Missing from luggage.

[Bettcc]

Has anyone found items missing from their suitcases which were packed last thing on the final night and was placed securely locked outside their room?.
I am missing my costume jewellry in a case and pouch also my spare sunglasses in a case, these items though very attractive have little monetary value but are priceless to me for sentimental reasons. There was no sign of forced entry to the case and as I was unwell on my return my case was not unpacked for some time.
Is it possible that someone has keys which enables them to unlock cases?.

[sail7seas]

We have never missed anything from our luggage.

Did you fly? Was the suitcase checked with the airline?

[Krazy Kruizers]

We also have never found anything missing from a suitcase at the end of a cruise.

Same questions as sail.

[Bettcc]

Yes we were on a flight from Copenhagen, could it happen there? I do know that there is no way of getting the items returned or claiming on insurance as I have no proof, I just wondered if anyone else has had a similar problem.

[RedmondCruiser]

Never had a thing missing from our bags. Since luggage is to remain unlocked I would suggest either a TSA lock or, what we do, is to use a small plastic tye. We use colored tyes, which are harder to find.

[sail7seas]

Yes we were on a flight from Copenhagen, could it happen there? I do know that there is no way of getting the items returned or claiming on insurance as I have no proof, I just wondered if anyone else has had a similar problem.

Yes, things are stolen from suitcases everyday at airports. The airlines are now in the perfect position of being able to deny any responsibility. They point the finger at security who has the authority to open and inspect any luggage and security points the finger at the airline baggage handlers. And we know who loses in that scenario......the traveler.

We have all seen the documentaries (even before the security bag checks) of airline luggage handlers stealing all sorts of things from luggage.

We hear way, way more about theft occuring at airports than from cruiseships. It is very, very rare for someone to be sure something is missing from their luggage while on the ship.

[serendipity1499]

Never had anything missing from our luggage when returning from a cruise, but know that luggage is frequently opened at Airports..Perhaps that was when it happened..

[TedC]

We've had things "missing" - but later found them where we forgot we put them - in a different suitcase! We also think we've left a few things behind in ship cabins and hotel rooms - probably while rearranging contents of the luggage or forgetting to check the hook on the back of the bathroom door.

On a recent trip a TSA lock disappeared from one suitcase. We speculate the TSA person forgot to put it back on after closing the suitcase.
Nothing was missing from inside the case.

But "stuff" does happen.

[riz]

Lost all of my jewelry in April post cruise. Had to check my carry on at the last minute not thinking about the contents at Miami airport. Everything gone when I got home. A lesson learned....

I later found out the MIA has the worst track record for theft of all North American airports.

[sail7seas]

I'm so sorry that happened to you and so angry when I hear that sort of thing. It infuriates me that some jerk thinks he has the right to steal from passengers. Simply reach in a bag and take what he wants.

Grrrr.......

What a shame they made you check your carryon. Why? Was it above regulation size? Didn't it fit under the seat?

[Scrumpy]

I'm very sorry some of you have had thefts. I have been lucky so far, knock wood!

I have had to gate-check my carry-on when we change to a smaller plane. We fly out of Colorado Springs rather than Denver, so get a lot of the little planes and they gate-check bags that would normally fit in an overhead because space is at a premium and the plane is too small sometimes. We've even had them pull luggage OUT of the cargo area and store it on the plane, which is kinda funny because they take the bag away from us at the gate, then it reappears on the plane and gets stuffed in a coat closet or some other closet at the back of the plane.

[sail7seas]

That would make me so nervous, Scrumpy. The reason I bother with a carryon is because we can't trust the airline to not lose our valuables or necessities. I have to have my meds and certainly want to have my jewelry still with me when I arrive at my destination. Seems there are too many loose fingers along the way to be able to trust it out of our sight.

[FoxyTerrier]

We've been lucky - nothing missing. What kind of lock did you use? I

f it's ones that come with luggage I don't think they are secure at all. We used to use small combination locks until TSA kept cutting them off. Now we use the plastic ties.

