View Full Version : Airlines "lost" my suitcase with my XDS inside
MilehighGS
07-27-2014, 13:09
We landed in Florida and all my family member's bags show up except mine. Contents are new camera,clothes, and my XDS. I did declare it when I checked in, in a proper locked metal case. Followed it to the TSA where they said everything was good to go.
First time gun owner, never dealt anything like this before. I filed a missing bag report and going to call Denver airport police to report a missing firearm. Anything else I should do? I appreciate any help!
Zundfolge
07-27-2014, 13:15
If you're a member of the NRA, remember that your membership includes a free $2500 insurance policy on your firearms so make sure you get copies of the police report to file a claim for the loss.
http://www.locktonrisk.com/nrains/armscare.htm
Several years ago I had a handgun stolen during a real estate inspection and they were real quick to get a check out to me.
(they've changed it a little bit recently ... used to be only $1000 and you didn't need to "activate" it, now it's $2500 but you need to "activate" it first).
Check with oversized luggage real quick. When I checked my luggage in thru TSA, I pick mine up where skis/ boards are dropped. Hopefully all goes well.
KestrelBike
07-27-2014, 13:48
If you're a member of the NRA, remember that your membership includes a free $2500 insurance policy on your firearms so make sure you get copies of the police report to file a claim for the loss.
http://www.locktonrisk.com/nrains/armscare.htm
Several years ago I had a handgun stolen during a real estate inspection and they were real quick to get a check out to me.
(they've changed it a little bit recently ... used to be only $1000 and you didn't need to "activate" it, now it's $2500 but you need to "activate" it first).
Thanks, just did this. Pretty simple!
Great-Kazoo
07-27-2014, 13:49
You should be dealing with the local (FL) LE . Insist the TSA contact the local ATF, ASAP Lost in transit is the airlines responsibility.
^ this. Lost/missing firearm is an ATF issue. They'll have more ability to get the TSA off their asses to find your stuff.
Which airline? Have you contacted them?
Airline bag trace. The TSA in DEN didn't touch your bag after it went to the special room. The TSA in FL didn't touch your bag upon arrival. Was it a direct flight?
Either the bag was mishandled and will be found, with or without the contents you packed, or the bag will not be found and the airline will provide minimal compensation. If something was stolen from the bag, it was done in DEN, after TSA searched the bag, on the ground on a connecting flight, or upon arrival. If something was stolen from the bag, the majority of people handling your bag are airline employees or contract baggage handlers.
Lean on the airlines to find your bag. Once you have your bag, immediately check the contents.
You are welcome to PM me if you have any specific questions that shouldn't be addressed publicly.
MilehighGS
07-27-2014, 20:54
Was not a direct flight. I did file a report with LE here in FL. I have called the airline here and left multiple messages with them to get answers........they don't even call back. After I filed a report, the detective did happen to mention that this airline has had "a lot" of problems with their baggage getting lost. I should hear something tomorrow. I appreciate the responses and will update.
kidicarus13
07-27-2014, 20:56
After I filed a report, the detective did happen to mention that this airline has had "a lot" of problems with their baggage getting lost.
What airline?
Chad4000
07-28-2014, 09:45
What airline?
Yeah interested too..
Great-Kazoo
07-28-2014, 12:32
Was not a direct flight. I did file a report with LE here in FL. I have called the airline here and left multiple messages with them to get answers........they don't even call back. After I filed a report, the detective did happen to mention that this airline has had "a lot" of problems with their baggage getting lost. I should hear something tomorrow. I appreciate the responses and will update.
Still haven't contacted the ATF yet, have you? What are you waiting for?
http://www.atf.gov/content/Contact-Us/Local-ATF-Office/miami-field-division
11410 NW 20 Street, Suite 201
Miami, Florida
33172 USA
Voice: (305) 597-4800
Fax: (305) 597-4801
Still got your receipts for your camera and any clothes, and your XDS? If so, find them and make copies.
colorider
07-28-2014, 21:55
This is very interesting to see how an airline is reacting to a lost or stolen firearm in an airport. Seems they do not have a sense of urgency to get it taken care of. Wonder if the ATF or the police will react with more promptness. The bag is somewhere.
This is very interesting to see how an airline is reacting to a lost or stolen firearm in an airport. Seems they do not have a sense of urgency to get it taken care of. Wonder if the ATF or the police will react with more promptness. The bag is somewhere.
