FUCK Jetblue airlines!

OMG! People with flutes are terrorists!

 

The TSA has made it clear that musical instruments are perfectly acceptable, both checked and carried on. I seriously doubt "homeland security" was a factor here.

Their standards aren't as strict as you would think, and were further relaxed late last year. Just yesterday, I saw them allow a 5" or so screwdriver be carried aboard a flight. Thinking that was a lapse in judgment, I looked it up and found, to my amazement, that screwdrivers and tools under 7" can be carried on, as well as scissors with a cutting edge up to 4".


If those items don't bother 'em, I can't see a flute bein' a huge problem.

 

That's why I don't put anything valuable in my luggage...

I had to learn that the hard way. Anything valuable goes in my carry-on...and is stored under the seat in front of me.

 

Same here. My checked bag usually contains little more than clothing.

 

Mmmmhmmm. I also have a bridge in Brooklyn I'd like to sell you.

Just because it might be "standard" procedure in most areas of the country, doesn't mean you don't have a few rogue agents here and there. Look at customs in Miami Beach, FL. Standard procedure is to not check every bag that comes in. They get someone in there they don't like, they hassle you saying you've done illegal things. Take Rush Limbaugh, who obviously is the head of a huge Drug Cartel, and his bout with the Viagra.

Turns out that the custom agent was wrong for hassling him, he had nothing illegal. They practically cried drug lord. If they don't have a problem doing that to some (in)famous guy, what makes you think they won't hesitate with a normal person?

 

Meaning what, exactly?

You're right that they don't all follow standard procedure. I've seen a complete lack of professionalism from some TSA officers (namely at Phoenix Sky Harbor). The example you brought up is somewhat different, as it wasn't a domestic flight.

From what Bumble has told us, they never actually gave a reason why her flute was missing, so they presumably didn't bring up "homeland security." So from what we know, saying that this was done in the name of, or covered up as "homeland security" would be baseless. It could be as simple as an outright theft. I'm not saying they won't use homeland security as an excuse, just that it'd be unfounded to say that's what this is about right now.

 

*****Update*****

I threatened to bring in a lawyer because the company is basically pushing me aside. I also told them that I know for a FACT that they have to replace anything that tghey lost up to $500 and they were like, "let me see if a flute is covered." So I responded with a, "anything that is $500 or under u have to replace reguardless of what it is. Don't make me call my lawyer." They shut up right away. They said they will call me tomorrow to update me on them replacing my flute.

 

Well it looks like you are getting "somewhere". I was hoping they would put some pressure on their employees and find your flute, since it seemed to mean so much to you. But I guess that's not going to happen.