Can the US governments TSA be trusted??

[Moondog55]

I didn't fully unpack when we came home from the USA.
just now I went down to the shed to get my stove for the trip up to Falls Creek, picked up my big boots ( I usually pack the delicate fuel bottle and pump somewhere safe) and while the pile protective sleeve was inside my boot my Brand new MSR fuel bottle and pump were not. We know the bags were opened for inspection because there were stickers on the outside and paperwork on the inside.
Has this happened to other members ??
When we in the states we kept hearing rumours about the TSA but until now I had discounted them.
looks like we will need to buy a new bottle and pump, also we will lodge an insurance claim but that probably won't go anywhere due to the time lag

[stepbystep]

Don't know about the TSA, but I don't trust the FDA...

[Azza]

TSA will confiscate it if they feel like it...

All they would need would be half a whiff of any fuel or imagined it and they'd have taken it.

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/ ... _1187.shtm

No point arguing... they cut all the locks off my bags and I didn't discover the notice until several months later.

It just part of travelling. I've been robbed, lost stuff, etc.. It happens.

[Moondog55]

NOPE According to the TSAs own website they have to tell you stuff has been removed, yes they have the authority but but they are so inconsistent, our bags went through about 20 different screens until LA, and according to the TSA web pages the fuel bottles are legal to transport, I even washed them out with hot water and metho FGS just to be sure. This was theft, nothing less than a dishonest employee, and literally hundreds have been charged

[doogs]

Don't know about the TSA, but I don't trust the FDA...

You've had problems with the Furniture Designers Association too? ROFL.

[stepbystep]

Don't know about the TSA, but I don't trust the FDA...

You've had problems with the Furniture Designers Association too? ROFL.

Should see what they did to my credenza!!!

[tasadam]

Hindsight i know, but for anyone reading this, leave the lid off.
If the container was open, washed out & not even having a lid or pump on it, then surely you would have an argument for theft, and insurance.

[Moondog55]

I got the usual "Cut & Paste" response from the TSA, but i don't think it matters how you pack stuff if they want it they'll take it. I'm just glad thy left my ice-axe, crampons and custom made sheath knives.
The TSA are nazis with too much power and too little training and there have been far too many dishonest ones, I would have sent the stove by mail if I had suspected the level of dishonesty. I now take all the rumours I heard while I was over there as fact.
Leaving the lid off and the pump separate would have reduced the risk of theft as it would have taken too long to find all the bits

[Azza]

Well if you didn't fully dismantle and leave the lid off.
Those MSR fuel bottles are pumped up and pressurised when in use aren't they?

The fact nothing else of value went missing - suggests more bad luck than theft.

[Moondog55]

Didn't you read the full entry?
Empty washed and fume free , and NO notification of opening.
Our bags were opened at Cleveland airport,I was there in attendance when the bags were inspected and the agents left signed postcards in each opened bag.
The agents in Cleveland had no problems with any of the contents and said as much at the time, they also said the signed notes were there for our information and had to be placed thereSuch signed notes were not in our bags after our arrival in Melbourne, that makes it theft

[Azza]

We know the bags were opened for inspection because there were stickers on the outside and paperwork on the inside.

Didn't you read the full entry?
Empty washed and fume free , and NO notification of opening.

Good luck with your insurance claim.

[taswegian]

the wife had her bag unpacked and repacked and a notice placed.
Nothing missing though.

Not much comfort but I guess if we had been through 911 then we may well see things differently.
She said they were polite but business like and no nonsense stuff.

I have had good success in past with insurance claims on bushwalking gear. Hopefully yours will be treated well too.

[Moondog55]

Yes so do we, to avoid confusion I should have made it clear that the notices were placed on the leg from Cleveland to LA ( we had to stop at Disneyland OMG I hated Disneyland ) the fuel bottle and pump were taken on the Los Angeles leg home to OZ
Other travellers may wish to print out this letter from Bradley Alpinist
it may help

http://www.bradleyalpinist.com/goodbeta.html#traveling

Although the TSA is a law unto themselves and even if you do everything correctly ( as I did ) you may find yourself short when you come home.

[colinm]

Not much comfort but I guess if we had been through 911 then we may well see things differently.

I hope that, had I 'been through' 911 I would nonetheless see the security theatre for what it is - farce. If you doubt it, https://www.google.com/search?domains=www.schneier.com&sitesearch=www.schneier.com&q=security+theatre&hq=inurl%3Awww.schneier.com might give you food for thought.

Just, please, don't make excuses for *&%$#!.

[Moondog55]

I agree totally
many Americans would rather drive across th country than put up with the BS but we were short of time
Still fore warned is fore armed