If I had to make a guess I bet it happened after checking at the airport.

[hammybee]

I am sorry this happens to anyone.

Most know that theft from baggage is too common at most airports and rare as it relates to a cruise. It's curious given, if I am not mistaken, that all cruise baggage begins or concludes with longshoremen, not employees of any given cruiseline.

We probably all, should consider donning those body purses/ belt bags, better safe than fashionable, to carry meds and jewelry, while flying, to make sure that we arrive at our destination with what is most valuable/necessary, to us.

[riz]

Sail7seas - I usually keep all valuables and meds in my carry as you do. This particulat time it was a late afternoon flight and we had gone shopping for a few hours. I had a large shopping bag with me....therefore I had to check my carry on since I had too many carry on bags. We were cutting it very close and had no time to really think about the contents or perhaps packing the shopping.

Interestingly they also stole my high blood pressure meds which apparently was a big deal(never mind my jewelry)...they were concerned that in the wrong hands the meds could do harm.

[arzz]

With the new security measures all bags are x-rayed. With an x-ray a bag or container of jewelery will show as jewelery and it is not possible to determine what is costume and what is real from just the picture. I would assume that any bag that shows jewelery could become a target to a dishonest person. When stealing I don't imagine they examine the take until much later to determine whether they actually have anything of value. We all need to think carefully about whether an x-ray of our luggage could create a picture that is attractive to a thief.

So sorry for your loss.

A few years back I was traveling with my Mom who was in her eighties at the time, and in a wheel chair at air port security. We had been to a family wedding so she had jewelery in her carry on including one very unusual piece that had some, though not great monetary value -- but yes a whole lot of sentimental value. Her carry on was x-rayed and then all of a sudden they decided to "sniff" her shoes -- they claimed her shoes sniffed positive for explosives and proceded to do an inexplicable dance of opening her bags, removing the jewelery pouch, and x-raying it repeatedly while storing it in a drawer between x-rays. My mother appeared very vulnerable, and despite the security agent's protests I insisted on staying with her and never took my eye off of the jewelery case. Eventually, after a long interview and all the screening, they cleared her and yes, they returned the jewelery, but I have often wondered what would have happened had I not been there watching.

[imacrusing]

I NEVER pack and place my luggage in hallway..dont care what they say..other cruisers could take it, or crew ..Ijust roll it out with me next morning and off I go.

Last cruise, I actually saw luggage fall out of netting and into water, they had to fish it out...and this was before the cruise left..so some folks had wet stuff to start...

Thats why we always keep our luggage with us.

[Scrumpy]

Sail, it does make me very nervous! Normally, I pack according to what will be needed immediately and what I would not like to lose, so it is not a good feeling when those things get out of my sight. I used to travel with a large purse that was a portfolio hybrid. It's not very back-friendly, but I'm considering using it again. It will fit under the seat. It also makes me nervous that occasionally DH will have to gate-check his laptop. Everything is backed up here at home, but it'd be a real ordeal to put things right if it were stolen.

Arzz - that is a scary story indeed! I am glad you were with your mother. I have found it a harrowing experience being stopped by security a few times and although there's never been any contraband involved, some of the folks are so aggressive and threatening that I have wondered if they weren't in the wrong job!

[Scrumpy]

We probably all, should consider donning those body purses/ belt bags, better safe than fashionable, to carry meds and jewelry, while flying, to make sure that we arrive at our destination with what is most valuable/necessary, to us.

I used a Healthy Back type bag last time, but since we had several cameras, video, binoculars etc., along with meds and jewelry, there was no way everything would fit into it! Good idea for the small things, though. I'm a real travel dork and used to ALWAYS wear my fanny pack, even if it wasn't particularly attractive. Then, they started counting it as a carry-on and since it wouldn't hold a lot, I had to pack it in a backpack or purse. It got to be like those nesting dolls - this inside that inside something else. LOL!

