TSA Behavior, Destructiveness and Airline Difficulty

[Vanguard2279]

I hope that this is started in the right forum. If it isn't, I'm sure one of the Admins will move it.

In recent history, I've noticed some disturbing trends when traveling to Africa to hunt. Some of these are:

American and United Airlines demanding Import permits when they are only a domestic leg of travel;

Delaying of baggage and firearms;

Destruction of ammo boxes and rifle cases;

Other assorted assclownery.

THE POINT OF THIS THREAD IS TO SHARE INFORMATION AND RECORD WHAT IS HAPPENING. THIS THREAD IS NOT LIMITED TO TSA. AIRLINES RULES AND REGULATIONS THAT MATERIALIZE OUT OF THIN AIR WITH NO WRITTEN POLICY TO BACK THEM UP ARE IMPORTANT TO KNOW.

My friend, @Goose Cracker, had his ammo box maliciously destroyed recently on his way to South Africa even though he had TSA locks. . This happened in ATL or DFW. This evening, he picked up his Tuffpak and discovered that they destroyed the keylock and attached a battered TSA combo lock to the buckle. No combo was provided to him. He's going to post pictures when he gets to his house.

Maybe I'm unlucky, but on seven international hunting trips (Newfoundland 2, Southern Africa 5) I've seen my share of pointless destruction. On my first trip to Newfoundland in September of 2017, I arrived in Toronto with my rifle still in Vegas. I had arrived at the airport with more than two hours to flight time. The rifle eventually caught up to me in Deer lake, but I lost a hunting day. I've had two ammo boxes destroyed. Both times, TSA cut the locks and then quite pointedly cut the hasp on at least one side rendering the box unusable in the future. Maybe this really isn't that bad, but it's a disturbing trend. I utilized TSA combo locks (with keyholes for a TSA key) on my ammo case for the trip to Zambia with the great Spike-T at Takeri and nothing happened. I know that there are strong opinions about using TSA locks. I just got tired of having them cut my locks and destroy my ammo boxes. To be clear, there is nothing in my ammo box other than ammo and nothing in my rifle case except shooting sticks and a rifle.

To be clear, my rifle cases and my ammo boxes are fitted with tags with my name, email address and cell phone number. Getting ahold of me is not a problem.

My Pelican 1750 has obviously been thrown end over end. Thankfully, I have burly locks. Those have significant cosmetic damage.

I leave on 05/10 on the LAS-IAH-DOH-JNB route. I always worry a little, but I'm actually concerned about my stuff arriving in one piece. If my ammo box is destroyed, I'll be in a tough situation for the Airlink flight to Port Elizabeth. I'm taking my .338-06 as my only rifle. Love the rifle and the caliber, but I'm starting to regret my decision. I'm not finding that ammo anywhere. I would if I needed .30-06 and 9.3x62. Removing the bolt and "accidentally setting it aside" is going to be an expensive fix when I get back to the US.

So, please share your experiences. Somebody smarter than I may come up with a way to get this to stop. Yes, I know you can file a claim for damaged property, but that doesn't change the behavior and this is being done with no concern of repercussions or consequences.

 

[gbflyer]

I have a POS outhouse relative that’s a TSA screener. I guess he’s now a trainer as a matter of fact. Tramped him out of the USAF and became a rent a cop at TSA. I think they go back to the double wide at night and brag about the “rich” folks they messed with that day. George W Bush should be strung up by his nuts for bowing to that crap.

 

[JimP]

Why not place your ammo box inside your checked luggage as long as it isn't required to be separate? All domestic flights should be alright doing this, and even flying into SA. It is my understanding that only SA and other countries require it to be separate when flying in country. But when I flew into SA 6 years ago my ammo box stayed inside my suitcase until I took it out at the lodge outside of Port Elizabeth. I did remove it when asked on my return flight to Joberg but then placed it back into my suitcase for the flight home.

As for locks you only use your own NON TSA lock on your gun case then TSA locks on everything else, but the TSA locks are only for the US. Anywhere else they may get cut off.

 

[Vanguard2279]

Why not place your ammo box inside your checked luggage as long as it isn't required to be separate? All domestic flights should be alright doing this, and even flying into SA. It is my understanding that only SA and other countries require it to be separate when flying in country. But when I flew into SA 6 years ago my ammo box stayed inside my suitcase until I took it out at the lodge outside of Port Elizabeth. I did remove it when asked on my return flight to Joberg but then placed it back into my suitcase for the flight home.

