Traveling has taken on many changes over the course of the last view decades. One of the most obvious changes is the amount of technology that usually gets hauled on business trips and vacations. Everything from portable DVD players, laptops, iPads, MP3 players, cameras, game systems and other gizmos regularly log as many miles as the travelers themselves. Recently, a TSA employee was arrested for allegedly stealing electronics. According to CNN.com, the total take over a period of time was around $50,000 worth of high-tech wizardry. The employee had such a streamlined operation; he often managed to sell the electronics before the end of his work shift.
Considering the TSA employee in question was caught stealing an iPad out of a suit case, any traveler should always pay close attention to what is placed into their suitcase. While some vacationers and business travelers trust that TSA approved locks will keep their precious items safe from harm, the locks are designed to be opened by the TSA should the need arise to inspect the bag. Therefore, the locks are something more of an indication that something is worth protecting, than actual deterrents to theft.
Electronic and other valuable items should be carried on. Families may find it difficult to keep track of all the electronics throughout the trip, but a lost unit is usually a little easier to swallow than one removed from a suit case. At one point in time, laptops had to be removed from their bags for screening; however, the TSA has also issue guidelines for special scanner friendly bags. Anyone that is looking to fly often should probably invest in one of those specialized pieces of equipment or be prepared to remove the computer and submit it separately.
Smaller items, like Nintendo DS handheld games, iPods, etc, can remain in carry-on luggage through the scanning procedure. Of course, the chance always exists that someone may want the items removed for efficient screening, but the small inconvenience pales to being compared to having a screener take out the luggage when it is out of sight.
As a general rule, anything valuable should never be packed into checked luggage. Aside from the possibility dishonest folks could remove it, the chances of a $500 piece of technology being ruined because of rough handling also exists. Travelers and vacationers should always take a better safe than sorry approach.
Jason Gallagher is a former travel professional and long-time Pennsylvania resident. These experiences give him a first-hand look at developing situations in the state and everything included in the travel industry from technology to trends.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.