[Candy]

Losses:

Miami Airport - no locks - 3 short/top outfits (and sales tags) & 2 cartons of cigarettes - no claim

FLL airport - combination locks cut off - digital camera & case - TSA paid claim in full

On the Princess Caribbean - TSA tattletale lock cut off - nothing lost - vendor replacing lock

Candy <-- packing smarter these days

[obriendan]

Retaining your carryon even for the transfer to the airport is also a good idea. On our HAL transfer from the Santiago Hilton to the airport DW gave her carryon, which contained jewelry, to the bus driver for storage in the bus’s baggage compartment. At the airport, the bag was nowhere to be found. The driver disavowed having seen it and suggested that perhaps it was still at the hotel. After much panic, it was finally found, having been given to another passenger with all the contents intact:D !

[hammybee]

It got to be like those nesting dolls - this inside that inside something else. LOL!
__________________________________________________ _______________

Good one Scrumpy.

[newmexicoNita]

Has anyone found items missing from their suitcases which were packed last thing on the final night and was placed securely locked outside their room?.
I am missing my costume jewellry in a case and pouch also my spare sunglasses in a case, these items though very attractive have little monetary value but are priceless to me for sentimental reasons. There was no sign of forced entry to the case and as I was unwell on my return my case was not unpacked for some time.
Is it possible that someone has keys which enables them to unlock cases?.
20 plus cruises never missed a thing, but I also don't put stuff like jewelry in the luggage to be left out. I am sorry this happened to you. AS for keys, I have never trusted those keys that come with the luggage. I think almost any will open almost any thing. JMO.

[newmexicoNita]

Yes, things are stolen from suitcases everyday at airports. The airlines are now in the perfect position of being able to deny any responsibility. They point the finger at security who has the authority to open and inspect any luggage and security points the finger at the airline baggage handlers. And we know who loses in that scenario......the traveler.

We have all seen the documentaries (even before the security bag checks) of airline luggage handlers stealing all sorts of things from luggage.

We hear way, way more about theft occuring at airports than from cruiseships. It is very, very rare for someone to be sure something is missing from their luggage while on the ship.Talking about stealing from luggage at the airport; about 15 or so years ago, my mother in law (now deceased) went to WV for Christmas to visit with her sisters. On her return somehow her luggage got lost. One piece only made it to Dallas. OUr SIL noticed, when she was picked up the piece that did arrive was tagged for the Bahamas. To make a long story a little shorter, she had packed money in her suitcase $100 bill given to her by her sister plus a little more. Being 90 at the time she was afraid whe might lose her purse. She also had some jewelry, but not much in the luggage. When it wasn't found, even though we notified the airlines about the luggage tag on the other piece we filled out the inventory and that was that. About a month or so later she did get a check for $700 from the airline. We had replaced most of her items for her. Even though her luggage was missing she really wasn't out much money thank goodness. Anyway not a month after the check arrived so did the luggage. The only thing missing: the cash. So she is up $600 instead of $700, she has all her old cloths plus everything we had purchased for her, but you know she died at 97 still upset cause she lost her $100.00. NMnita

[CruisinNana]

Years ago, after a cruise to Western Caribbean, I had bought more than I could put in my suitcase, so I purchased another bag and packed it with Mexican blankets, perfume purchases, crystal figures, and other gifts. After going through customs and arriving at the airport, I realized I had not claimed the new bag before leaving customs. I had plenty of time to take a cab back to the port and claim the bag, but my traveling friends convinced me to just call and have it shipped to me. The people I spoke to with the cruise line as well as the people in customs were VERY nice and assured me they would ship the bag to me. Well, about a week later, the bag did come to my home..and when I opened the bag, it only contained the Mexican blankets($4 each)......all the expensive items missing......hmmmmm....lesson learned!!!!!! Made no claim....just aggravated with myself for not acting on my first instinct, and that was to return to the port to claim my bag! However, I am still enjoying the Mexican blankets as beach blankets, and they wash beautifully in the washing machine and dryer!

