On Sunday, November 1, 2009 at 11:07:16 PM UTC-7, Matty wrote:
Every time I travel, my Pelican 1610 cases arrives at the destination
with at least one, and usually two of the four latches open. I don't
trust TSA, so I carry the big ticket items on with me -- mics, mixer,
radios, recorder. (It's a doc kit, so the load is manageable.) I put
the stuff I can afford to replace if I have to -- boompole, zeppelins, chargers, headphones -- in the checked case.
Last week, my case arrived at SFO with 3 of the 4 latches open and my headphone cable dangling out the opening. Fortunately nothing fell
out.
I'm fed up with the cretins that work for TSA. I mean how much
intelligence does it take to close the damn latches? I'm considering
putting decals on the case with arrows to each latch. Don't know if it
will make a bit of difference though.
Is my recurring experience the exception or the rule? I'd like some
input from the community about what it takes to keep checked gear more secure.
Thanks,
Matty
Here's the thing... It's not TSA, its the baggage handlers, gravity, and hits/ touches from other luggage in the heap of the cargo bay that open those latches. There are a couple solutions: A) Travel with a firearm. Yes, travel armed (following TSA and
airline guidlines, being aware of your home and destination's local laws). The advantage to this: all of your bags are number one priority, they are also hand carried to and from the cargo bay, you don't wait in line at the baggage claim, as it will be
wheeled to a private office to be picked up at your destination, and they take special care to seal them, and treat them with care. PLUS you then get to put BIG ASS LOCKS on EVERY lockable point and it is TSA regulation that nobody except YOU can have
the key or combination. The cons: the locks can only be used on the luggage containing the firearm, but the luggage privilege, priority, and extended care in handling, applies to all your bags. You can do this, or, B) write a note on the side of your
checked luggage and tape some zip ties on it and ask any reader to seal it, they will. You may also consider a TSA luggage strap (or two), like this:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Safe-Skies-TSA-Approved-Blue-Luggage-Strap-73/203625240?cm_mmc=Shopping%7cTHD%
7cG%7c0%7cG-BASE-PLA-D25H-Security&Safety%7c&gclid=CjwKEAjwubK4BRC1xczKrZyj3mkSJAC6ntgrcsEJNEZDYTdC3xx-i35GoQxSnjAibQj4JSuVgklOnRoCYqbw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
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