Tired of my bags getting searched when flying to America.

Souness · 22 Nov 2011 at 15:48

Every single time I arrive in the states I open my bag to find a little slip notifying me that my bags have been searched. I'm starting to get a little miffed because last time they broke my gaming mouse (I wrapped it in clothes to protect it... they must have yanked them out causing the mouse to fall on to the floor). There's nothing that suspicious about me. I've traveled to the states about 7 times over the last 8 years (for visiting friends/travel). Every time I've had my forms completed in advance, had a valid passport, been polite to the officer and been given the OK stamp at immigration without a second glance. I've always traveled alone. Besides that I can't think of anything that makes me unique.

But yeah, I think possibly every time they have searched my bags. Surely they don't have time to search everyone's bags that enter the country, so am I just unlucky? I take care to pack my things so they don't get creased or broken. I'm thinking this time I won't bother and just ball the whole lot up, chuck it in and then stamp it down.

Why always me?

mrk · 22 Nov 2011 at 15:50

Post a pic of yourself?

Can't you claim from TSA though for the damaged property? Next time take video/pictures of the contents before the flight and then again after you get the bag back - Just so you can show them proof.

tidusjar · 22 Nov 2011 at 15:53

Do you look like this?

Sankari · 22 Nov 2011 at 15:55

Souness said:
There's nothing that suspicious about me.

That's exactly what a suspicious person would say...

Why always me?

Probably because you've been searched so many times! They think, 'Hey, we'd better keep an eye on this dude. Look at all the times he's been searched!'

Gilly · 22 Nov 2011 at 15:55

Stop flying to America?

I have literally never had my bag searched

Mat · 22 Nov 2011 at 15:56

Do they not have to break into your case to search it?

Glaucus · 22 Nov 2011 at 15:56

Perhaps because you coil electronics up in a suspect use way.

Souness · 22 Nov 2011 at 15:56

mrk said:
Post a pic of yourself?

Can't you claim from TSA though for the damaged property? Next time take video/pictures of the contents before the flight and then again after you get the bag back - Just so you can show them proof.

I'm going to pack anything valuable in my hand luggage next time. I'm just trying to understand why they would waste so much time on me. I don't look like a terrorist, I dress smart-casual, I'm 5'10", 150lbs, and I don't have a beard. I'm hardly supervillain material.

Souness · 22 Nov 2011 at 15:57

Mat said:
Do they not have to break into your case to search it?

No

BFCTom · 22 Nov 2011 at 15:57

Souness said:
Why always me?

Mat · 22 Nov 2011 at 15:58

Souness said:
No

I'm obviously being a little dense here... how do they get into your case then?

Souness · 22 Nov 2011 at 15:58

Glaucus said:
Perhaps because you coil electronics up in a suspect use way.

Maybe, but I wasn't aware they scanned the luggage when departing from the plane. I thought it was all done pre-flight. If I'm wrong this could certainly explain it though.

Semple · 22 Nov 2011 at 15:59

tidusjar said:
Do you look like this?

haha

And i don't think i've ever had my bags searched either. They always have locks on them and have never been broken when receiving them the other end. So i assume i've never been searched.

Souness · 22 Nov 2011 at 16:00

Mat said:
I'm obviously being a little dense here... how do they get into your case then?

The same way that anyone gets into any case that isn't locked

.

Fred · 22 Nov 2011 at 16:00

Souness said:
I'm going to pack anything valuable in my hand luggage next time. I'm just trying to understand why they would waste so much time on me. I don't look like a terrorist, I dress smart-casual, I'm 5'10", 150lbs, and I don't have a beard. I'm hardly supervillain material.

I tend to always take any electronic/valuable items with me in hand luggage. Only way to keep it safe really.

Mat · 22 Nov 2011 at 16:01

Souness said:
The same way that anyone gets into any case that isn't locked .

Ah, you fly without locking your case. Each to their own

Souness · 22 Nov 2011 at 16:03

Mat said:
Ah, you fly without locking your case. Each to their own

I always thought you were advised to leave your case unlocked, in case they want to search it.

Glaucus · 22 Nov 2011 at 16:03

Mat said:
Ah, you fly without locking your case. Each to their own

And you think putting a lock on would stop them searching it :confused:

antijoke · 22 Nov 2011 at 16:04

Maybe it's the ticking alarm clock.

Mat · 22 Nov 2011 at 16:04

Souness said:
I always thought you were advised to leave your case unlocked, in case they want to search it.

I've never heard that but then I don't fly often.

Glaucus said:
And you think putting a lock on would stop them searching it

No necessarily but it answered my question.