Last week there were two luggage handlers that were arrested for stealing things out of peoples luggage. They worked for a company called Menzies which works with Alaska Airlines. Both of the men were young and 22 years old. They are suspects of stealing cigarettes, lap tops and credit cards. One of the suspects were caught for they were trying to use a credit card in Bellevue and the store called the police who then called the owner. This was the lead on one man for the company was able to identify the man that works for them. The other men was arrested for what police where thinking was a cigarette selling business. That the man was selling what he took from peoples luggage's.
The police and the airports are now trying to tell people if you are missing things in your luggage don't just tell the company that you flew with like Alaska Airlines but let the airport know as well. For the airports feel they will be able to help figure out who is breaking into the luggage and at what airport.
I found this article very interesting for one it was at Sea-Tac airport which is the main airport I use. Also it just reminds me of how much you have to watch everything. Now that there are only certain types of locks you can put on your luggage if any for safety reasons you have to watch out. I understand the protocol but if the luggage's these two men got into didn't have locks then it made it very easy for them. So I see the ups and downs of being able to have locks. I feel as though Menzies needs to have a tighter check of their employees for if there not careful airlines will not want there employees. The best advice I can think of is if your not going on a long trip to pack lightly so you can carry your bag on. I find it a lot more convenient as well for I don't have to wait for my luggage to come down the shoot.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003569894_webhandlers13.html
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This is a problem for most airports. You get a couple of shady people who feel it's ok to steal from others; my father went to Maui last month, and upon arrival, his suitcase had a note saying his luggage was selected for further inspection; he was ok with that except for the fact that his binoculars were missing. How nice, huh? He may have spent a couple of hundred dollars on them, but doesn't want to hassle with the airline. This has happened more than once to him too. Pretty pathetic.
Great point. Another side of the story is when handlers are trying to be overly efficient (or not paying attention at all). As it happened with a case of film for an upcoming "Lost" episode - the film was put through the x-ray machine, damaged and had to be reshot: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/television/2003564825_weblostfilm09.html
People on both sides of the traveling spectrum must learn to be more careful. :-)
Just another event that makes you paranoid of your surroundings. It's a good thing to be aware of, but how many times a day is there a situation that could potentially bring harm to you or your material items. Even driving to work is a risk. Eventually I could go nuts worrying about it all and I don't even have children yet. Life is a risk sometimes. I guess if I really want to go on that trip to Spain someday I will just have to risk my luggage being lost or my underwear being stolen out of my suitcase. (LOL) I am praying that it doesn't though...
I've always been paranoid of this happening, whether something getting taken or getting broken by being smashed. I wish that there was a little more you could do to protect your things when flying, because you have to check them, just wish you could trust the people a little more that you were checking them with.
I read this same story. First, I wasn’t surprised this happened the minute the TSA changed the rules, I new the temptation to steal from others would increase. Secondly, the minute Alaska Airlines decided to fire all it’s baggage employees to avoid paying them increased wages and stronger benefits in favor of hiring a cheaper contractor was another sign of trouble. Thirdly, the comment from the airport spokesperson Bob Parker, “We find that people often make a claim for an item to the airline, but never report it to the airport or the police, and then we don't know that a theft problem is developing," was very stupid in my opinion. Most people are going to report theft to the airline not the airport. They might report to the airport if they travel frequently and notice a pattern. Also, you can report the crime to the police department who assigns you a case number and unless they notice a huge increase are not going to do a thorough investigation.
It’s also unfortunate that this incident had to take place for the airport to remind the public to also keep this on their radar for traveling. I personally pack anything I value as carrier on and watch the people inspecting my bag as I go through the x-ray. We place to much trust in with airport staff.
Lastly, you’re right Menzies should do checks on their employees and I would say even surprise inspections of their work.
P.S. bummer about the cost to the show "Lost". Perhaps, they should budget for a private airplane. I heard ABC is looking to end the show soon due to cost, time slot changes, audience lost...The industry makes no sense sometimes.
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