I believe it is the full faith of the government and the TSA. They keep us safe.
MilehighGS
07-28-2014, 23:25
After countless calls, I finally got hooked up with a TSA supervisor who helped me. Turns out, the airline put someone else's tag on my suitcase.
This Supervisor replayed the video ( with me on the phone giving details) of when I walked with my bag for TSA inspection, and he compared the log where he discovered the incorrect tag. As soon as I got the name and tag number that was recorded, I called Southwest. They were shocked how I found my own bag. Honestly, Southwest dropped the ball and drug their feet on this one. At least everything in the suitcase was there, including my wife's new camera, and of course my XDS. Lesson learned, don't assume or expect the suitcase tags are always yours.
After countless calls, I finally got hooked up with a TSA supervisor who helped me. Turns out, the airline put someone else's tag on my suitcase.
This Supervisor replayed the video ( with me on the phone giving details) of when I walked with my bag for TSA inspection, and he compared the log where he discovered the incorrect tag. As soon as I got the name and tag number that was recorded, I called Southwest. They were shocked how I found my own bag. Honestly, Southwest dropped the ball and drug their feet on this one. At least everything in the suitcase was there, including my wife's new camera, and of course my XDS. Lesson learned, don't assume or expect the suitcase tags are always yours.
Make sure you verify the tag on your checked items is yours and matches your destination before the airline employee puts it on the belt - or takes it and walks you and it to TSA. Make sure you possess the matching claim check tag.
Very glad you found it.
Don't complain via Twitter they lost your bag, Southwest will kick you off their plane[gohome]. Glad it was found and you got your stuff back. Sounds like an honest mistake. V
After countless calls, I finally got hooked up with a TSA supervisor who helped me. Turns out, the airline put someone else's tag on my suitcase.
This Supervisor replayed the video ( with me on the phone giving details) of when I walked with my bag for TSA inspection, and he compared the log where he discovered the incorrect tag. As soon as I got the name and tag number that was recorded, I called Southwest. They were shocked how I found my own bag. Honestly, Southwest dropped the ball and drug their feet on this one. At least everything in the suitcase was there, including my wife's new camera, and of course my XDS. Lesson learned, don't assume or expect the suitcase tags are always yours.
Sharpienads
07-29-2014, 07:38
Glad you got your stuff back.
The airline managed to lose a pelican case of ours on Sunday. Luckily there wasn't anything important in it, just a laser designator, PRC-148 radios, batteries, etc.
I love a happy ending.
Sent from my electronic leash.
Glad you got your stuff back.
The airline managed to lose a pelican case of ours on Sunday. Luckily there wasn't anything important in it, just a laser designator, PRC-148 radios, batteries, etc.
I assume the PRC had the keys deleted?
MilehighGS
07-29-2014, 09:45
Still haven't contacted the ATF yet, have you? What are you waiting for?
http://www.atf.gov/content/Contact-Us/Local-ATF-Office/miami-field-division
11410 NW 20 Street, Suite 201
Miami, Florida
33172 USA
Voice: (305) 597-4800 (tel:(305) 597-4800)
Fax: (305) 597-4801
When I called the ATF, they directed me to call LE.
HoneyBadger
07-29-2014, 09:52
Glad you got your stuff back.
The airline managed to lose a pelican case of ours on Sunday. Luckily there wasn't anything important in it, just a laser designator, PRC-148 radios, batteries, etc.
PRC-148? Is that similar to the PRC-E8? [ROFL1]
HoneyBadger
07-29-2014, 09:53
When I called the ATF, they directed me to call LE.
Typical federal government employees... "Uhhhh, go ahead and give someone else a call about your problem."
Sharpienads
07-29-2014, 11:30
I assume the PRC had the keys deleted?
Yeah they're all zeroized.
PRC-148? Is that similar to the PRC-E8? [ROFL1]
I fell for that... once.
For decades, when baggage handlers target specific bags for theft, the simplest way of sweeping their trail is to misdirect the bag.
Glad to hear the bag was located and nothing was stolen.
Any major airport has miles of space where things go on behind the scenes. At least at DIA, bags with declared firearms are searched by TSA in one room and if the bag has to be opened, the owner can stand in the doorway and watch the bag search. Most checked bags at DIA are never opened by TSA. Anyone who has traveled from DIA with a declared firearm in their bag is welcome to add or dispute this by sharing their personal experience. I only wished things were done like that at every US airport.