As for locks you only use your own NON TSA lock on your gun case then TSA locks on everything else, but the TSA locks are only for the US. Anywhere else they may get cut off.

A locked ammo case is NOT necessary in the US. That is true. For international travel, it is. SAA and Airlink were the airlines that required it to be run as a separate luggage item for internal flights only. SAA never required it for intercontinental travel. Although, I believe @norfolk shooter and @dabloobana had to on their flight from LHR for our May 2019 hunt. I chalk that up to counter agents having half of the information and thinking it applies to everything, kind of like United and asking for Import permits. I too have made the flight from JNB to Port Elizabeth with my ammo in my checked bag even after telling the counter agent that it was there. I give credit to Mr. X for that.
The locks on my gun case are non-TSA. The locks on my ammo case are TSA. Why? because I've never had my stuff destroyed outside the US. Outside of the US, they are just locks. The TSA part is irrelevant. And to be clear, TSA locks are apparently cut off in the US regardless. @Goose Cracker will post pics when he gets up tomorrow.

This thread is about TSA vandalism and issues dealing with airlines and counter agents.

 

[norfolk shooter]

On my return to the UK after my fun filled time at the DSC I got home to find that my checked bag had been gone into. I bought a few boxes of bullets some reloading tools and some waterfowling kit. Both boxes of bullets were opened but thank god the locks were left (TSA locks).

Im also lucky in that UK law stipulates the firearm owner must be there for any arms checks. Im starting to get a feeling that TSA agents get on a little power trip

 

[JimP]

I'm not sure of the process in the UK but here in the US when you check in at the ticket agent and declare that you are traveling with a firearm you will then be escorted to the TSA room where they will inspect your firearm. Once they are done you lock up the case and it is then put into the hands of the baggage handlers. I think that the only other time that TSA would even get involved would be at the X-ray area but that would be it.

 

[Ike85123]

My last trip was in 2014. Phoenix to new york to jnb. I had no problems with luggage, locks or and damages. My problem was when I returned to new york. There was 4 hunters in my group, and 3 in another group. All 7 of us was chosen for an additional random screening. Yes. Just the 7 hunters!
They spent 4hrs going through my computer ,phone and every memory card for my camera. I missed my flight to Phoenix and had to spend the night in new york.
Not sure what all that was about? But very annoying and time consuming.
I wouldn't give them my passwords for apps and mail. They was mad. A huge invasion of privacy!
I would also like to add that I have a twic card. Which is a government id, that has a security level for getting into ports and us bases. With a thorough background check, no reason for that waste of time.

 

[Hogpatrol]

I use zip ties instead of TSA or any other locks on my checked bag. Never had anything taken, multiple trips to Africa and different states in the U.S. TSA locks are beyond useless and can be opened with a paperclip. IMHO, they just advertise there's something in there worth stealing. Having said that, there are multiple horror stories regarding reentry through NY Port Authority airports and am glad I don't have to deal with that nonsense.

 

[norfolk shooter]

I'm not sure of the process in the UK but here in the US when you check in at the ticket agent and declare that you are traveling with a firearm you will then be escorted to the TSA room where they will inspect your firearm. Once they are done you lock up the case and it is then put into the hands of the baggage handlers. I think that the only other time that TSA would even get involved would be at the X-ray area but that would be it.

That sounds like the UK process too TBH. Just seem like some of you chaps get screwed with

 

[norfolk shooter]

My last trip was in 2014. Phoenix to new york to jnb. I had no problems with luggage, locks or and damages. My problem was when I returned to new york. There was 4 hunters in my group, and 3 in another group. All 7 of us was chosen for an additional random screening. Yes. Just the 7 hunters!
They spent 4hrs going through my computer ,phone and every memory card for my camera. I missed my flight to Phoenix and had to spend the night in new york.
Not sure what all that was about? But very annoying and time consuming.
I wouldn't give them my passwords for apps and mail. They was mad. A huge invasion of privacy!
I would also like to add that I have a twic card. Which is a government id, that has a security level for getting into ports and us bases. With a thorough background check, no reason for that waste of time.

Thats crazy and BS. Im sure thats against your rights. VERY cuntish behaviour and seems like the victimisation and bullying of hunters to me

 

[Vanguard2279]

I fly with a gun quite a bit. Every airport has a different procedure and there is no set policy. The following is a small sample. I don't remember every place I've flown to with a handgun, but the bad experiences have been few. For domestic flights, my ammo is in a plastic box designed for carrying ammo. It is not locked as it isn't required to be.

