View Full Version : Airport Security At It's Best
Gotta love airport security. Monday morning I flew out of Detroit and headed to Norfolk. I had a layover in Philly along the way. I checked my baggage that had my 30 ct travel humi inside, 3 boxes of selectos for my old man, a few bottles of wine, and my clothes. When I received my luggage in Norfolk I had a sticker on the outside from TSA that said they had inspected my bag. Immediately I opened my bag to see what kind of damage they had done. The three boxes of selectos were opened (tax stamps cut) and never closed again (cigars laying everywhere inside my bag. I inspected my travel humi and one of my sticks were missing :confused: They had removed the soft foam from around my wine bottles and then half ass taped them back. Lucky for me none of the bottles busted from the lack of poor repacking. What a horrible traveling experience.
Anyone else have security thief problems like this before?
Barteur
05-05-2009, 06:30 PM
No bad experience yet, but I travel often so I am sure it will happen one day. This is unaceptable. Did you file a claim.
Wait - You were here last night and no call? Pfft to you.
Sorry to hear about the smokes. Makes me want to hand carry if I ever have to travel with them.
Mugen910
05-05-2009, 06:38 PM
Sorry to hear Hal...I always carry my sticks on with me. It saves me the hassle of wanted to kill a TSA worker.
hotreds
05-05-2009, 06:42 PM
Yes- the dolts opened my cosmetic bag, and opened some shampoo in same, not closing it. So, I had shampoo all inside that cosmetic bag and part of the suitcase.
Sorry about your experience. These folks really are pathetic sub-humans.
MedicCook
05-05-2009, 06:44 PM
Sorry about the TSA issue. Definately file a claim. I have not flown since I started smoking cigars and do not look forward to doing it.
AD720
05-05-2009, 06:45 PM
Was there a reason for them to take the one they did? (purposefully obscure)
robofan
05-05-2009, 06:55 PM
My cigars are always a carry on. Since they won't let you carry on wine anymore I ship separately via FedEx. Only clothes and sundries go in the checked baggage. Never had any clothes missing. They must not like the stuff I wear. :r
I agree with you they have turned traveling into a nightmare. :mad:
Steve
05-05-2009, 06:55 PM
Don't even get me started on the Travel Stealing Authority!!!
GreekGodX
05-05-2009, 06:58 PM
Those rat bastards! I cannot believe they stole a stick from you. I would definitely file a claim.
I've had trouble coming through customs where they basically emptied my suitcase and then left it there for me to repack. Which I was very upset about. I think they get off on giving people a hard time.
They didn't steal my CoRo did they??
:r :r
marge796
05-05-2009, 07:02 PM
I flew back from CigarFest on Monday out of Scranton PA through Detroit and into Kansas City. I also Had a TSA sticker on my checked luggage, they tossed my big bag with all of my C-Fest cigars but did not take any. I mentioned last week I despise all aspects of air travel. There's nothing but incompetence at every level :2! I was very lucky, sorry you had such a crappy experience :mad:.
Chris.....
68TriShield
05-05-2009, 07:05 PM
A word of advice,carry on only.Don't worry about where the cigars are from.
Carry on only.
A word of advice,carry on only.Don't worry about where the cigars are from.
Carry on only.
Problem for Hal is the number of sticks he brings everywhere. He'd be one of those guys trying to stuff giant "handcarry" luggage in the overhead compartment, holding up the whole boarding process. Hell, I'm surprised they don't check his luggage through the oversized/bulky claim area.
:r :r
skyhigh340
05-05-2009, 07:14 PM
File a claim!!!! Follow up with the claim.
Thanks for all the comments on filing a claim. I think I will make a complaint. Looks like they stole one of my lusis. Dirty Bastages.
Volt- I was only passing through so I didn't have time to hang out. Sorry man.
KenS- No CoRo stolen. ;) I will see you soon enough. :fu
Steve- Travel Stealing Authority- Hilarious! :r
My carry on was already loaded up and I couldn't pack them in there.
ucla695
05-05-2009, 07:40 PM
Sorry to hear that. Hopefully we can all learn from this. I'll be sure to carry my cigars with me on my next flight.