[Grumpy1]

On a recent trip a TSA lock disappeared from one suitcase. We speculate the TSA person forgot to put it back on after closing the suitcase.
Nothing was missing from inside the case.

But "stuff" does happen.If TSA physically searches a bag, whether it is unlocked, locked with a TSA approved lock which they open, or a lock is cut off to gain access, they are required to leave a notice inside that they have searched it. If your bag has been opened and the notice is not there, then it is most likely that a baggage handler was in it, although it could be a dishonest TSA person trying to make it look like a baggage handler.

[Grumpy1]

whenever we fly, I make sure that I have planned ahead on the luggage that we will check and the items we will carry on. We can usually do the carryons with one 20" suitcase that has never failed to fit in the sizing boxes, and I make sure it is less than 20lb. We each have a computer bag, and you can put a lot of extra stuff in those. Sometimes we don't check any luggage and use a second 20" suitcase. Then, Slinkie has to put her purse in the computer bag until we've cleared security.

Any bags we check are almost always clothes only so there is nothing to create an image that looks like it should be checked out.

[Juanita462]

I had a pair of sandals go missing after a cruise - they were old but in good condition and I always put them right on top and in a plastic bag. I suspect that the thief was in a hurry and just grabbed them thinking they were new. So yes, I think they have master keys that will open any suitcase.

Re: customs - we spoke with someone who had his CPAP machine - worth over $2000 stolen right off the belt while he was being wanded. I keep my eye on my things as they go through and watch what happens to them. It would be so easy for a worker to zip open a purse and slip a wallet out.

Also, on one cruise a couple had their documents stolen right in the embarkation room. the woman had put a large amount of money in the folder with their documents and laid it on the counter while getting her picture taken - when she turned to get them they had disappeared. They were never found and they suspect one of the roving security guards lifted them.

[Sunshine91]

Our luggage is the large duffel-type bags on wheels. Very easy to stuff & manuever. However, the bags close with just a zipper that meets in the middle. Not real secure for someone else to handle. However, since the vast majority of our travel does not include airports, it's served us well. But it's starting to show it's age.

For those of you who use cable ties, for the outbound trip (to the ship) how do you cut the ties once onboard? I can't keep my micro-leatherman in my carry-on anymore. Have to pack it. For the return trip the cable ties work just fine since we'll be at home to cut them.

Also, John & I only use the cable ties for non-air travel. If TSA wants in the bags, they would cut the ties. His solution - he worked paperclips thru the 2 zipper ends. That way TSA could access the bags & so could we when we got to where we were going.

[arzz]

Before I started keeping a small scissors in the outside pocket of my checked bag to cut the security ties I would just bring my case to the hotel front desk, the bellman, whatever (I am sure that on board the cabin steward would gladly help) and ask to borrow a scissors. Early in the post 9/11 game I was often not the only one in line asking for just this service.

We keep our zippers together with kitchen twist ties, no scissors needed unless security adds an additional tie -- this has not happened to us lately.

[julia]

I'm sorry, but this entire thread is so upsetting to me! I don't fly very often (if I can help it) and this discussion is one strong reason for that. The theft of personal belongings by airport personnel is just DISGUSTING to me, and it could absolutely and totally be avoided if the airlines stepped up their security. (They're "protecting us" from terrorists by searching our luggage.... thanks, but no thanks!)

Where are the security cameras in the search areas?
How secure are the search rooms?
Where is the management when this pilfering is going on??
How does this happen??

[Aussie Gal]

Has anyone found items missing from their suitcases which were packed last thing on the final night and was placed securely locked outside their room?.
I am missing my costume jewellry in a case and pouch also my spare sunglasses in a case, these items though very attractive have little monetary value but are priceless to me for sentimental reasons. There was no sign of forced entry to the case and as I was unwell on my return my case was not unpacked for some time.
Is it possible that someone has keys which enables them to unlock cases?.

This same scenario happened to one of our tablemates from our cruise in January. She left for home from Santiago airport with her costume jewellery packed in her suitcase.