In Vegas, my handgun case has never been opened nor have they ever asked for a key to open it. My rifle case is opened in a "secure" area that I'm not allowed in every time. They come out to ask for a key. I've inquired about being present, but this is refused due the aforementioned "secure area".

Most of us know the procedure in ATL when flying Delta. Customs has you open the rifle case in front of them. One ammo box and locks were cut there.

At JFK, Port Authority PD is called to inspect your weapon at the ticket counter then you take it 30 yards (from the old SAA counter) and TSA has you open it again in front of them. One ammo box was cut at JFK. I detail this adventure at the end of my 2019 hunt report. The first time I flew in through LaGuardia, I was flying non-rev and couldn't get a flight out. Port Authority PD came over and inspected my handgun and asked for my ID. The ticket agent told me he could get me on a flight out of Newark so I took the bus. Newark was easy. Even though it is patrolled by Port Authority, no officers were called to the counter.

In Phoenix, you give them the key and they open it in front of you. I've only gone through there with a handgun. I find it interesting that the pull out the foam and swab the interior of the case.

Flying in and out of DC with a handgun surprisingly is a non-event. Of course, it helps that I have a badge. However, I will avoid Dulles in the future when returning with a rifle. At least, they have you open the case in front of them. I just find them rude. That's an average from two trips through.

Dallas Love Field is a non-event, but I've only flown through with a handgun.

In Reno, you taken into a side room where the TSA agent opens your case in front of you, followed by swabbing. Again, I've only flown in and out of there with a handgun.

Chicago Midway has had me open my case in front of them, but no issues.

In Montreal, I stood at a guy's kiosk while he drank espresso and searched on the computer for what to do with my Canadian temporary firearms permit. Nice guy, but not in a hurry. He took me to a side room for the weapon inspection and had me open the case.

US Customs in Toronto has you open the case in front of them.

The whole point of this thread is to make people aware of where they may have issues. After seeing what they did to @Goose Cracker things, I'm not looking forward to flying through DFW. He got it each way. The destruction of his ammo box prior to departure to Doha and taking what appears to be a saw to his Tuffpak and destroying the lock.

If you have stories, warnings and/or advice, please share it. It may help the next guy down the road.

 

[YancyW]

I easily have 200+ domestic flights with checking a firearm, I have only had a handful of issues. Having said that, all but one of those have been fairly recent.

 

[fourfive8]

I've also flown quite a bit with firearms. Both before and after TSA. No TSA after you leave US. Used to have you open case upon departure then they inspect and then they have you relock case. I think that procedure and the inspection procedure in general has changed quite a few times over the years, not only in the US but worldwide.

Cooperation is number one priority if questioned about something. They do have huge authority to make your life miserable if you turn the least bit belligerent- does not matter whether they are right or wrong. Also, if you try to make it hard for them to inspect they may try to get even. After all, they have all the authority in the world to tear open your bags and gun cases and search every grain of sand inside. Doing strange things like piling dirty clothes into gun cases to try to save a buck is almost guaranteed to back fire. Using really strong locks that they can't pick, pry open or easily cut is also asking for trouble. Think about it. They have all the authority to the cut the latches off your case never mind the lock. Why provide the excuse. I have never understood the "TSA" lock thing?? I do not lock my checked bag but simply secure it with an easy to open AND CLOSE cord and clip. Won't easily open through normal rough baggage handling but easy for an inspector to open and close. My gun case has two holes and each has a small, cheap pad lock. Same reason- easy for them to cut or access if they want to. And sheesh, anyone think a crook is deterred by a big, tough lock on a case they can simply pick up and haul off with? If an inspector wants to gain access to your gun case they will. If it looks like you are messing with them with some kind of super lock, crypto label or whatever, it may add incentive for them to open it just to see what you are "trying" to hide or they may open it just to show you they can. Your decision may determine how much damage is done in the process. Same for the hard plastic ammo case- I use two small, cheap locks. I carry a couple of extra locks for the gun case or ammo case to replace pried or cut locks. My gun case is easy for inspectors to open and the gun is arranged for ease of inspection. Lift the lid and everything is right there and easy to see, including the serial number.