Bruzee
05-05-2009, 07:40 PM
Bummer bro.... Kinda scary for the rest of us. Make me not want to fly.
jkim05
05-05-2009, 07:51 PM
Yep, I only carry on those things. I just went to Denver this past weekend with 2 boxes of cigars, a 15 count and a 50 count, all carry on. It's hard enough to fit everything into my cases, I don't need someone else trying.
My cigars are always a carry on. Since they won't let you carry on wine anymore I ship separately via FedEx. Only clothes and sundries go in the checked baggage. Never had any clothes missing. They must not like the stuff I wear. :r
I agree with you they have turned traveling into a nightmare. :mad:
One of my last commands in the Navy was a training command. We traveled a lot. We got smart after a while and started Fedexing our clothes in a box to the motel. No loss, nothing but an emergency uniform in a carry on, and we got out of the airport quicker.
No days with the baggage fees it seems to make even more sense. If I ever have to fly again in the US, no more checked baggage.
skibumdc
05-06-2009, 05:01 AM
You expect more from people that barely require a GED to inspect our luggage?
Always carry ANYTHING of importance in your carry-on luggage. Period.
If I could carry my golf clubs with me I would. Heck, if I could carry all my clothes instead of putting it under the plane I would.
14holestogie
05-06-2009, 05:57 AM
How timely a post. I checked both my travel humi and another small humi in my baggage and it would appear the cc's were rifled through. Don't know if any disappeared, but it's carry-on from here on out for me. :tu
King James
05-06-2009, 06:02 AM
You expect more from people that barely require a GED to inspect our luggage?
Don't need a High School or College diploma to have morals. Hell, look at some of the CEOs of companies. There are plenty of jobs which "barely require a GED" that people do very honestly and work hard for. :2
replicant_argent
05-06-2009, 06:51 AM
A word of advice,carry on only.Don't worry about where the cigars are from.
Carry on only.
Sage words. You have to plan a little in advance as far as logistics with your other travel paraphernalia, but I go under the assumption that either a power tripping TSA theif or a garden variety thug will always have access to every part of my luggage.
I had a prototype Evertorch in my checked luggage a couple years ago, in a ziploc, and not only did they pull it out, but they took apart every screw on it, and tossed it loose back in the luggage. Trying to find a 1/8" long screw in your luggage when you unpack it is annoying enough, not knowing if you already sent it flying with a pair of jeans when you unpacked it, but at least they didn't abscond with it altogether.
I try to travel as light as I can, but I would rather wrestle with a slightly larger carry-on than put anything with the luggage monkeys. The saddest part is that the guy who stole your lusi probably thought it was a great size to make a party blunt out of... tried, and the wrapper exploded on him and he ended up round filing it.
kydsid
05-06-2009, 07:02 AM
My advice. File a complaint. Don't bother with filing a claim. Waste of time. Tort claims against the US Government have to prove the value of the item damaged, missing is greater than $15 AND the US Government was responsible beyond a reasonable doubt. If you want to do the most with your complaint, write one and mail it to the Secretary of Homeland Security and the TSA Administrator.
kaelaria
05-06-2009, 07:04 AM
On my last flight from LA, I had my laptop 'inspected' and they broke the latch, obviously slamming it shut and it bent. I've also had cases of shampoo, etc. not being reclosed and ending up all over stuff. We specifically put everything like that inside zip locks just in case of spills, so I know it wasn't accidental.
I detest flying these days - it used to be somewhat fun. I'm a photographer, so I carry-on everything I can, but some things just have to get packed and I hate taking the risks. I do FedEX when I have the opportunity.
mikeandshellie2
05-06-2009, 07:07 AM
Had a couple issues with flying, first was flying back from Germany rode several airlines so I'm not sure which one's took it ,but I purchased a cameo over in Italy and forgot to take it off my wrap so I placed it in my luggage and yep, once I got back to the states and unpacked it was missing.
Next, was flying to Cali and nothing was stolen or anything just lost for a whole day, of course it was the only bag I brought with me with all my clothes.
