Flying home with coins from a vacation

Yeah, well, I'm not exactly quoting verbatim from the loss report I filed.

 

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My family and I come from a long line of philanthropists who help subsidize the incomes of baggage handlers and postal workers on two continents. We're talking decades of travel, parcels and generous donations.

http://toronto.ctvnews.ca/police-bust-alleged-pearson-airport-theft-ring-1.222250

 

I can't believe you would be worried about carry on luggage. Just pack a small backpack in your luggage and then take it out when you go to the airport and put your coins in it. If the overheads fill up you can put it under the seat in front of you right where you can see it and kick it the whole flight home. I take hundreds of ounces of silver in a backpack on the plane from shows. Sure, it's damn heavy but I have never lost any to baggage theft either. I stash it in the overhead. Nobody knows what's in it except me and my wife.

 

Knew a couple of TSA guys working out of Logan when I lived back east and they couldn't wait to get to "work" each day to see how much they could "liberate",maggots all.....

 

Sore subject, sad story, and I do not laugh at your expense, but ... that is really funny.

Christian

 

I never travel with more than a carry-on suitcase and a small backpack.* Valuables/essentials go in the pack (which will fit under a seat), just in case my carry-on gets sent to the cargo hold due to lack of space, although that's never happened to me.

* If you pack more than will fit in these, you're packing too much.

 

I've been told that I should think twice before responding angrily to a post.

So, wow, what a great and helpful opinion. Thanks for sharing.

However, no one suggested that I do the same before responding snidely. Do you console car wreck victims by suggesting that they should have stayed at home?

 

I generally have faith in my fellow man. I'm disappointed when that faith is occasionally let down. But, as the link you posted suggests, karma (or the law) does usually catch up.

 

Geez, George, a little hyper-sensitive? All I did was share a point a view embraced by literally millions of frequent travelers. Nothing to get your knickers twisted over.

 

It may seem like a worthless task, but I'd still file a report with the airline, the TSA and the Airport. I speak from experience, so I know how bad this sucks for you. I found when a similar situation happened to my wife, and with claims files with all three of the mentioned parties, the only one that actually compensated us for our loss was the airport itself. They bent over backwards to make things right with us. The others could care less. All you can do is try.

 

Sure, most airlines even encourage that by charging a lot for "non-status pax" bringing checked luggage. Fortunately that is not the case when I fly to (or back from) the US; would have had a hard time with carry-on only.

But yes, it is a good idea to have valuable items next to you while flying. Does not help in this particular case though.

Christian

 

Sorry to hear about this. Try to look at the bright side. At least you got the great majority back, they are in unc grades, and you learned a lesson that will help you in the future avoid a greater loss. You'll make another great find in no time and forget about this. It happens to us all from time to time. I'd try calling and filing a short report, maybe. Don't drag it on too long though or you'll get bitter. Keep your peace of mind no matter what you do and keep looking forward

 

And you turned them in - right?

 

File the report and put the heat on. Probably wont do you any good but at least you might help the next guy down the line.

 

Okay I hope one of you can help me with this question. How do you handle bring coins home on international flights? I've heard some story about people trying to bring coins home and some have had things go bad. I've heard of one guy being held for months after getting caught with coins he forgot he had. The reason ask is, I have been thinking about moving to Japan and I'm not sure about how too bring my coin collection along with me. Do you guy's have any stories or suggestions about handling this? Thanks for any help!

 

I'd consider shipping it.

 

Definitely ship it. Coinage is mighty heavy irrespective of the metals from which it has been coined out.

 

Do you think I'll run into any problems with customs?

 

I've only had luggage searched twice. The second time I just found the note the TSA left and everything seemed ok. The first time, shortly after I had checked in at the airport my name was called on the PA. I reported back and was told that my bag was to be checked and that since I had a non-TSA lock on it, the lock would be cut or I could go to the checking area with the key. I did that, handed the key to the agent who open the bag and checked through it while I stood there and watched. He then closed the bag, locked it and returned my key. I don't know if that scenario could be repeated now, but maybe if you volunteer to have your bag searched while you watch you might actually get home with all of your belongings.

 

You're doubling down by using a colloquialism that suggests I wear women's undergarments? Wow, coin collecting sure attracts people with great social skills.

Seriously though, I'm not that upset. You're entitled to your opinion. I just thought gently chiding you about how you expressed it was called for. I may not have dialed in to "gently" quite as well as I was aiming for.