When she arrived home, it was all gone. The jewellery wasn't worth a lot of money but it had sentimental value, being passed down by her mother.

For that very reason, I always pack my jewellery in my carry on case and it is never far from me. When we had so many flights in South America in Jan/Feb this year, time and again I was asked to open my carry on bag and the security people went through everything. I just stood there and made sure that nothing was taken from that bag. It was very difficult in countries where English was not spoken well.

Thankfully in all our years of travel, nothing has been taken from our suitcases though DH's lock was broken in the U.S. this year even though the suitcase was unlocked anyhow! :rolleyes:

Jennie

[Grumpy1]

For those of you who use cable ties, for the outbound trip (to the ship) how do you cut the ties once onboard? I can't keep my micro-leatherman in my carry-on anymore. Have to pack it. Nail clippers is the best solution.

[Candy]

Once after the shoe-match incident, my husband was selected to remove his shoes and again empty his pockets. A guard grabbed his wallet and said he had to scan it again, and headed really fast for a scanner at the other end of the room. I never saw Jim run so fast! He caught the guy and snatched the wallet out of his hands (unscanned) and went back to get his shoes... the nerve of some people!

Candy the ZuiderPrincess

[broberts]

Is it possible that someone has keys which enables them to unlock cases?.

Quite possible.

You might want to contact the cruise line, airline, and TSA. Its possible the item(s) were left unpacked, in the cabin. Its possible that they were not repacked after a search. If they had a low monetary value its also possible that they'll "appear".

Don't know if you don't ask. If it were me, my approach would be something like "when I got home I couldn't find my . . . I've looked everywhere. I'm so distraught . . . Have they turned up?"

[as41shots]

It's not always the airlines, though.

Almost exactly a year ago, we cruised out of Miami on Explorer of the Seas, Western Caribbean itinerary. I owned a Lowepro Computrekker, which looks exactly like a backpack:

http://www.lowepro.com/images/products/CompuTrekAW_left_stuffn_1_n.jpg
Whenver I travel, I never ever let it out of my site.

Except once.

We were at the pier and had just checked our bags. The porter loaded all of our suitcases on to a luggage cart and appeared to be about to roll it right down to the ship, and asked if I wanted him to take the backpack. We had the two kids, a bunch of other carry-on stuff, and I thought about it and figured "Well, it's not obviously a camera bag since it looks like a knapsack, I see where he is taking it onboard, and I have so much other junk to carry.....well, OK."

Later when all of our luggage was delivered to our room, needless to say it wasn't delivered with the rest of our luggage. The knapsack never showed up. Our cabin attendant told me that there are many thieves at the Miami port. Needless to say I was sick to my stomach over it... more because I would not have the equipment for the cruise than the cost, because I knew that my homeowner's insurance would cover it. Plus, I was so angry at myself for being so stupid, which only compounded things. In the bag were my digital SLR, two lenses, dedicated flash, four camera batteries, my digital camcorder, each of the kids' digital point and shoot, 2 1gb memory cards, a brand new waterproof housing for my son's Canon A80, and other stuff that I can't remember now. So, not that anyone here is anywhere near as stupid as I, but keep your cameras close. The only consolation was getting to go on a spending spree for new stuff once the insurance check came.

We leave Wednesday morning for a cruise to Alaska. In addition to all of the replacement gear I bought last year I have added some extremely costly glass for bear watching. Will not let this bag out of my sight.

[Bettcc]

Quite possible.

You might want to contact the cruise line, airline, and TSA. Its possible the item(s) were left unpacked, in the cabin. Its possible that they were not repacked after a search. If they had a low monetary value its also possible that they'll "appear".

Don't know if you don't ask. If it were me, my approach would be something like "when I got home I couldn't find my . . . I've looked everywhere. I'm so distraught . . . Have they turned up?"

