This reminds me the good "old days" with PanAm's JFK and MIA handlers...
Years were the 1980s... and before the days of the TSA...
xxx
The airlines had started to X-ray checked baggage.
And some of these agents used the X-rays to identify valuable items...
Back then, expensive SLR cameras, and lenses or accesories etc.
So, these thieves "knew" which baggage to open, and steal some valuables.
There was a ring of thieves at our JFK and MIA baggage handling facilities.
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I would not be surprised that some rogue TSA people continue the tradition.
Checked baggage and, carry-on.
And this can be in the USA, in UK, or any other airports in the world.
As a crewmember, of course I take my few valuables in my flight-case.
All you will get from my checked baggage, is (dirty) laundry and (smelly) socks.
Especially if I travel as passenger.
Wife's gold and diamonds...? For travel, she was briefed to pack "fakes" only.
Or wear these items around her neck.
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My advice to anyone is "do not take valuables", and if any, keep them with you.
And be careful around their X-ray machines and metal detectors.
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Makes me smile... In the days before reinforced cokpit doors, I had a cockpit key.
The key marked "Boeing" with a serial number...!
Do you think that TSA ever took it away from me...? - Never...
Yet, that key could open ANY Boeing cockpit door, any airline in the world.
They were quick to steal (or forbid) my little Swiss army knife...
I often had to buy (replace) that Swiss army knife, buying another one in the terminal.
Stores located in the airport's "sterile area"...
Even though my carry-on items made it obvious I was an airline pilot.
Have you ever thought about the 151% proof rum bottles in duty free stores...?
That should be illegal. Easy to torch airline seats and carpets with it.
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Happy contrails