So far this method has worked for me and I've never had an issue. But I've watched plenty of avoidable problems play out with other travelers around me who through either ignorance, carelessness or flat out ego based game playing nonsense end up cross wise with inspectors. Doesn't bother me a bit and can be really entertaining unless that nonsense holds up the line with a tight flight connection!

 

[Hogpatrol]

^^^what fourfive8 said x 100^^^ If you advertise you're looking for trouble, you'll get it.

I bought two sets of four small Master locks, about one inch tall. Each set has one key. Put two in the gun case and two open ones inside it. Same goes for the ammo box. That way if they need to be cut, there's replacements and if the inspector isn't a total dweeb, they'll do the right thing and put on the other locks.
In the checked bag are extra zip ties on top of the contents, easily visible Same mindset.

I know we've beat the TSA lock to death but the best place for them is still sitting in a shipping container at Long Beach.

 

[JimP]

I once had a TSA inspector start to almost laugh at me after she inspected my rifle inside of the case. The case was a aluminum one with a rod going through the hasp. When I placed the rod into the holes she mentioned that I had left the lock sitting inside of the case. That is when I just told her that the lock that she saw inside the case next to my rifle was my insurance lock encase the one on the outside was cut and that I hoped that whoever cut the one to get inside would use the second one to lock the case back up.

She had no idea....

 

[Hogpatrol]

I once had a TSA inspector start to almost laugh at me after she inspected my rifle inside of the case. The case was a aluminum one with a rod going through the hasp. When I placed the rod into the holes she mentioned that I had left the lock sitting inside of the case. That is when I just told her that the lock that she saw inside the case next to my rifle was my insurance lock encase the one on the outside was cut and that I hoped that whoever cut the one to get inside would use the second one to lock the case back up.

She had no idea....

She fit the total dweeb profile.

Glad you brought that to my attention. I will now buy some large tags and write "REPLACEMENT LOCK, IF LOCKS IS CUT, PLEASE RE-LOCK WITH THIS ONE" THANK YOU on them. I know, not guaranteed but just another link in the chain for them to break.

 

[shootist~]

I read somewhere that if your gun case has four holes you need four locks.
Is that correct? Mine does, btw.

It almost seems you need two spare hasp locations, just in case a couple are damaged or destroyed.

 

[mdwest]

I haven’t found that I the regs... but I do know that AmericanAirlines in particular enforces it...

We’ve just gotten into the habit of every hole on our rifle cases and ammo boxes gets a lock (6x total)..

I went onto Amazon and purchased a group of 24 pad locks that are identically keyed to make it easy.. now the gun cases, ammo boxes, fence, boat trailer, utv trailer, storage shed, etc all have the same lock and I’ve only got to keep up with 1 key...

 

[Goose Cracker]

Just back from my third trip to SA (landed Friday). I'll be posting more over the next few weeks as time allows. Still not unpacked at this point and haven't cleaned either rifle I took.

To answer @Vanguard2279 original post, my route was ATL-DFW-DOH-JNB and back the same direction with AA on the ATL-DFW leg and Qatar on the others. Both part of Oneworld. When I arrived in JNB and started unpacking, I noticed that my ammo case had been broken beyond repair. It was locked using TSA locks in my checked baggage and had been declared when I checked in originally in ATL. The bag was checked through to JNB from ATL as the ladies at Travel Express told me it would be as as I confirmed with the rather snotty AA ticket counter agent in ATL. There was no TSA "card" in the ammo case as far as I remember. My locks were undamaged and in the case. Pics of case and locks:

I borrowed an ammo case from my PH, locked it with one of the locks above and it flew home in the same spot in my checked bag as the original ammo case. It was unmolested on the way home - checked all the way through from JNB to ATL.

There was absolutely no reason for the case to be broken in the way it was. It was purposely broken so as to be unusable and one of the latches on the case (there are three) was also missing. I was obviously displeased, to put it mildly. I've flown with this ammo case exactly as it was to Africa and back before (2019) and back and forth to Saskatchewan (also 2019) and it was fine.

