Posted on: Saturday, November 13, 2004
Luggage claims top $100K
By Mike Leidemann
Advertiser Transportation Writer
Hawai'i airline travelers have filed more than $100,000 in theft or damage claims against the federal Transportation Security Administration since it began screening traveler's luggage here in 2002, according to TSA figures.
Airport passenger claims and loss amounts against the Transportation Security Administration from 2002 to August 31, 2004.
Source: Transportation Security Administration The bulk of the Hawai'i claims (248 claims worth $91,017.52) were reported in Honolulu, ranking Honolulu International Airport 30th in the nation for the number of claims, according to information obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request made by a Denver television station.
Officials here do not know how many of the claims, if any, have proved valid or been reimbursed.
"The claims are handled nationally and we don't know the outcome," said Sidney Haya-kawa, head of federal security at the Honolulu airport.
However, none of the more than 700 full- and part-time federal screeners in Honolulu has been fired or arrested for theft, Hayakawa said. A few screeners have received written warnings about following proper handling procedures, he said.
To report a claim for lost or damaged goods:
• Call (866) 289-9673 or • Visit the TSA Web site: www.tsa.gov and follow the links to TSA claims center. Tips to avoid damage or loss problems:
• Do not overpack. • Do not pack expensive or fragile items. Laptops, jewelry, cash and other expensive items should be kept as carry-ons. • Put all loose exterior straps inside bag. • Use an approved travel sentry lock, which can be opened and relocked by TSA officials. Nationwide, TSA officials said they have paid, either in part of full, or denied more than 17,600 airline passengers who have filed claims for lost or damage property. Paid claims averaged about $110, TSA officials said in September.
Most of the claims against TSA officials have been made when travelers discovered something missing or damaged after their checked baggage had been screened for contraband or signs of explosive material.
Under TSA rules, travelers must either stand by their checked baggage while it is searched or leave the luggage unlocked.
Often it is impossible to tell if the damage or loss occurred during the security process or when the baggage is passed on to passenger's airline, leaving room for an on-going dispute over who should pay, TSA officials said. Many of TSA's outstanding claims are being held up while officials try to determine who is at fault.
In order to reduce the number of claims, TSA officials have recently begun urging passengers who do not want to leave their baggage unlocked to use what's known as certified travel century locks, which can be opened and then relocked by TSA officials.
Despite the more than 27,000 claims that had been filed as of Aug. 31, TSA officials said they are proud of the job its screeners are doing.
"Since TSA assumed responsibility for screening at the nation's airports in February 2002, less than .01 percent of more than 1.5 billion airline passengers have submitted claims," said Ron Sokolov, the agency's executive director for Customer Service and Education.
Reach Mike Leidemann at 525-5460 or mleidemann@honoluluadvertiser.com.
The money, though, is just a small part of the more than $36 million in claims filed nationwide, officials said.
Passenger claims against the TSA
AIRPORT
NO. OF CLAIMS
LOSS AMOUNTS
Honolulu International
248
$91,017.52
Kona, Hawai'i
31
3,423.86
Kahului, Maui
20
6,922.34
Lihu'e, Kaua'i
12
3,760.91
Hilo, Hawai'i
8
1,424.47
Damage and theft claims have been much smaller at Neighbor Island airports, with Kona having the most claims (31), Kahului passengers reporting the biggest losses ($6,922.34) and Hilo having the fewest problems (8 claims for $1,424.47).
Tips for air travelers
