had lost a lens or two in newark? read this!

[sharkii]

according to the gizmodo blog a TSA screener had been stealing cameras lenses and goods like that over the last few years... :( and it includes a 50 000$ worth camera...

http://gizmodo.com/5062913/tsa-airport-screener-steals-over-200000-in-gadgets-almost-gets-away-with-it

[irispatch]

Doesn't surprise me, my daughter lost her Canon A80 P&S to TSA a few years back. I am sure that there area lot more of them out there. It has been long known that TSA and baggage handlers view baggage as a 5 finger discount store. That is why even at walk thru screening I do not allow my bags out of my sight , if they want to inspect I watch every move and check my bag carefully afterward because once you leave the area you can't file a claim.

[dawei213]

Wow, and I'm ready to go on a trip to Japan. I have to be more vigilant about my gears now. I think I'll just carry two lens and leave the 70-200 home since it won't get much use any how.

[amfoto1]

A friend of mine recently traveled to Steamboat Springs, Colorado, via the airport in Hayden.

Now, in the winter ski season, it can get pretty busy.

But in the summer... Not! Two scheduled flights a day to Denver. That's it.

She arrived at the airport early to check in and go through security. Uh oh. The gate's closed. No one at security.

The guy at the information booth told her the TSA inspectors were on break. They'll be back soon.

She asked where to check in and he directed her... Then walked over with her to the airline's counter, where he handled her ticket details and checked her bag.

After half an hour or so, security reopened and she went through. Full monty inspection, of course, since she was the only passenger they had to pick on. Eventually a grand total of five more passengers came through.

When her flight was called she recognized the voice. It was the info booth guy again, now at the gate where he made the announcements, took tickets and handled boarding the half dozen passengers.

Hey, this guy was multi-tasking!

Wasn't the last she saw of him, either. Later, there he was out on the tarmac driving the luggage cart and loading everyone's bags into the airplane.

The last she saw of him he was waving the orange flashlights directing the airplane away from the gate.

45 minute flight. The lone stewardess didn't even get out of her seat.

So, let's see: six passengers, one airline person running the entire airport (aside from security), one stewardess, and no doubt a pilot and a co-pilot on the airplane ....

And five TSA inspectors to handle two flights a day... Who all go on break together!

Your tax dollars at work! :rolleyes:

Not that airport security isn't important.... but....

[wyntrsnyte]

Having read the article, I feel the need to chime in and defend my home turf, since it makes it sound as though this happens ONLY in NJ.

I'm with irispatch. Long before the increased security, baggage screeners and loaders have taken expensive items from people's luggage. I know someone who was on the plane and watched through the window as one of the loaders opened another passenger's bag and took what looked like a camera or jewelry case. Until the government or airports start doing better background checks into who they are hiring to inspect and handle baggage, this will unfortunately happen.

Rather than freak out after reading the article (OMG! I should never carry my expensive gear if I'm flying out of NJ!) I think people should use common sense and recognize that expensive gear (or personal items for that matter) should stay with you at all times so you know it won't get lost. If you can't carry it on (you are a pro and need to carry your gear in a large suitcase-sized bag) make sure you have the proper insurance and pack the equipment so that it doesn't make for easy picking (use heavy duty locks, put the item in the center of the bag, wrapped up in clothes so it can't be felt from the outside of the bag, etc.)

Ok, I'll get off my soapbox now...

[fishfoto]

I wrote this up, and posted it on POTN as well, on the 7th of October here:
http://flyingwithfish.blogspot.com/2008/10/airport-tsa-security-screener-busted.html (I think I may have beaten the AP to the story)

I also followed up with a post on the last resort for photogs when they need to check gear here: http://flyingwithfish.blogspot.com/2008/10/protecting-your-sensitive-valuables-in.html

Today I wrote up who to call if something is missing from your checked baggage: http://flyingwithfish.blogspot.com/2008/10/missing-items-from-checked-baggage-who.html

Happy Flying!

[SKnight]

My job will involve flying, so I bought a overhead stowable camera backpack that can handle not only all my gear, but a change of clothes and toiletries. And yes, when the time comes I'll reinspect my bag right there for all of the items that match the serial numbers written in my wallet.

[Bubble]

damn..i never check-in my equipment. Always have my Pelican 1450 with body and few lens for the trip. Carry all the time. I just don't trust those airline handlers. They just throw your stuff everywhere.