Has Luggage Security at Suvarnabhum Improved?

[Baraka]

Until recently, employees at the airport were systematically ripping off stuff in luggage bound for Thailand. I know the airport security has been tightening their procedures. But has the pilfering stopped? Anyone hear of these procedures making a difference?

[harrybarracuda]

The simple answer is not to put anything in your suitcase worth nicking (electronics, cash, cards, etc.).

[Baraka]

Of course it is. But I will be bringing 2 e-books, a tablet PC and a notebook PC, plus a digital camera, so I was hoping to at least put some of these in my checked luggage.
I only asked to see if anyone knows of RECENT ripoffs.

[Cujo]

Of course it is. But I will be bringing 2 e-books, a tablet PC and a notebook PC, plus a digital camera, so I was hoping to at least put some of these in my checked luggage.
I only asked to see if anyone knows of RECENT ripoffs.

Just DON'T.
If you're that stupid you deserve to get it nicked.

[harrybarracuda]

Of course it is. But I will be bringing 2 e-books, a tablet PC and a notebook PC, plus a digital camera, so I was hoping to at least put some of these in my checked luggage.
I only asked to see if anyone knows of RECENT ripoffs.

All of that will fit in a Pilot case, so why take the risk?

[SEA Traveler]

Word to the wise, "Keep all you valuables in your carry on luggage". Then you have little to worry about.... just don't have a senior moment and forget your carry on bag at the lounge or anyplace else....

[chitown]

I had 3 friends that flew out Friday and between here and L.A. several items came up missing from their check in. Expensive gifts were only missing and the zippers were partially opened when they came off the luggage belt at LAX.

[nevets]

I usa a hard case 3 locks at least i know if it has been tampered with.

[Cujo]

I always use a padlock and never put anything worh pinching in check on anyway.
Don't know how it coould be an issue, it's common sense and common knowledge.
Don't put valuble stuff in checkon.
Quite frankly anyone who complains about getting stuff nicked from checkon baggage gets no sympathy from me.
I did see a bag on a carousel somewhere I thought was good.
The owner had wrapped it well in cling wrap.

[Bettyboo]

If you're that stupid you deserve to get it nicked.

Quite frankly anyone who complains about getting stuff nicked from checkon baggage gets no sympathy from me.

Sorry, but I don't accept that.

The airlines and airports have a responsibility to employ people that don't steal, and to keep up such a standard all the time; they have enough cameras for the paying customers so a few for their own employees wouldn't be such a hardship, along with prosecutions, sackings, etc. To just accept it, in any way, encourages the practise.

I do agree with you that it is a reality and you need to take great care, but your tone is well off the mark, imho.

[Baraka]

Thanks for all your comments and suggestions. I always weigh the risks, together with my responsibility. And asking questions has been my way of learning about others' experiences. You've all made me wiser.

[SEA Traveler]

If you're that stupid you deserve to get it nicked.

Quite frankly anyone who complains about getting stuff nicked from checkon baggage gets no sympathy from me.

Sorry, but I don't accept that.

The airlines and airports have a responsibility to employ people that don't steal, and to keep up such a standard all the time; they have enough cameras for the paying customers so a few for their own employees wouldn't be such a hardship, along with prosecutions, sackings, etc. To just accept it, in any way, encourages the practise.

I do agree with you that it is a reality and you need to take great care, but your tone is well off the mark, imho.

right boo but we all know that stuff still gets nicked with unusual frequency regardless of the cameras and safety measures employed. why take a chance. by keeping valuables in your carry your eliminating most of the risk factors.....

[Bettyboo]

^ I agree, we shouldn't take a chance.

But, wtf are the airlines/airports doing about it; it's theft on a massive scale; why are they seemingly unaccountable; why do governments/authorities accept this situation? Why is a zero tolerance policy not in place?

