Securing your privacy as an airline passenger is about to get a lot harder.
As the Transportation Security Administration, or TSA, ramps up for a Dec. 31 deadline to screen all checked baggage, it has issued guidelines for packing your suitcase in order to help screeners fulfill their role of providing security.
“Security screening went well at Thanksgiving and we are committed to making the holiday season safe and enjoyable for air travelers, “Under Secretary of Transportation for Security Adm. James M. Loy said in announcing the guidelines earlier this week. “Passengers can play a major role by following simple packing guidelines, and by getting to the airport on time.”
Since Nov. 18, 32,000 TSA screeners have been running the show at security checkpoints in the 429 airports across the country, screening passengers before they board planes.
By Dec. 31, TSA will have another 22,000 federal workers in place to screen all checked baggage in accordance with the federal deadline. According to its website, the TSA has developed bag search plans with each of the nation’s airports. Besides the large EDS machines, screening will be done using congressionally approved methods including explosives trace detector machines, explosives-sniffing dogs, passenger-bag matching and hand searches.
Loy reminded travelers that all bags are subject to search, and urged passengers to leave their checked bags unlocked so that screeners don’t have to forcibly open those that require further physical inspection.
When asked about the potential for theft if luggage is checked unlocked, TSA spokesman Brian Doyle told WorldNetDaily the agency was in the process of setting up a system to deal with that issue.
“Coming soon to an airport near you will be tamper-evident orange locks that will be given out free of charge,” Doyle said.
These orange locks are designed to wrap around the luggage handles and can be snipped off by the owner. In the event that screeners have to snip it, a notice will be provided to the passenger and a customer response center will be available to handle questions.
“We don’t want to break anyone’s bag,” Doyle said. “We’re trying to come up with the best policy we can in order to meet the deadline.”
Avoiding physical inspection
The TSA offered tips for travelers, on how to pack suitcases to avoid the need for further physical inspection. Among the recommendations, don’t pack food or beverages. Doyle explained that the organic properties of food sometimes set off the detectors.
The TSA suggests packing footwear on top of other contents, spreading out books – instead of stacking them. The key, according to officials, is for screeners to be able to identify dense masses inside the luggage.
The TSA also suggests putting personal belongings, such as underwear, in clear plastic bags to reduce the chances of a TSA screener having to handle them.
Other recommendations include putting all electronic devices and film in your carry-on bag.
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