Ashcan Bill
05-06-2009, 07:13 AM
That would irritate me to no end. I would definitely carry through with a complaint. :mad:
Personally, the only things I check are clothing and my shaving kit. Anything I take having any value to me in the least, I carry on. No exceptions.
Theft and corruption has always been a part of travel to certain foreign countries. I've always figured that into the equation when traveling internationally. Sadly, we now have the same caliber of people "keeping us safe" here at home via the TSA. Pretty sad.
sodomanaz
05-06-2009, 07:17 AM
I get searched at LAX pretty regularly, and one time I nearly lost it.
Leaving the US from LAX, I was pulled aside while I was in freaking line to check in. They had a table set up right around the check in, where they searched every bit of my luggage. My toiletries, my underwear, gifts for friends, everything all inspected and held up for all to see. Bastards. Thankfully I didn't have anything odd in there.
A year later arriving back to LAX from Asia, I had to catch a separate domestic flight, and while I am waiting to check in, I got pulled aside and told that my bag would be going through the machine. I'm thinking, "Sweet, at least they aren't pulling that other **** again!" I stand there while security grabs my bag roughly and I approach him and say, "Yo, take it easy on my bag please." He rolls his eyes, turns and throws my bag down on the conveyor belt to the scanning machine. At that point I'm livid, and I have security telling me to carry on and go to my gate. I go outside to have a quick smoke, and see the bastard throw my bag one last time for good measure on the checked baggage conveyor belt. :(
****er broke a gift I received from my boss, a wooden statue.
I get searched at LAX pretty regularly, and one time I nearly lost it.
Leaving the US from LAX, I was pulled aside while I was in freaking line to check in. They had a table set up right around the check in, where they searched every bit of my luggage. My toiletries, my underwear, gifts for friends, everything all inspected and held up for all to see. Bastards. Thankfully I didn't have anything odd in there.
A year later arriving back to LAX from Asia, I had to catch a separate domestic flight, and while I am waiting to check in, I got pulled aside and told that my bag would be going through the machine. I'm thinking, "Sweet, at least they aren't pulling that other **** again!" I stand there while security grabs my bag roughly and I approach him and say, "Yo, take it easy on my bag please." He rolls his eyes, turns and throws my bag down on the conveyor belt to the scanning machine. At that point I'm livid, and I have security telling me to carry on and go to my gate. I go outside to have a quick smoke, and see the bastard throw my bag one last time for good measure on the checked baggage conveyor belt. :(
****er broke a gift I received from my boss, a wooden statue.
Sorry to hear about your bad travel experiences. I always say- if you hate your job so much that you destroy others belongings, you need to find another job or get educated and move on.
rizzle
05-06-2009, 08:45 AM
Sorry to hear Hal...I always carry my sticks on with me. It saves me the hassle of wanted to kill a TSA worker.
Me too brother.
cbsmokin
05-06-2009, 09:17 AM
My carry on was already loaded up and I couldn't pack them in there.
You have got to get your priorities straight!!! :r
Sorry to hear of the bad luck. :(
karmaz00
05-06-2009, 11:04 AM
damn security
i think i'm driving everywhere from here on out.
alley00p
05-06-2009, 11:39 AM
Wow! I'm flying to Vegas to attend the ELVIS herf in a few weeks. Now I'm trying to decide - do I carry on my sticks, or FedEx them to Vegas. :hm
I'm glad that I stopped and read this thread - I haven't flown anywhere since I "retired" in March of 2001! :tu
Sorry for all the problems some of you guys experienced. I fully expect to get the "Full Monty" when I go through security, here in Detroit! :c
.
mrreindeer
05-06-2009, 12:47 PM
That sucks....I was annoyed the other week coming back from Mexico (with swine flu ;) ) that my Xikar Xi3 cutter was flagged through security in my carryon (what kind of harm can I do with that thing??) and I had to check it in.
DPD6030
05-06-2009, 01:24 PM
That sucks....I was annoyed the other week coming back from Mexico (with swine flu ;) ) that my Xikar Xi3 cutter was flagged through security in my carryon (what kind of harm can I do with that thing??) and I had to check it in.