[SEA Traveler]

But, wtf are the airlines/airports doing about it; it's theft on a massive scale; why are they seemingly unaccountable; why do governments/authorities accept this situation? Why is a zero tolerance policy not in place?

highway robbery is what it is and there is no excuse for the degree of theft that is occurring. I'm not so sure that the airport authorities or govt is out right accepting the situation. It is just that the measures that have been enacted are not sufficient enough. A zero tolerance policy would be nice but not convinced we will see anything like that real soon.

[alwarner]

I keep putting my Mrs. in my check in luggage, think she ever goes missing?

pffft.

[DrAndy]

But, wtf are the airlines/airports doing about it; it's theft on a massive scale; why are they seemingly unaccountable; why do governments/authorities accept this situation?

and there is no excuse for the degree of theft that is occurring

does anyone actually have any figures for what goes missing from which airports?

or is it all just a bit of scaremongering?

[SEA Traveler]

as it relates to airports in general, there have been several news shows such as "60 Min" that have reported on this issue. and there are always people out there who like to tell their story of such thievery incidents that have happened to them or someone they know. but hey, why take the chance?

[Stumpy]

FWIIW's worth, never put a TSA lock on them. Why make it easy? I put my own locks, if they want to check my junk they will have to call me or notify me at arrival. It has happen 2 times in my 25+ trips here over a 5 year span and it is worth the inconvenience.

But the best method is clearly avoid putting valuables in checked luggage. I would get yourself a nice carry on and put all those electronics there. Put all the accessories in the check luggage.

I do agree with BB that it is unacceptable practice but one we have no control over. If you arrive at your destination and the zipper is opened immediately file with your airline company. Even though I am not a huge Delta fan I have received stellar service even when they had to call me to open my case at check in. I have never been nicked but I have recording USB battery powered recorders running......JK JK

[Rural Surin]

The simple answer is not to put anything in your suitcase worth nicking (electronics, cash, cards, etc.).

Even safer, Harry - just don't check anything, if you don't have to.

I wouldn't trust the fuckers as far as I could throw 'em!!

[FailSafe]

If you use a non-TSA lock they will generally just cut it off- that happened to me a couple of times before I finally got approved locks.

[Rural Surin]

But, wtf are the airlines/airports doing about it; it's theft on a massive scale; why are they seemingly unaccountable; why do governments/authorities accept this situation?

and there is no excuse for the degree of theft that is occurring

does anyone actually have any figures for what goes missing from which airports?

or is it all just a bit of scaremongering?

You don't truly think that any major airport goes out of it's way to systematically document such things, do you?

[harrybarracuda]

In a place like Thailand it will be institutional theft and the profits shared according to rank.

If anyone ever had the clout to make an issue of it the security cameras would "not be working".

That's just the way it is.

[Stumpy]

If you use a non-TSA lock they will generally just cut it off- that happened to me a couple of times before I finally got approved locks.

Exactly.... Although that has not happened to me its a quick way of knowing its been breached. I like how they put a courtesy note in your suitcase saying "They checked the contents of your bag" Funny how they never say what they took...

[OhOh]

Iv'e just seen the new Butch Cassidy film. The main character living in SA decides to go back to the US. He draws all his money out of the bank and sets off for home. On the way he is shot at and his horse, with his money bags runs off, never to be refound.

Moral, all valuables are on your body, don't ever leave them for somebody else to care for.

The film itself is not worth paying for.

[DrAndy]

But, wtf are the airlines/airports doing about it; it's theft on a massive scale; why are they seemingly unaccountable; why do governments/authorities accept this situation?

and there is no excuse for the degree of theft that is occurring

does anyone actually have any figures for what goes missing from which airports?

or is it all just a bit of scaremongering?

You don't truly think that any major airport goes out of it's way to systematically document such things, do you?

why would I think that? If you can't comprehend a simple statement, that is your problem

and of course, airport security would also know; they could always blame the other airports in the handling sequence

the people who should know are the handling agents and the insurance companies, both of whom should have figures for whichever airport