Question about luggage being checked/searched at airports?

[momof2OH]

I know most if not all luggage can be opened and checked. Does anyone know when they do this are the people wearing latex gloves or non latex gloves? If I call the airports will they be able to tell me?

TIA

 

[C.Ann]

I don't know if they wear gloves or not, but when I went to Florida in Feb. - and again 2 weeks ago - my luggage was searched both times (they leave a card inside indicating that it has been searched)..

I knew it was a possibility, so everything I packed went into either large or small zip lock bags.. Made it easier for them to move around and gave me the peace of mind that comes from knowing "strange hands" weren't "touching" my clothes and such..

 

[disneyldwjr]

They search with latex gloves to protect both you and the TSA inspectors.

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

I know most if not all luggage can be opened and checked. Does anyone know when they do this are the people wearing latex gloves or non latex gloves? If I call the airports will they be able to tell me?

TIA

If you have a latex allergy, you might want to inform the airline in advance and they may have to tag your bags differently. Doesn't hurt to call and find out.

Good luck!

 

[safetymom]

I don't know if there is a standard policy on the type of glove used. You might want to check the TSA website or contact them.

 

[momof2OH]

Thanks for the replys. Yes, I do have a latex allergy. I already put everything in ziplock bags, but I can't touch the ziplock bags if they've touched them with latex gloves or breath it. I think the best would be to call ahead of time and check. I guess I can always attach something saying "Latex Allergy".
again, Thanks!

 

[Mady/Sophiemom]

Not sure about the airlines, but I work healthcare, and we don't even have latex gloves in the bldg. anymore. Too many patients, and employees/visitors w/ allergies.

Good luck to you- Hopefully you will get the answers you need before your trip. Can someone else do your unpacking, and toss the Ziplocks before you come in contact w/ them.

Just a comment. I flew soon after 9-11, and amazingly, the inspectors, weren't even wearing gloves. YUCK!! I was travelling with other nurses, and we were shocked. I don't know, if it was just a case of her not wearing them, or the airlines not providing them at that time.

 

[monarchsfan16]

Anytime I've seen inspectors they've been wearing blue gloves. The only blue gloves I know of are nonlatex. I do not know if this is all over, or just the few airports I've been in.

 

[Mady/Sophiemom]

Anytime I've seen inspectors they've been wearing blue gloves. The only blue gloves I know of are nonlatex. I do not know if this is all over, or just the few airports I've been in.

You are right. All of the colored gloves that I have seen, are non-latex. We just started using purple ones, at work, and I love them.

Hopefully the airlines are aware of allergy issues, and don't use latex. You would think they are. That's why no more peanuts on plane.

 

[disneyldwjr]

Not sure about the airlines, but I work healthcare, and we don't even have latex gloves in the bldg. anymore. Too many patients, and employees/visitors w/ allergies.

Good luck to you- Hopefully you will get the answers you need before your trip. Can someone else do your unpacking, and toss the Ziplocks before you come in contact w/ them.

Just a comment. I flew soon after 9-11, and amazingly, the inspectors, weren't even wearing gloves. YUCK!! I was travelling with other nurses, and we were shocked. I don't know, if it was just a case of her not wearing them, or the airlines not providing them at that time.

Airlines do not provide the gloves the TSA does. And, I would be amazed if I saw an inspector without them. You must have been grossed out. How dangerous is that?

 

[disneyldwjr]

You are right. All of the colored gloves that I have seen, are non-latex. We just started using purple ones, at work, and I love them.

Hopefully the airlines are aware of allergy issues, and don't use latex. You would think they are. That's why no more peanuts on plane.

Airlines have nothing to do with what inspectors wear, the inspectors are employed by the TSA.
I am sure they have taken the latex issue into account and have found a sub. for those with allergies.

 

[disneyldwjr]

Anytime I've seen inspectors they've been wearing blue gloves. The only blue gloves I know of are nonlatex. I do not know if this is all over, or just the few airports I've been in.

I have seen white, blue and green. I asked and they said latex. I don't have allergies so, I really don't know if they were using a generic word or not.
If it is a concern, write to the TSA and ask.

 

[Mady/Sophiemom]

Airlines do not provide the gloves the TSA does. And, I would be amazed if I saw an inspector without them. You must have been grossed out. How dangerous is that?

Yep- pretty nasty!! We commented how it might not be so bad for customers leaving home, but the return home suitcase, full of dirty clothes- YUCK!!! Like I said this was very soon after 9-11, Oct. I think, and the security was scrambling to say the least.

I've never seen any without gloves since then though.