I thought according to TSA that cutters were now allowed on flights in a carry on. Nice to see they don't even follow their own rules.
Sorry to hear about your bad situation Hal. It could have been worse I suppose.
rrplasencia
05-06-2009, 01:33 PM
can you carry them with you? or is considered something you vould take over a flight with? and how about traveling with cc's? i was going to pack mine in luggage for trip to massholia next month but now i'm not so sure.
mrreindeer
05-06-2009, 02:13 PM
I thought according to TSA that cutters were now allowed on flights in a carry on. Nice to see they don't even follow their own rules.
Yeah, I know....this was Mexico, so who knows what their rules are but you'd think they'd follow our rules...
There are so many variances that I don't think should be there...different airports follow different rules. Some places make you take your ziploc bag of liquids out of your carry-ons, some don't. Makes me question how safe (or not) the TSA is making flying these days.
Yeah, I know....this was Mexico, so who knows what their rules are but you'd think they'd follow our rules...
There are so many variances that I don't think should be there...different airports follow different rules. Some places make you take your ziploc bag of liquids out of your carry-ons, some don't. Makes me question how safe (or not) the TSA is making flying these days.
They work for the GOV and are here to help you...... Sleeping any better now?
rrplasencia
05-06-2009, 02:48 PM
They work for the GOV and are here to help you...... Sleeping any better now?
:r:r
PeteSB75
05-06-2009, 03:09 PM
can you carry them with you? or is considered something you vould take over a flight with? and how about traveling with cc's? i was going to pack mine in luggage for trip to massholia next month but now i'm not so sure.
Always carry your cigars on with you. I pack specifically so that I can do it that way. I don't want some moran rifling through my collection for blunt material.
hotreds
05-06-2009, 03:14 PM
Always carry your cigars on with you. I pack specifically so that I can do it that way. I don't want some moran rifling through my collection for blunt material.
Or even, some moron! http://www.p0stwh0res.com/images/thmb_biggrin.gif
livwire68
05-06-2009, 03:40 PM
Wow! I'm flying to Vegas to attend the ELVIS herf in a few weeks. Now I'm trying to decide - do I carry on my sticks, or FedEx them to Vegas. :hm
I'm glad that I stopped and read this thread - I haven't flown anywhere since I "retired" in March of 2001! :tu
Sorry for all the problems some of you guys experienced. I fully expect to get the "Full Monty" when I go through security, here in Detroit! :c
.
Hey Brother if you need you can ship the majority of them to my place and we can hook up in the evening sometime and I will get them back to you, and this goes to anyone coming to ELVIS. I would keep a couple with ya to smoke until we hook up. I will also be posting this in the ELVIS thread!
I agree with you they have turned traveling into a nightmare. :mad:
:tpd:
I remember when I loved to fly, now I dread it :(
WyGuy
05-15-2009, 10:28 AM
Always carry your cigars on with you. I pack specifically so that I can do it that way. I don't want some moran rifling through my collection for blunt material.
Are cutters safe to carry on? I would hate to lose my Palio if I carried it on, or is best to put it in a checked bag?
BlackDog
05-15-2009, 10:43 AM
I had a different experience with the TSA recently, but equally maddening. One of my co-workers has MS. He walks with 2 canes and wears braces on his legs. (Typically in the office he doesn't wear braces, only when doing a lot of walking like in airports.) We had to go to Cincinnati recently on business. They made him remove his braces, even though rolllng up his pant legs would have shown them that they were real, and they could have used a wand on him. But they made him put the braces through the X-ray machine. My co-worker never complains about his MS, and wants to be treated like anyone else, but you could tell it was very difficult for him to put his braces back on. I really thought it was a bunch of BS to do this to someone who obviously needs the braces.
Are cutters safe to carry on? I would hate to lose my Palio if I carried it on, or is best to put it in a checked bag?
yes they are.
that being said I still pack my cheepos and leave the palio/xikar at home
icantbejon
05-15-2009, 10:47 AM
Sorry to hear Hal...I always carry my sticks on with me. It saves me the hassle of wanted to kill a TSA worker.
:tpd:
I never let mine out of my hands. I would be pissed if any of mine were stolen or treated the way you're describing.