This I will try, it makes sense, I did not know what I could do,we did as we have always done and thoroughly checked the cabin before leaving. It is not to say that I am new to travelling I am in my middle seventies this was our 14th cruise, as well as many flights and I have never lost anything before ,I guess I have always been so trusting and perhaps lucky or thought it wouldn't happen to me . I do thank you all for replying to my post ,you are all very kind .Thank you again. Bettcc

[wdrl]

My father worked for TWA (anyone remember them) and always said any lock can be broken and never put anything valuable in your luggage. He also believed that the more expensive your luggage the more damaged it will be, as airline employees found it to be a challenge to damage them. He was not just referring to TWA employees either!

Now post 911 many suitcases are unlocked and even easier prey to theives.

[kryos]

Yes we were on a flight from Copenhagen, could it happen there? I do know that there is no way of getting the items returned or claiming on insurance as I have no proof, I just wondered if anyone else has had a similar problem.
My money's on TSA ... not HAL.

I think I recall reading somewhere that TSA had a big internal investigation or something ... in response to many, many passenger complaints regarding missing items from their luggage ... and they determined that some of their officers were stealing items from passengers' luggage. Don't know what actions they took to rectify the situation, though. For some reason, never heard anything about that subject.

Blue skies ...

--rita

[serendipity1499]

My money's on TSA ... not HAL.

I think I recall reading somewhere that TSA had a big internal investigation or something ... in response to many, many passenger complaints regarding missing items from their luggage ... and they determined that some of their officers were stealing items from passengers' luggage. Don't know what actions they took to rectify the situation, though. For some reason, never heard anything about that subject.

Blue skies ...

--rita

I believe the TSA is being erroneously blamed here.:( .The OP stated they had a flight from Copenhagen...She never said that she had a flight in the USA...TSA is a branch of the U.S. Government & does not examine luggage in Foreign Airports...

TSA only examines luggage which goes on USA originating flights..
Luggage is examined by either the Airline or Govt. Security in each originating country..

Danish Security would have examined her luggage..When she arrived in the US from Copenhagen, she would have gone through US Customs here..TSA would never see her luggage unless she was on a continuing flight..

This is not to say that theft doesn't happen, but the blame should be placed with the proper authority...In this case she should contact both the Cruise Company & the Airline which transported her luggage..

If she continued on a flight in the US, then she would have to put a claim in with both the US Airline & TSA..

TSA is able to open any approved TSA lock..Other locks & cable ties are cut off if TSA wishes to examine your luggage. As Grumpy states they are required to place a notice in your bag..There is no such requirement outside of the U.S

For the poster that says where are the Managers..Dishonest employees can be very clever & it is often very difficult for a Manager to catch the thief..You would have to be watching everyone constantly & then prove that they lifted the items....That's why Airport Police & Security is always very busy!

However theft does not only happen in Airports! How many times have you been in a Supermarket & left your bag un-attended in the grocery cart..I see it all the time & many times they are stolen before the person realizes it..:mad:

The bottom line is always be vigilant & never ever let your wallet, purse, important papers, jewelery, meds & valuables out of your site!

[sail7seas]

Good point about the fact TSA would not be involved in a flight originating in Denmark.

It's good advice, Serendipity, to say to never let valuables out of our sight but what are we to do when the TSA Officer grabs our jewelry pouch (when we are on the other side of the x-ray) and says he/she is going to run it through the x-ray again? It is out of our sight and our control and if it isn't returned to us, we probably have no way to prove we ever had the case. Sure, I know they're running video but how likely is it an individual would ever get it viewed and pursued........not to mention how there would be time to go through all that without missing our flights.

[grandma bev]

Interesting thing happened after flying from St. Lucia, changing in Montego Bay, arr in the U.S. Found a note inside the suitcase saying it had been inspected - it was an old hard side Samsonite with a combination lock, which worked just fine, in spite of having been opened. They can get inside anything!!!!

Like Oprah said on her show about 15 years ago, "Always pack your checked suitcase as if you'll never see it again". And each time we visit the kids in AL, we go to the unclaimed luggage store in Scottsboro!
Bev