Be safe.
MilehighGS
08-04-2014, 05:16
UPDATE****
As we checked our bags for the return trip home, I made sure mine was tagged CORRECTLY. After the bag was tagged, the person at the ticket counter put my bag on the carousel. I asked if the bag need to go to TSA for screening, her response was " if there is anything wrong with it, TSA will contact you".............I guess there are differences between airports. My wife and I watched our bags, including mine get loaded on the plane, and when we arrived, mine was there with everyone else's!
Southwest customer service will get a nice call from me this morning. I figured if I raised hell, they may not let us on the plane on the return trip. Now we're home, different story.
My return flight from Las Vegas (for Front Sight) was the same way. At the checkin counter I was told "wait in the check in area for awhile, TSA will contact you here if they need you" to which I replied "How long is 'awhile'?" to which I never got a straight answer.
O2
Milwaukee is pretty easy too. After United views the contents, TSA scanner team right by the ticket counter takes all declared.
I think most any big hunting destinations have this down pat.
I'm just amazed that with all those guns, there aren't more mass shootings at the airport or ticket agents running around screaming "man with a gun!!!!" [Sarcasm2]
P.S. DO NOT walk up to the agent and yell I'VE GOT A GUN!
nogaroheli
08-04-2014, 10:35
My return flight from Las Vegas (for Front Sight) was the same way. At the checkin counter I was told "wait in the check in area for awhile, TSA will contact you here if they need you" to which I replied "How long is 'awhile'?" to which I never got a straight answer.
O2
I had the exact experience coming back from Vegas.
Aloha_Shooter
08-04-2014, 10:59
I've had no issues with checking guns in Melbourne (FL), Orlando, Colorado Springs, or Honolulu. In Orlando and Honolulu, the agents asked questions about what my guns cost and where they could get an AR-15 (this was in 2002-2003).
There were no separate rooms, just a separate table with side curtains to keep people from seeing the table. The agents checked to make sure the firearms were unloaded, placed the appropriate paperwork in/on the case, and watched me lock up the cases. In every instance, I was told they didn't want the combination or touch the key, they wanted to see me lock it -- and they were happy to see a non-TSA-approved lock on the gun cases.
Great-Kazoo
08-04-2014, 13:02
Easiest place for firearm check in & pick up was fresno and ontario. Baggage unloaded rifle on baggage go round. NY JFK wasn't too bad. They made you pick it up at security / Port Authority office. Looked like a lot of long guns were vacationing in NY.
After United views the contents...
Didn't know places were still asking to look at them. Last time this happend to me (15-20 years ago) I went 'round and 'round with the agent who demanded that the bolt be removed from my revolver or she wouldn't take the bag.
She finally gave in only because of the growing line of people waiting to check in behind me.
O2
So much for the TSA inspecting the luggage...[facepalm]Seriously, they inspect your firearm, have you lock the bag, and can't be bothered to match the baggage tag to your ticket?
So much for the TSA inspecting the luggage...[facepalm]Seriously, they inspect your firearm, have you lock the bag, and can't be bothered to match the baggage tag to your ticket?
In many airports, the passenger is not with the bag, so the TSA wouldn't have any way of knowing who goes with what bag. At airports like DIA, the ticket agent is where you declare the firearm and the bag is tagged. From the ticket counter a contract employee of the airlines will cart your bag to the TSA bag screening room, which is also on the 6 level. You accompany the bag and wait outside the door. If the bag fits in the machine and does not alarm, you will be told all is OK and the contract employee will take your bag to the drop to the baggage makeup areas in the bowels of the terminal, while you make your way to the checkpoint. If you bag doesn't fit in the machine or it alarms, the TSA person will ask who the bag belongs to and ask for the key. You will stand in the doorway and watch the TSA person open the bag and do their search. Unless there is something really unusual, they don't ask any questions. The bag is relocked and the key is returned to the owner. All of the open bag stuff is done within visual range of the bag's owner.
TSA does not match bag tags to passengers unless there is a complaint about missing or damaged items. It is the responsibility of the airlines and passenger to make certain the tag is on the correct bag. There are tens of thousands of bags going through DIA everyday. Only a small percentage contain declared firearms and a small percentage of those get opened.
Theft from baggage happens and sometimes the criminals work for TSA. That is not the case in the majority of thefts.
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.3 Copyright © 2025 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.