Sorry about the inspection but those are the breaks... Heightened security allows the US Government to open any bag taken on an aircraft. I know everyone has an idea on this but that is the fact. I am a former Customs inspector and current criminal investigator (and new to sky diving, just finished AFF!). I now understand the problems this can cause and the expenses related to repacking and the possibility of damage to the rig/canopies. WHY the rig was opened is a good question but here are some answers as too the who... At all ports of entry (land, sea and air), Customs and Border Protection (CBP) (old US Customs Service) has the right to inspect inbound and outbound items. I suggest ALWAYS carrying on your rig so you can explain to the Inspectors what you have. Your rig can be run through our x-rays and hopefully, no opening is required. If it still needs to be opened (because they saw something in the x-ray image) you will NOT be compensated for the repack. It is the travelers responsibility to make all items inspection ready and the government does not reimburse for that. Sorry! CBP normally always puts "inspection tape" on anything they examine. I remember having rolls and rolls of this stuff around the stations I worked. TSA normally puts a card in the bag when examined (and they examine on ANY flight in the USA) and the baggage handlers, who knows! Overseas who knows what they do and who does it... Hope this clears up the who looks at what issue... See you in the sky! Lance
