I had to leave I was going to my grandmother‘s funeral.
The problem was, it was a handmade item that was a gift from someone. Got back home had to ask that artist to make me another one so the person who gave it to me would not know.😢
Yep same thing but my moms funeral
I am travelling for 30 years a lot, many oversea trips. My checkin suitcase was delayed by 24 hours a few times when i had close connections. I never had anything lost or stolen from my luggage. Most of my trips were in US, Canada and Eu.
All valuables go in my zipped up carry on shoulder bag . I do that long before I even get to TSA..My phone and passport I hold until they are checked then slipped into the same shoulder bag. I watch it like a hawk going into the scanner and coming out
If you need to use the bins you're doing it wrong. You're luggage usually had an easily accessible hot/easy access pocket. Should you need to empty your pockets, which should be near empty already because you're a smart trvaler and know you're going to the airport(right?) you shove all those items into the hot pocket and send them all through the scanner. This reduces chance of leaving anything behind and keeps your stuff grouped. Marking/tagging black bags is a must. Better yet is to not use a generic black bag. I've seen people grab other people's stuff on accident.
I’m going to be flying domestically this summer, and watching the TSA mess in this video just makes me nervous. I did not want to have to fly again, but I can’t drive that distance any more, and there is a problem now with me taking my old standby, Amtrak. I appreciate your videos, Megan, and have figured out on my own many of your excellent tips during my crazy travel days of 2009-2019. I’ve always been conscious of theft, but in all of society it’s gotten much worse since the pandemic.
What happened that you can't take Amtrak?
Megan is talking about worst case scenarios. Many thousands of people go through TSA without any problems and most travelers are honest. Read the post (above) by @robertallison1580. He has some very good ideas regarding keeping valuables safe. It truly is a shame that people who are hired to assure that we are safe are those we need to watch out for. Have a great trip.
@@colleenmarin8907 i am heading to Schenectady, NY. There is supposed to be a 30-minute stop in Albany before continuing 20 minutes to Schenectady. I asked my brother if he could pick me up at the Albany station, which he has done before, but now he refuses. When i went up last September, the train stayed in Albany 1 hr 20 minutes. No crew was onboard (it being a crew change station), and the passengers in my car went crazy. I could not go out because I didn’t trust leaving my luggage with him, and i have disabilities that make lugging my bags back and forth, up and down stairs, difficult. I have hypersensitivity to all forms of smoke and dust, and people had been smoking (tobacco and weed) in the restroom by the exit and just outside the exit. The people were also drinking and extremely loud. I felt sick and had a smashing headache by the time we reached Schenectady. When we got to Schenectady and i told my brother what had happened, i asked again for him to drive the hour-long round trip to the Albany-Rensselaer station, and he again refused. So when i got back home to Virginia, i changed the beneficiary of my $120,000 Roth IRA from him to a good friend who could use the tax-free money. This is what senior citizens can do to get the last laugh.
I had the same exact bottle opener taken by TSA after successfully flying on 15+ flights with it in my carry-on. After telling him the same thing you said, I didn't want to argue with him anymore. He was adamant it was not allowed. This was in the TSA-Pre line too.
if it has a blade it cant go, does not matter what line you are in.
I put every in gallon bags including clothing. So inside my bag is bags you can see through.
I got one for you. Just got a SCS and wonder if any other travelers have flown with one?
What is "SCS?"
Minimize theft and hassles- check bags. Only carry on minimal items. I breeze through the TSA. I carry only a tote bag/purse.
Every single time I fly I get the little note in my checked bag saying it was “randomly” searched. I never check anything but books, shoes and clothing . I’ve had books go missing. One time all of my shirts didn’t make it back into the bag. Nothing expensive. I guess someone thought it would be funny to have me arrive at my destination with nothing to wear.
The worst part is that I go to that Miami airport yearly to visit my niece. Maybe I should start flying in to Fort Lauderdale? Thanks Megan for all your helpful tips and keeping us safe!
Miami at the luggage carousel is a nightmare. Be wary of luggage thieves.
When traveling with my husband, I go through security first since he always sets off an alarm due to his past surgeries. That way I can keep an eye on our possessions on the end of security while he watches it as it goes through the X-ray machine.
When flying out of Manta, Ecuador, security agents rifled my carryon and extracted a Kindle Oasis. I had been reading it minutes before going through the line, and looked for it a few minutes later on the other side. Gone. I went back immediately and challenged each of them. “Hey, have you taken my electronic device? Where is it?” Nobody would meet my eyes. They gave no response more than looking down and shaking their heads. That’s when I knew they were all in on the thieving.
I once had a pink floral patterned suitcase my mother bought me with this kind of thinking in mind. I set it down next to the bus leaving for the city. When I got to my destination, it was GONE. Someone had stole it right out from under the nose of the person who was loading luggage unto the bus. So, so much for that theory.