Or even, some moron! http://www.p0stwh0res.com/images/thmb_biggrin.gif
get a brain moran :D
http://z.about.com/d/politicalhumor/1/0/n/U/moran.jpg
spectrrr
05-15-2009, 11:27 AM
Best traveling rule of thumb: If your bag or your belongings are not physically in your hand, or strapped to you, YOU ARE NOT IN POSSESSION OF YOUR BELONGINGS, and may never be again.... Theft and disappearance while traveling is so commonplace these days that its basically guaranteed to happen if you are not very careful about what you pack and where.
Apply the same level of mistrust and suspicion to the TSA that you (hopefully) already do if you were flying internationally. Which basically means if it has resale value or usefulness value, CARRY IT ON THE PLANE.
I'm a photographer, so my carryon can get quite large. Laptop, cameras, lenses, chargers, accessories. PLUS at least one change of clothes. toiletries can be purchased, so they get checked. same with the rest of my clothes, since they are less likely to get stolen. Books and such also get checked. But generally if it has an electrical circuit, it gets carried on. Since high end cigars are equally a prime theft target, they get carried on.
spectrrr
05-15-2009, 11:35 AM
Makes me question how safe (or not) the TSA is making flying these days.
Honestly... if you REALLY look at the security measures that have been implemented, the TSA is nothing but a sham to restore the confidence of the American people in flying post-9/11. And in that sense, they do their job well, because most folks will fly now. BUT don't ever confuse them with a provider of "security"... there are plenty of ways to get around airport security, you're only marginally safer than you were 10 years ago. But do I still fly? sure. Statistically speaking, I'm more likely to have a safety issue in a car than a plane. even if the occasional plane were to get blown up, I'd still fly... because statistics would still be on my side :)
Beagleone
05-16-2009, 12:07 PM
Last week, I flew up to Detroit and this week I was up in Chicago/Milwaukee. The first trip, I was taken aside at the gate and searched again, this time with a full pat down. I thought that TSA wasn't doing these anymore, but basically I felt violated. They did check my bag, but very basic as compared in years past. Of course I carry on all of my cigars with humidipaks in each container that they don't even bother to see what they are. No problems with my Palio cutter or soft flame light (I check my Xikar torch lighter). I also carry a laptop, Nikon D90, and other things that I don't dare put into check luggage.
On this trip, I wasn't searched, but amazed when I got there and discovered my make shift cigar poker made it in the 15 ct. humidor and wasn't even questioned.
As a rule, I do print up the most recent copy of TSA rules and carry them with me so that I have some leg to argue with when questioned on cutters or lighters. When packing for checked, I put items in separate zip locks (cologne, shampoo in one, knife, secondary cutter in another, etc.).
groogs
05-17-2009, 08:47 AM
That really sucks. I never check anything when I fly, but I did have a security person dig through my carry on in Seattle once. She was actually carefull when she went through my travel humi, and I told her I would re-pack it before she shoved eveything back in there. When we were done being checked my wife told me she thought I was going to jump the lady when she opend my cigar case.
spectrrr
05-17-2009, 03:36 PM
I forgot to add a few points for those traveling internationally.
1) WATCH YOUR CARRY ON WEIGHT! unlike int he US, where the rules are never enforced, most international airlines WILL enforce those rules. Often they make you weigh your bag at check in and then give you a sticker proving that you weighed it.
Tips to beat the scales: Take out your laptop. Throw a few heavy (but small) items in a plastic bag and pretend its your lunch. take out your water bottle, book, etc. Anything that looks like you could carry it. Once your past check in, you can throw it all back in there.
2) Check the individual baggage requirements for all airlines before you travel. I recently went to South America. Getting the baggage down on Delta was not a problem. HOWEVER the baggage allowance on some of the local airlines is less, so when traveling locally or between regional countries, so you may find yourself out some cash for baggage fees if you packed too heavy.
3) Get used to pat downs. In almost all the airports I have visited in South America, I went through at least 2 layers of security at the airport. The standard one we are all used to, and at least one other hand search of my baggage and pat down.
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