I wish there was one of these when I went to NY and my Calibre’ lighter/cigar cutter was removed from my checked in baggage a few years back. The crazy part is at the time, I put it in there thinking would make more since, since nobody could access the lighter if in storage below – the ironic part is the person next to me carried on a Bic lighter no problem. Evidently the stupid FAA didn’t have a problem with someone walking on a plane after 9-11 with a flame lighter, yet my secured $100+ wedding gift lighter was a problem packed in a bag. Well, I never saw it again… so I not only think this idea (below) is brilliant, it’s nice to see some law abiding citizens may be getting the last laugh of preserving their property through this brilliant service…
Every air traveler knows pocketknives and scissors won’t make it through
airport security. Yet sometimes something sharp is accidentally left in a
pocket. (Sometimes being about half a million times a month — that’s the number
of items confiscated at airport security checkpoints in the US alone.) No
problem if it’s a pair of drugstore nail clippers, but an heirloom antique
sewing kit or hand-made Argentinian knife is a different matter. And where
there’s a need, a smart entrepreneur is never far behind.
CheckPoint Mailers has
set up self-service mail-back kiosks at security checkpoints in 27 airports
around the United States. Customers pick up a 6"x9" plastic pouch, complete the
payment and shipping form, and drop their treasured dangerous item in the box.
CheckPoint Mailers then picks up the pouch, packages the item for shipping, and
sends it on its way. Fees paid are from $8-9 per item mailed within the United
States.
Sounds like an idea that’s ripe for overseas expansion!
1 Comment
August 25, 2009 at 6:59 pm
While I agree it is a brilliant idea, and I was fortunate enough to have one at McCarren Airport in Vegas, I have yet to see the $20 fruits of my half-hour fiasco that caused me to nearly miss my flight. My carry-on luggage was my messenger bag, which I keep kitted out with everything I could possibly need on the road – including a Swiss Army Knife and a Leatherman, both of which were gifts that I’ve had for many years.
I “mailed ‘em home” for $20, but I’ve yet to see them returned to me after 3 weeks. I hope they return, but I’ve got a gut feeling they’re gone for good.
On the way to Vegas I remembered to take them out, but not on the way back to Philadelphia. They’ve lived in that bag so long, and I’m not a frequent flyer – this was my second flight, ever – and I simply forgot they were in there.
In short? Fuck Airport Security, promoting American paranoia since 9/11. Now take off your shoes.