QANTAS luggage "tampering"

[Avidflyer]

Hello, I'm asking for a friend.
He was traveling from Melbourne, Via Perth to Port Hedland on Qantas.
Had checked in a locked (with 2 TSA locks fitted) pelican case with rather expensive drone in it.
Long story short, it same weekend as the pistol shooting titles in WA.
His locked case turned up in Port Hedland with one lock missing and second lock bent over
Looks like someone tampered with the case to have a look see,
Drone wasn't taken or damaged, but he recovers some insider was looking for handguns
He has contacted Qantas staff without resolution.
Was told to return to Port Headland Airport and no staff there as it is only regional airport.
I think he should take this report further, what is everyone's opinion or who should he contact?
TIA

 

[mannej]

Are you sure it's a case of someone wanting a looksie, or the locks getting caught on something?

What is your friend after as a resolution?

 

[TomVexille]

THe only thing I'll say is that those locks are VERY flimsy and break rather easily.

 

[Avidflyer]

I asked the same about the quality of the locks, but owner said the case was not scruffed, rubbed or looking anything rough uped!
The remaining bent lock was sprung open
Put it down to experience and carry your own valuables!

 

[Avidflyer]

Not after anything financial for resolution, just really peeved off that care opened. If it needed to be opened for inspection, it had tsa locks and they normally leave a printed info sheet inside saying it was inspected.

 

[mannej]

I feel that your friend will get fobbed off - the fact that nothing looked like it has been roughed up inside suggests that the locks may have got caught up on something.

 

[Archphoto]

I've also had some TSA locks shear off - no damage to the bag at all. One just had the 'U' part hanging, the other bent in a lovely direction. The ones that have thinner shanks are not great IMHO and I now use those with thicker shanks and so far, no breakages or bends since changing over.

It happens and others have noted, if nothing was taken, damaged or disturbed QF probably won't even look into it. On the upside, they may take the report further and investigate, but I seriously wouldn't hold my breath waiting for any contact from someone saying "Thanks for the heads up."

 

[Daver6]

I've also had TSA and proper little padlocks sheer off.

If they wanted to see inside they would just x-ray the bag.

 

[trooper]

if it was an insider they weren't looking for a gun. ALL cases containing firearms (and usually those just containing ammo) on both QF and VA get special tags.....which is irritating from a security perspective as it makes them readily identifiable...

Any "insider" would know that....

An old objection I'm afraid...

P.S. I was at that comp... flew over with VA and was impressed with the speed and ease of checking my "Restricted items".. just don't like that tag.... In the US the special tag goes INSIDE the case. Much better idea.

 

[jb747]

Bags that are known to contain firearms or ammunition are not handled amongst the rest of the luggage.

 

[Anna]

I've had airlines pay for lock replacements in the past.

 

[JohnPhelan]

If it needed to be opened for inspection, it had tsa locks and they normally leave a printed info sheet inside saying it was inspected.

That's only if it's opened by the TSA in the USA. Australian airport security officers don't have the TSA keys, nor the leaflets.

 

[jb747]

Australian airport security officers don't have the TSA keys...

Are you sure of that. They might not admit to it, but it's like any back door....once it's out there, it's for everyone.

 

[TheRealTMA]

That's only if it's opened by the TSA in the USA. Australian airport security officers don't have the TSA keys, nor the leaflets.

Um, anyone with internet access can find 3-D printer key plans for all the TSA keys.

Personally, we never use TSA locks on luggage. However we usually don't fly to LOTFAP.

But in the end all locks are useless if someone in baggage handling wants to get into your bag.

 

[funnymummy]

My thoughts would be that not only should your friend engage with QF but also with FEDPOL - always helps to hjghlight security concerns. Also helps for another piece of a puzzle

 

[TheRealTMA]

MrsTMA flew back from LHR on QF2/EK434 this week and one of her checked luggage suitcases had lock cut off and contents rifled. Lock was left inside the case afterwards.

Difficult to say where it happened at Heathrow or DXB.

Theory is that it went through X-ray and they saw a number of leather wallets. Case was opened and each wallet was opened and searched for contents, plus folder of documents and receipts was also disturbed.

We don't think anything as stolen.

Not acceptable.

 

[moa999]

Agreed not acceptable, but wallets shouldn't be in luggage, and I suspect people not declaring hard currency is pretty common

 

[TheRealTMA]

Ah, sorry I should have been more specific. The Italian leather wallets were presents in the original wrapping. Obviously they had no contents.

 

[Must...Fly!]

Ah, sorry I should have been more specific. The Italian leather wallets were presents in the original wrapping. Obviously they had no contents.

Obvious to whom, on an x ray...

 

[eminere]

MrsTMA flew back from LHR on QF2/EK434 this week and one of her checked luggage suitcases had lock cut off and contents rifled. Lock was left inside the case afterwards.

Difficult to say where it happened at Heathrow or DXB.

Theory is that it went through X-ray and they saw a number of leather wallets. Case was opened and each wallet was opened and searched for contents, plus folder of documents and receipts was also disturbed.

We don't think anything as stolen.

Not acceptable.

Did she lodge a report with baggage services at SYD before leaving the airport?