A passenger in Toronto films checked bags being handled roughly on arrival, and the interaction is fascinating – as well as the reactions on social media.
The passenger complains “all they do is throw shit” and he’s confronted, being told he’s not allowed to record “this is customs.” They argue. There’s ‘no signs’ saying no recording. “Do you ned me to call an customs?”
- It was posted by the @airport_ramplife account in Instagram, asking “Who’s in the wrong?”
- One of the top comments reads, “There is generally not allowed to record anything at the airport. This is for safety reason. Someone could record airport security and camera placement and it could be used for bad purposes.”
In Canada, there’s no law preventing photography or video recording in public places like airports. Oddly there are more restrictions on media than on the general public – for news or commercial purposes, you must register and obtain a Media Film Permit from the Greater Toronto Airports Authority.
However, the Canada Border Services Agency does not allow photography or video recording in customs-controlled areas. That’s pretty standard – recording is considered a security risk because it may reveal screening procedures or officer positions. Officers can order you to stop, delete footage, or seize recording equipment if they determine rules are being violated.
Both are similar to the U.S., where it’s even permissible to record at TSA security checkpoints as long as you don’t interfere with the screening process (e.g. blocking a lane), record monitors or secondary screening techniques. Airlines may have rules for their rented space inside the airport that differ.
In this case, the passenger wasn’t filming sensitive customs procedures, they were filming bad customer service. But a customs officer would still probably tell them that they couldn’t film. They person objecting was… not a customs officer.
Delta has now broken two suitcases. Both at (unless it happened at my home airport, which I doubt) BOS. I asked do they body slam the luggage on a post about it. It’s ridiculous.
That’s what baggage handlers tend to do. Throw bags. Probably why one should not check bags or get bags that can hold up to slamming around and nothing breakable in the bag.
Back in the day, and maybe still today, if the airline damaged your bag, you can (and should) claim it against them, and often can do so directly at their baggage office in each airport. Nowadays, I bet they tell you to pound sand and go online… *sigh*
It’s anecdotal and maybe I was just lucky this one time, but it happened to me after a Delta flight to SEA (in 2013); there was a huge gash in my hardshell checked bag, so I went to their office, and the agent provided a replacement on the spot.
In my opinion, that was far better than some unusable ‘credit,’ or deny/delay tactics, etc. Instead, the airline properly ‘owned’ a problem that they caused, and provided a practical, quick resolution on-the-spot.
Wish it could always be like that. Or, like, just don’t damage our bags, please.
That looked like reasonably gentle handling compared to some that I have seen. It is common if you look out the window and see the airplane loading ramp in action. I would suggest that throwing is probably taught since it takes less energy, is quicker, requires less walking and requires less twisting. If you don’t want your bag thrown, ship a bag that is not easy to throw. One of the reasons I went back to a top loading military style duffle for one of my checked bags is that it is not easy to throw when it has 49 pounds in it. This is, of course, after having many soft side roller bags destroyed by the baggage handlers in airports.
To add, I have had airlines destroy hard side luggage before. The military style duffle never seems to get damage. I put an 85 liter travel backpack in it to organize things and to take out when traveling farther distances on foot over varied terrain. The combination still weighs about 2kg less than a soft side or hard side roller bag so I can put that much more in it. Further, two bags can be consolidated into one in some cases where less is being carried.
Make the rules and say no….but then god forbid something horrible happens and they want all the pictures they can get, you should get what you have to the authorities…to be helpful. Note that I am all for safety. So if filming is a risk, say no, but at least make it clear with signage saying so. Many travelers are unaware of many protocols and rules in re to flying…like how crew members are to have their directions followed when on board.
Based on personal experience, it is critical to report bag damage to airline’s baggage service people immediately after claiming the bag. I waited to do so in Europe and Delta rep refused my claim. Upon return to Detroit I pressed my case and was “mercied” by the local team.
“Many travelers are unaware of many protocols and rules in re to flying…like how crew members are to have their directions followed when on board.”
Abandon hope all ye who enter here (Lasciate ogne speranza, voi ch’intrate).
I’ve started using 11-gallon black and yellow utility totes with the top zip tied on. Unfortunately, the 27-gallon ones are an inch too large, and the gate agents know it..
I don’t put anything but clothing and similar items in checked bags on the infrequent occasions that I actually check a bag. Too many things can go wrong – lost bag, damaged bag, delayed bag, theft, contents broken, and for sure, a delay compared to just walking off the plane and being on your way. I think any security issues are pretty hypothetical. Anyone actually wishing to do something wrong could simply watch and take notes about procedures. No need to video and draw attention to himself.
Unions. Enough said.
Waiting for 1990 to defend this crap. Will only take minutes.
I had my foldable baggage with straps that clip to hold it closed cut through, rather than, you know, unclipping it. Total assholes. They used rope to tie the bag closed. Ruined my bag.
No one has pride in their work anymore cuz shit flows downstream. It sucks.
That said, before entering customs/immigration there are signs that explicitly says not even using your cell phone is allowed in the customs area.