Is the TSA too rough with your stuff?

by Meg Massie on

While waiting in line, just about everyone bitches and moans about the airport security screening process. But of the over 500 million fliers this year, only 12,000 have filed official complaints with the Transportation Security Administration. The rest of us just air our grievances on our blogs.

The number one complaint this year is that the TSA screeners mishandle personal property. This includes when items get damaged in the screening process, as well as lost and stolen. A TSA spokeswoman insists that the agency takes theft very seriously, and that the “TSA has let officers go who’ve taken 50 cents out of a bowl.” It’s good to know they care — but we’re not impressed with how long it took them to catch one agent who had stolen over $200,000 worth of travelers’ property.

The second largest complaint the agency gets is reports of rude treatment. Most TSA agents I’ve crossed paths with recently have been perfectly friendly, but it just takes one meanie to leave a long lasting bad taste in a traveler’s mouth — and most security lines have at least one meanie, I’ve noticed.

If you have complaints for the TSA, they urge you to share your comments on their official website, www.tsa.gov. You can also call with complaints or fill out comment cards at the airport.

Travelchic.com brings you some chic and some ridiculous accessories

by Annie Scott on

Travelchic.com makes unusual luggage tags, handle wraps, tassels, and key chains, all desgined to make your luggage stand out on the carousel and to show your unique style and flair.

My verdict? Hit or miss. Some of these items are totally hot, and some of them are absolutely ridiculous. If I were chatting you up on the airplane and then saw you claim a bag with a giant furry handle-wrap on it? I would judge you. I’m just that shallow.

The Orange Synthetic Leather Luggage Tag and Reversible Orange Faux Fur/Orange Synthetic Leather Handle Wrap with Travel Chic Airplane Keychain Set for $26.99 (at right) is reasonably priced insanity. ‘A’ for effort, ‘F’ for execution.

Affort Fexecution.

The kids’ collection is cute, though I wonder how long those puppy and monkey faces last with the wear and tear of travel, and of course, the sticky hands of the little ones.

I don’t mean to be mean. Below, witness the gallery of five totally awesome items from Travelchic.com. They really do make some nice stuff at great prices!
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Horchow baggage sale

by Annie Scott on

Horchow is currently having a 20% off sale on all luggage and accessories. Impressing your family and friends at the holidays just got one-fifth easier.

You may have already heard about this season’s fabulous new Samsonite Blacklabel Trunk Collection, pictured, with which I’m personally kind of obsessed. The 1920’s trans-Atlantic inspired look of the trunks make me feel like I’m in a slightly more anachronistic Titanic. But in a good way. Wait, is there a good way? “A woman’s heart is a deep ocean of secrets.”

In any case (haha), the must-have collection is included in the sale.

The bad news is that a lot of this stuff is back-ordered and won’t ship out until November 21st, but it still might get to you in time for Thanksgiving, and definitely in time for the major holidays.

Don’t want to be in Titanic? Did you cheer when Jack let go? Then I recommend this set of “Safari” Croc-Embossed Leather Luggage from Bric’s. Chic, classic, and some of these items aren’t even sold out. Bonus!

Daily deal – 3 piece luggage set for $28

by Scott Carmichael on

My daily deal for today is for the “Fiji” 3 piece luggage set, currently on sale at Sears.com.

The set consists of a 24″ upright roller, a 19″ upright roller and a carry-on tote bag. The bags are made of 600 count denim polyester, and the item description claims they are “expandable”.

If you have a Sears store in your area with the item in stock then you can order online for an in-store pickup to save on shipping. If you’d rather save the gas and just have Sears ship it to you you’ll have to pay about $12 for ground shipping.

The item description says the bags are “value”, which usually means they are of lesser quality than most bag sets, but at $28 you really can’t complain. The three bags should be spacious enough for a 2 person trip for a couple of days.

(Via Fatwallet)

Travel Fail

by Mike Barish on

If you’re as bored at work as I am, you’ve already discovered the joys of Fail Blog. This little gem popped up a few days ago. I knew that the TSA was strict about what items make their way onto planes, but when did we crack down on pants? What did pants ever do to anyone? Pants are one of the five most docile articles of clothing you can pack. I blame the proliferation of cargo pockets. Of course people are going to be fearful of your pants when they contain any number of secret compartments hiding mysterious items like wallets, passports and hard candies.

So next time you’re heading to the airport, leave your pants at home. The TSA is sure to appreciate how easy it is to search you while you’re in tightie whities and your baggage won’t be flagged. And don’t get cocky by trying to smuggle gas in your pants. As you can see above, that would be a double-whammy.