On the way to JNB, my brand new Tuffpak gun case with the "barrel" lock was checked through to DFW where I had to claim it and re-check it to JNB. It was a painful, but successful process:

1. Find the correct baggage claim oversized area and wait for case;
2. Retrieve case and take bus to new terminal;
3. Wait in line at Qatar counter to be told none of the info they needed for the rifles had been forwarded (but they were aware in advance I was travelling with firearms and ammo);
4. Provide them with all my info (passport, 4457, and pre-approved SA import permit) which they took in the back to make copies (my copies weren't good enough for some reason, inc my passport copies that I had notarized);
5. Get the case checked back in through to JNB;
6. Take case to TSA where they unpacked the entire case, opened my soft cases, rubbed down everything with the swab and put it in the little machine that detects explosives;
7. Help TSA agent re-pack my case inside the TSA area and re-lock the case; and
8. Go back through security check-point to continue my journey.

I know you guys with internal USA flights have to do this every time but as an ATL-area resident, I've not had to do this before. Took over 90 minutes after I landed to get to my gate for the DOH segment. And I was in business class, so it would have taken longer if in economy.

Everything arrived in JNB in good shape in my rifle case. I was the only one travelling with firearms on the DOH to JNB leg, and if it weren't for the nice folks at Riflepermits.com (thanks Adel and Marius) I might still be waiting on the SAPS guys to find my rifle case and get me checked in.

On the way back, check the rifle case to DFW as expected where I have to collect both my checked bag and rifle case and go through the process of getting my rifles checked back into the US and sent to ATL. Collect my bags, head to CBP area for the process of checking the serials with my 4457. The case arrived in DFW in great shape. The CBP guys that checked my rifles back in with me were very professional and courteous. He's clearly done this 100x before and is using the oppo to take a new CBP agent through the process. CBP guy tells me the re-lock the case which I do in front of him.

Take both bags to AA recheck area, throw my checked bag on the belt, guy there says you need to take rifle case to that AA lady over there at the counter. Take rifle case over, tell her it's a rifle case, she asks if it's been previously declared, I say yes, she checks tag and tells me to put in on this oversize luggage belt. I do so, ask if that's all I need to do, she says yes and I'm off to security check-point for my last leg to ATL.

Arrive ATL, checked bag comes out fine. Rifle case takes a while longer to come out of oversized baggage claim. Immediately notice that this is clearly my case (my biz card with all my details inc mobile number is taped on the side of the case) but there's a pink TSA lock on the buckle that secures the case lid to the rest of the case. Weird. Pick up the case and immediately notice fairly significant damage to the case lid itself (again, this is a brand new Tuffpak). Think to myself, "I bet those TSA bastards broke my lock" and check - sure enough, the barrel lock has been broken. Since my wife is due to pick me up momentarily, I sulk off upstairs and ride home.

Pics of my (now no longer brand new) Tuffpak and the added TSA lock. Yes, that's an actual hole all the way through on the case lid:

It requires a hellova effort to screw up a brand new Tuffpak like that.

Get home, cut the added TSA lock off, check rifles (appear to be fine). There is a TSA card on the inside of the case stamped with travel date (May 07 2021) and "D30 Ramp OS". Thanks to those assgoblins for destroying the lid of my brand new case with my mobile number clearly visible on the side of the case. I'm now willing to bet it's the same DFW TSA bastards who destroyed my ammo case on the way to JNB. A pox on your house and all those you love, ya loser POS.

To top it all off, there's someone else's rain jacket crammed into my case with my rifles and my shooting sticks. So if you traveled through DFW last Friday and the TSA lost your rain jacket, send me a note with a description and I'll mail it to you.

So, so irritated right now.

 

[Mort Hill]

Just back from my third trip to SA (landed Friday). I'll be posting more over the next few weeks as time allows. Still not unpacked at this point and haven't cleaned either rifle I took.

To answer @Vanguard2279 original post, my route was ATL-DFW-DOH-JNB and back the same direction with AA on the ATL-DFW leg and Qatar on the others. Both part of Oneworld. When I arrived in JNB and started unpacking, I noticed that my ammo case had been broken beyond repair. It was locked using TSA locks in my checked baggage and had been declared when I checked in originally in ATL. The bag was checked through to JNB from ATL as the ladies at Travel Express told me it would be as as I confirmed with the rather snotty AA ticket counter agent in ATL. There was no TSA "card" in the ammo case as far as I remember. My locks were undamaged and in the case. Pics of case and locks:
View attachment 401213
View attachment 401214

I borrowed an ammo case from my PH, locked it with one of the locks above and it flew home in the same spot in my checked bag as the original ammo case. It was unmolested on the way home - checked all the way through from JNB to ATL.

