rt_brained said:
I don't know how the TSA process works, but it's not likely that the perp would leave their calling card. I'd train my focus on anyone else who would have come in contact with your bag. I know some conspirists would think, "But that's the perfect way to deflect attention! They rip you off and leave their card in your bag...no one would ever suspect them to be so stupid!"
Save it for the movies. It's more likely that it was someone working on either side of the TSA inspector...on the periphery. First, assuming your bag may have become suspect in the first place due to some detection device is a dead giveaway to anyone with half a brain that there's something of interest in that bag, probably electronic.
Second, if I'm a "criminally inclined" handler, chances are ANY bag coming through TSA's detour lane is probably worth a look-see for small electronic devices before it gets to the plane. Even if I'm in earshot of the TSA people and happen to overhear something like, "Oh, it's just another one of those f#*king iPods again". Third, what if I just happened to have seen the TSA inspector pull the iPod out of your suitcase and inspect it before putting it back. Now I know exactly where I can find it in a hurry.
Most criminals will, by nature, try to avoid being caught. As such, a small-time criminal ripping you off and leaving a calling card behind WOULD be stupid, because they assume, by conscious guilt, that they'll be the FIRST person questioned by authorities later as a result...a confrontation they'd have to prepare mentally for, later. And for what...an iPod? Not likely.
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You provide some good thought to my previous post. Since if we don't have a TSA approved lock (meaning one; TSA can open, and I assume the less desirable elements of society), that lock may be cut off by the TSA to inspect baggage according to being the "x th" bag in line or a bag that scans shows something that requires attention.
Why not provide to any traveler that requests it a sealable tag like those used on interstate transit trucks? They carry a serial number. If the TSA had to break that "seal", their notice of inspection would be a similar device attached to the baggage. This would deter the common thieves among us.
Again video surveillance of a TSA inspection would be done. Relative simple technology exists to allow for syncing of the original baggage ID, to the TSA inspection ID. IMO the reason that we don't see this is one of easy finger pointing by the TSA and the airlines. Also the attitude by some that everyone is a criminal. Meaning that Delthalaz's claim is now a three way split.
Delthalaz claims that an iPod was in the checked bag (not doubting your claim here Delthalaz). TSA will say that their people did no wrong. And the airline saying that they bear no responsibility for the loss. How is Delthalaz to prove that they had an iPod in their bag? Unlike homeowners/renters insurance (at least in my own experience), the burden of proof seems to be on the flyer that the piece missing was there to begin with.
Some have tried to make it seem that the airlines (and because of the requirements by the government - meaning the TSA) are limited in their responsibilities. This is two-fold IMO. One is the contract, and the other deals with customer service.
As much as I love a low airfare, I am also willing to pay more for the service. Meaning an airline that did duck the issue of delayed or lost baggage or personal items, that had compassionate policies, and cared for the customer - I would be willing to pay a "fair" price for that airline.
I have had first hand reports from friends and associates that paid $1200 to go from IAD to PHX (or similar fares) getting the same runaround as those that paid $200 on delayed baggage or lost items.
Yes, direct flights help. But not always. Yes, jxyama, flying a "main" carrier may help - but not always. the realities are is that if they can take "higher priced cargo"; but try and time your bags arrival with other flights they will do it.
