I've traveled a great deal in my life, and consider myself a "Technology Road Warrior", adept at dealing with many of the known hassles of traveling with technology. After 9/11, I'm sure we all have been frustrated by the added hassles at the airports, but also acknowledge the need for the increased security. I've been patient and tolerant of the new obstacles until now.
Tuesday, I flew Continental from Seattle to Houston. I decided to check my bag, even though it was small enough to carry-on. I had a lot of electronic equipment in the bag that I didn't want to bother carrying with me, such as a high end digital camera, Palm handheld, assorted charging cables, nice watch, etc. I had a lock on the bag, but was politely reminded as I checked the bag that locks are not allowed so that our bag can be searched.
After arriving at my destination, I quickly discovered that all electronics had been stolen from my bag, only to be replaced by a slip of paper from TSA that my bag had been searched. It's all just stuff, and can be replaced, but I'm pretty irritated by being stolen from, and by the situation as a whole. Customer service at Continental pretty much blew me off, even though I consider it their responsibility since the items were stolen between the time that I checked the bag into their care, and when I picked it up at baggage claim. I was brusquely told (as I'm sure several of you will be thinking) that I should have carried electronic items with me on board.
Now I'm skittish about my flight home. My expandable bag is now too big to carry-on, and is full of expensive Christmas presents. I don't feel that I should have to incur the cost of shipping the items to myself, yet I no longer feel safe that my possessions will arrive safely at my destination if I check my baggage with the airline, as they certainly have made no assurances or apologies.
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I've traveled a great deal in my life, and consider myself a "Technology Road Warrior", adept at dealing with many of the known hassles of traveling with technology. After 9/11, I'm sure we all have been frustrated by the added hassles at the airports, but also acknowledge the need for the increased security. I've been patient and tolerant of the new obstacles until now.
Tuesday, I flew Continental from Seattle to Houston. I decided to check my bag, even though it was small enough to carry-on. I had a lot of electronic equipment in the bag that I didn't want to bother carrying with me, such as a high end digital camera, Palm handheld, assorted charging cables, nice watch, etc. I had a lock on the bag, but was politely reminded as I checked the bag that locks are not allowed so that our bag can be searched.
After arriving at my destination, I quickly discovered that all electronics had been stolen from my bag, only to be replaced by a slip of paper from TSA that my bag had been searched. It's all just stuff, and can be replaced, but I'm pretty irritated by being stolen from, and by the situation as a whole. Customer service at Continental pretty much blew me off, even though I consider it their responsibility since the items were stolen between the time that I checked the bag into their care, and when I picked it up at baggage claim. I was brusquely told (as I'm sure several of you will be thinking) that I should have carried electronic items with me on board.
Now I'm skittish about my flight home. My expandable bag is now too big to carry-on, and is full of expensive Christmas presents. I don't feel that I should have to incur the cost of shipping the items to myself, yet I no longer feel safe that my possessions will arrive safely at my destination if I check my baggage with the airline, as they certainly have made no assurances or apologies.