There was absolutely no reason for the case to be broken in the way it was. It was purposely broken so as to be unusable and one of the latches on the case (there are three) was also missing. I was obviously displeased, to put it mildly. I've flown with this ammo case exactly as it was to Africa and back before (2019) and back and forth to Saskatchewan (also 2019) and it was fine.

On the way to JNB, my brand new Tuffpak gun case with the "barrel" lock was checked through to DFW where I had to claim it and re-check it to JNB. It was a painful, but successful process:

1. Find the correct baggage claim oversized area and wait for case;
2. Retrieve case and take bus to new terminal;
3. Wait in line at Qatar counter to be told none of the info they needed for the rifles had been forwarded (but they were aware in advance I was travelling with firearms and ammo);
4. Provide them with all my info (passport, 4457, and pre-approved SA import permit) which they took in the back to make copies (my copies weren't good enough for some reason, inc my passport copies that I had notarized);
5. Get the case checked back in through to JNB;
6. Take case to TSA where they unpacked the entire case, opened my soft cases, rubbed down everything with the swab and put it in the little machine that detects explosives;
7. Help TSA agent re-pack my case inside the TSA area and re-lock the case; and
8. Go back through security check-point to continue my journey.

I know you guys with internal USA flights have to do this every time but as an ATL-area resident, I've not had to do this before. Took over 90 minutes after I landed to get to my gate for the DOH segment. And I was in business class, so it would have taken longer if in economy.

Everything arrived in JNB in good shape in my rifle case. I was the only one travelling with firearms on the DOH to JNB leg, and if it weren't for the nice folks at Riflepermits.com (thanks Adel and Marius) I might still be waiting on the SAPS guys to find my rifle case and get me checked in.

On the way back, check the rifle case to DFW as expected where I have to collect both my checked bag and rifle case and go through the process of getting my rifles checked back into the US and sent to ATL. Collect my bags, head to CBP area for the process of checking the serials with my 4457. The case arrived in DFW in great shape. The CBP guys that checked my rifles back in with me were very professional and courteous. He's clearly done this 100x before and is using the oppo to take a new CBP agent through the process. CBP guy tells me the re-lock the case which I do in front of him.

Take both bags to AA recheck area, throw my checked bag on the belt, guy there says you need to take rifle case to that AA lady over there at the counter. Take rifle case over, tell her it's a rifle case, she asks if it's been previously declared, I say yes, she checks tag and tells me to put in on this oversize luggage belt. I do so, ask if that's all I need to do, she says yes and I'm off to security check-point for my last leg to ATL.

Arrive ATL, checked bag comes out fine. Rifle case takes a while longer to come out of oversized baggage claim. Immediately notice that this is clearly my case (my biz card with all my details inc mobile number is taped on the side of the case) but there's a pink TSA lock on the buckle that secures the case lid to the rest of the case. Weird. Pick up the case and immediately notice fairly significant damage to the case lid itself (again, this is a brand new Tuffpak). Think to myself, "I bet those TSA bastards broke my lock" and check - sure enough, the barrel lock has been broken. Since my wife is due to pick me up momentarily, I sulk off upstairs and ride home.

Pics of my (now no longer brand new) Tuffpak and the added TSA lock. Yes, that's an actual hole all the way through on the case lid:
View attachment 401220
View attachment 401221

It requires a hellova effort to screw up a brand new Tuffpak like that.

Get home, cut the added TSA lock off, check rifles (appear to be fine). There is a TSA card on the inside of the case stamped with travel date (May 07 2021) and "D30 Ramp OS". Thanks to those assgoblins for destroying the lid of my brand new case with my mobile number clearly visible on the side of the case. I'm now willing to bet it's the same DFW TSA bastards who destroyed my ammo case on the way to JNB. A pox on your house and all those you love, ya loser POS.

To top it all off, there's someone else's rain jacket crammed into my case with my rifles and my shooting sticks. So if you traveled through DFW last Friday and the TSA lost your rain jacket, send me a note with a description and I'll mail it to you.

So, so irritated right now.

I feel your pain. Flew in 2019 to SA. Upon getting my bags in Philly from Qatar, all was good. Rechecked to Nashville. Upon arrival in Nashville, my brand new Pelican double rifle case looked as if it had been thrown from the jet onto tarmac. One entire corner cracked. I got a new one free from Pelican, but this time will be including extra padding for rifles as thankfully nothing was damaged inside, but sure that the shock to the rifles was not helpful.