I had a beautifully wrapped wedding present for my niece-in-law and nephew in my checked luggage. It was a lovely set of porcelain sushi dishes and place settings. TSA thought that it looked like a bomb. How? Who knows. So, they totally destroyed the wrapping but left me one of their little "love notes" saying they'd been there. I was furious and will never understand how that could look threatening, or do they just attack all gift wrapped items that aren't theirs? There was no opportunity before the wedding to re-wrap it either. I'm STILL mad about it. They really have NO right to perform their illegal searches that violate our civil rights. Supposed or imagined "threats" does not give it to them, but they will continue for as long as we let them. Meanwhile, we all stand in line, like good, little obedient schmucks, holding our shoes. smh
My daughter bought me a nice black small roller suitcase for my travels . I really liked it and was excited to use it . At baggage pick up I learned she got me what must be the most popular black small roller suitcase in the world . lol
Hope you found it in that sea of black cases. Keep the case but add a little something to it to make it stand out. Happy travels!
Thank you for the video!
I'm so glad the airport I fly out of has the latest scanner and I don't have to take anything out of my bags
The amount of radiation it emits must be off the charts.
@@DavidIke07 I just might look that up to see. I never thought about that
What airport?
One close to where I live at is the same way so I was shocked. Flying out of a different one this time so hope they have it too. It did make a big difference because I was able to leave my liquids bag and my electronics in my backpack
Nice video. I need to know what the procedure is for carrying diabetic insulin through security.
You don’t have to do much. If you have an ice pack to keep the insulin cold just make sure that it’s completely frozen. I would also take it out of your carry bag before you submit your items for x-ray. That way if they have to look it’s already on the outside of your bag. My nephew took a large amount (several months supply) when he spent a year studying in Spain. TSA tested it and let him go. If it’s just a small amount they probably won’t even test it.
I always buy a colorful suitcase and at security I'm usually traveling with someone else one of us goes through the body scanner and the other stays behind with the bags that way one of us has eyes on our bags at all times.
I always try to do this with my husband but he just gets so anxios and flabergasted that it's almost easier to travel with a 4 year old! 😄
@@jaypee5633 😂
Great idea.
Too many people have bright colors now. Sometimes I have more problems finding my purple suitcase! Last year in Houston there were 4 of the same purple suitcase on the carousel. The owners of the other purple suitcases and I had a good laugh about it. Now I use brightly colored tags on mine which usually helps.
The thing with the wine opener is it's a challenge to see in the bag if it has a knife blade. If you pull things like that out the operator can glance at it much easier. Also big plastic bags of change
Here's one more thing to look into for a video and let people know.
In the US we're getting new x-ray equipment. Some airports have already switched. These are the x-rays that look like a jet engine. With these you LEAVE EVERYTHING IN YOUR BAG! The downsides-- The bag has to be a carry on. It has to fit into the bins. So no more late check in thinking you can gate check a big check-bag. Hope that make sense.
I've always done the opposite. I pull all of my valuable items out of my bag, and place them next to it in the bin. This way there is no way an item will go missing without me noticing, and there will likely be other witnesses as well. I also don't let my stuff go through security until I am also going through security, so it doesn't have to wait for me on the other side. I also make a point of packing light, so it all fits neatly into one bin, so I only have to keep my eye on one bin.
Thanks for these secrets! I'll definitely put my less valuable items in the first bin for screening!
You’re welcome! Safe travels.
I lost my suitcase in May in Egypt…. I know i never would’ve seen it again if it wasn’t for the OUTSTANDING tour group we used…we were literally escorted through the airport and we didn’t even stand in One line. The Tour company did everything for us….and STILL my suitcase was lost. Without them, it would’ve been a loss….the airport employees were not interested in anything I had to say, it was the WELL KNOWN, HIGHLY REGARDED Tour company that were able to get my bag to me 2 days later.
Do you leave the passport in the RF sleeve when carrying it through the scanner?
Put it back in you bag after it is checked along with your boarding pass and you dont have to worry about it.
I never worry about anyone mistaking my bag for theirs, because I had a hard shell, bright orange piece of luggage that no one else seemed to have. Unfortunately, someone else did have one, which I picked up and didn’t check carefully to make sure it was mine. I ended up having to make a 45 minute trip back to the airport in order to return that bag and get mine.
I just turned 75. Several weeks ago at the TSA on our way to New Orleans, the agent said to me "Are you 75? I answered "No". He said "Yes you are because if you are 75 you do not have to take off your shoes when you go through the TSA line!" So, I turned 75 a bit early this year! Great to know now as we go through TSA lines. I also made a vest with 4 hidden, zippered pockets in which I can keep all my most valuable items and it goes through the scanner just fine. Bon Voyage all.
Thank you for your time and posting. Most of society has gone down the crap.
Thank you for watching, David!
Thank you Megan for you tips and links ! As I will be traveling next month I will be thinking of you and your tips as we approach the security check. I do have Beatles luggage which is easy to spot (huge Beatles fan) and Beatles stickers to alert me of my stuff !! I was shocked to see a TSA agent stealing but they are human after all -sad but true. I was happy to see Ollie in your video today, and we adopted a cat last month and named him Ollie or Oliver !!! So as always I enjoy your videos and seeing you too !! Be well, Howard
I’m human and I don’t steal. No excuse
@@mademsoisellerhapsody understand. I just meant that we seem to put these TSA agents in a hight regard but alas, some will steal and that is a shame.