New Security proceedures for checked bags

[Laz]

Just when I was starting to lean towards flying again, the fedral gov't. imposes new rules on checked luggage. It is not the fact that all checked bags will be screened, but that bags that any bag that sets off the scanners will be opened up OUT OF SIGHT OF THE OWNER!!! It was stated on the news that 30 percent of the bags will set off the scanners. That means that out of every 100 bags scanned, 30 will be opened! You can be assured that you have pretty good (?) odds that at least one of your bags will be opened. You are NOT suppose to lock your bags! If you find something missing from your bag your suppose to contact a fedral agency. What about going to a foriegn country? Whos to stop them from stealing? I don't know about you, but I don't want some stranger going through my belongings without me being present! No flying for me! I am driving from Fort Wayne to Canaveral for a Cruise then back to WDW.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Do you have a link to this?

What about going to a foriegn country? Whos to stop them from stealing?

Who are you worried about stealing from you? The people in the foreign country, where the FAA has no control, or people here in the states checking your baggage ?

Like I said, I would be very interested in reading any article that you care to link to.

 

[dmfuru]

I heard bit about this on CNN today.


Try this link.

http://www.cnn.com/2002/US/12/19/tsa.screening/index.html

*edited to add link*

 

[betterlatethannever]

In Cleveland, on Continental, if you lock your luggage, you must wait about a half an hour in the ticketing area for your loggage to go through xray. Aftetr the half hour, you get your ticket and can then go through security.

This seems like a good alternative to keeping your bags unloacked. We make sure we have time for the half hour wait, since some of our bags have latches that don't stay latched unless they are locked.

Ed

 

[Muffy]

Thanks for the link!

 

[Miss Jasmine]

Here is the latest update from the TSA: http://www.tsa.dot.gov/public/display?theme=44&content=654

 

[jamsmom]

I have always locked my luggage and will be flying Jan 1 and Jan 5. I will wait if I must, but still plan to lock it. Okay, maybe I am a rebellion. But, I just like the thought that everything in the bag will get where I am going.


Let me rephrase- I do want to keep my siutcase closed. I know that pretty much anyone can get into them, but it is harder for the suitcase to open.

 

[CarolA]

Folks, if you really think those locks were protecting your stuff think again. I could break into 99% of the luggage locks. They do help keep luggage closed but that is about it. The solution is not to pack stuff that you can't afford to lose (ie jewlerly, cameras, electronics etc..) Do you really think the TSA wants you undies?

 

[Trekker]

I'm all for anything that makes our air travel safer. We live in different times now.

Anyone with a key to one of those little luggage locks can open any other of those little luggage locks. They are there to keep the suitcase from opening, not to secure your belongings.

I plan to use the plastic wire ties from now on - they will serve the same purpose.

 

[Mark P.]

I know it's the unfortunate sign of the times, but I don't like the fact of luggage being searched outside the presence of the luggage owner.

Here's what I wish would happen...

Offer FREE security tags/seals that will 'lock' a suitcase, and can be opened without any damage.

If a suitcase is chosen to be searched, then the security tag/seal is easily broken(only by an official). Once a security tag/seal is broke, it is discarded, as they are unusable.

When the search is completed, a NEW, security tag/seal is placed on the suitcase, along with a note stating the purpose of the search, and the name or work ID# of the person that performed the search placed inside the suitcase.

An unsecure piece of luggage is fair game for theft. We're told not to put valubles in suitcases, but it happens, and will continue to happen. That's what the thieves are banking on.

Just my thoughts...

 

[Eeyore1954]

Mark P. -- I believe that's how the TSA searches will work. If they open your suitcase, they will put a seal on it and a note inside will advise you that your suitcase was selected for searching.

 

[seashoreCM]

As someone else mentioned, locking luggage does not prevent theft. THey could just as well have X-rayed it and if they saw something they liked, then stolen the whole thing.

But I would trust that you the traveler now have a defense against a claim of contraband in the luggage. Since they opened it without your being present you can counterclaim that someone else planted the contraband in the suitcase.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[sgtdisney]

I heard today that 6 employees at Miami International were let go because of theft from luggage.. I don't know if they were federal workers... I am all for keeping up with security, we do not need another 9/11. However, none of the measures they are implementing in regard to the checked luggage would have done anything to stop something similar to 9/11. I would heartily recommend everyone leave their luggage unlocked. From what I read, and hear, if they have to forcibly open your luggage they will and they are not responsible for any damage.

What I am afraid is this is going to scare away more leisure and business travellers and further effect the airlines finances.. It would not surprise me if within 2 years we only see 4 or 5 airlines still in existance and the entire industry is re-regulated again. If this is were to happen, you could kiss the day of the 150.00 R/T fare from ORD to MCO goodbye.. Of course maybe the airplanes would have more pitch between the seats and we would see the rebirth of lounges on aircraft again.

 

[Obi-Wan Pinobi]

I think we're going to see a lot more people carrying their bags on with them, and probably trying to carry on bags that are too big.

I don't like the "out of sight of the owner" part of the search procedures either. I have to make a business trip in January and will most likely pack light so everything I have will go into a carry-on.

 

[ncligs]

Originally posted by Obi-Wan Pinobi
I think we're going to see a lot more people carrying their bags on with them.
I don't like the "out of sight of the owner" part of the search procedures either.

We always use carry on's ONLY. Even if we are going for 6-9 days, the wife and I each bring on 1 carry on bag and a small travel bag. We are off the plane and in our National (Emarald Aisle) rental car, 10 minutes after getting off the plane.
You never have to wait for luggage,or take a chance of it getting lost.And now with the new security procedures, I will never check luggage.

 

[Kallison]

Take your valuables through carry-on.

If it keeps the skies safe, so be it. I'm all for 100 percent of scanning luggage, searches or whatever. It would be a logistical nightmare to find each owner before a bag is searched.

 

[Luv2Roam]

I always carry-on and check LOTS of pins to MCO and back.
I think now DH and I both will be carrying all pins as carry-on.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Folks, if you really think those locks were protecting your stuff think again. I could break into 99% of the luggage locks. They do help keep luggage closed but that is about it. The solution is not to pack stuff that you can't afford to lose (ie jewlerly, cameras, electronics etc..) Do you really think the TSA wants you undies?

I completely agree with you on this. My motto: take it, don't break it. Luggage locks are a joke. Never have locked luggage and never plan to.

 

[Muffy]

Do they allow pin collections in your carryon?

 

[Luv2Roam]

Muffy -- so far I have flown with pins in multiple pieces of checked luggage and a large carry-on pin bag, all with no problems.
But I haven't flown with pins since October.