Airport Luggage Check: What To Expect When Traveling

Checking luggage at the airport is a complex process that involves multiple steps and security checks to ensure the safety and timely delivery of passengers' belongings. From the moment passengers hand over their bags, these undergo a series of inspections, scans, and conveyance systems that eventually lead to their placement in the aircraft's baggage hold. The process includes the use of advanced technology, such as computer tomography (CT) scanners and X-ray machines, to detect potential hazards and prohibited items. While most bags arrive safely, there is a small percentage that may be mishandled, leading to delays in reunion with their owners. To mitigate this risk, passengers are advised to follow specific guidelines, such as proper labelling and weight restrictions, to ensure a smoother journey for their luggage.

Scanning and screening methods

Metal Detectors

Metal detectors are commonly used at airports to identify metal objects. They create a magnetic field by using a brief pulse of electrical current. If there is any metal, the magnetic radiation bounces back, resulting in a beeping sound. These detectors ignore small metallic items like buttons, watches, and accessories. They are also used to screen passengers and their carry-on items, ensuring no hidden items are carried onboard.

Backscatter X-Ray Machines

Backscatter X-ray machines are used to scan both passengers and their luggage. They use very low-energy X-rays that reflect back to the machine. These machines can detect threats such as weapons or explosives hidden under clothing or in luggage. The amount of radiation received from these machines is considered safe, equivalent to the cosmic radiation experienced during two minutes of flight.

Millimeter Wave Scanners

Millimeter wave scanners use non-ionizing radiofrequency waves to detect threats. These machines bounce waves off the body or luggage and back to the scanner. They emit far less energy than a cell phone and are crucial for security as they can show hidden threats like guns and knives. If no threats are detected, the screen turns green and displays "OK".

Cabinet X-Ray Machines

Cabinet X-ray systems are used for screening luggage and carry-on items. These machines have thick walls, locks, warning lights, and lead curtains to prevent radiation from escaping. They emit more radiation than other body scanners to create images of the contents. Objects with high density, such as metal, appear as dark green or blue, while organic materials like food, paper, or drugs, are marked in orange.

Computer Tomography (CT) Scanners

CT scanners are used at major airports in the United States. They are hollow tubes that surround the bag, with an X-ray mechanism revolving around it. This system records detailed data about the bag's contents, including the mass and density of individual objects. If an object's mass or density falls within the range of dangerous materials, the scanner alerts the operator. Due to their slow speed, CT scanners are typically used only for bags flagged as "suspicious" rather than screening all luggage.

Lost luggage

Losing your luggage can be a stressful experience, but there are steps you can take to improve your chances of being reunited with your bags and getting reimbursed for any related expenses. Here's what to do if your luggage goes missing:

Contact the Airline:

Don't leave the airport without speaking to an airline representative. Approach the baggage claim or check-in desk agent, or call the airline if you can't find one. Complete any necessary forms to submit your claim while you're still at the airport. The airline should provide a toll-free number for updates on your claim. Refer to the airline's lost luggage page to understand their policy.

Request Delivery:

Provide your contact information and request that the airline deliver your luggage to your home or accommodation once it's located. This saves you an extra trip to the airport.

Submit a Claim:

Some airlines offer compensation if your bags are lost for over 24 hours. Submit a baggage claim form, providing details such as the size, colour, and material of your bag, as well as any identifying tags. Include your local address and contact information, and get the phone number of the lost luggage desk and a reference or tracking number.

Ask About Compensation:

When filing your claim, inquire about what the airline will cover. Some airlines provide amenity kits or courtesy items, while others offer reimbursement for "travel essentials" or "reasonable expenses." Ask about the guidelines and be prepared to provide original receipts for any purchases.

Track Your Bag:

Use your original bag tag or reference number to track your bag's status online through the airline's automated systems.

Escalate if Necessary:

If you aren't receiving updates or details about your bag's location, escalate your claim through other channels. Contact the airline via social media or customer service, or consider filing a complaint with the Department of Transportation if the issue persists.

Check Your Credit Card Benefits:

The credit card used to book your flight may offer lost or delayed baggage benefits, which can provide additional reimbursement for expenses not covered by the airline or travel insurance. Check your card's guide to benefits for notification deadlines and claim processes.

Consider Insurance Claims:

If your credit cards don't offer baggage insurance, check if you have a standalone travel insurance policy or if your homeowner's or renter's insurance covers lost or delayed luggage.

Inspect Luggage for Damage:

If your bag is found, inspect it thoroughly for damage. The airline will likely offer to repair or replace it, but you may need to notify them within a certain timeframe. Submit the necessary forms and provide proof of purchase for any damaged items. Take photos of the damaged items for your records and to submit with your claim.

Look for Missing Items:

In addition to inspecting for damage, check if any items are missing from your luggage. Contact the airport to see if they are holding any items that match your description. You may be able to receive compensation for these items from the airline or your insurance.

To reduce the chances of losing your luggage:

• Keep your itinerary simple and minimise connections.
• Always bring a carry-on bag for essential and valuable items.
• Put your name and phone number on luggage tags, and consider adding further identification inside your bag.
• Make your checked luggage easily identifiable, perhaps with bright ribbons or stickers.
• Take a photo of your bag on your phone for easier identification.
• Lock your luggage, especially when travelling to or via the USA, using locks compliant with TSA policies.
• Allow plenty of time at the airport and between connections.
• Take out travel insurance with adequate baggage cover.

Avoiding extra charges

When it comes to avoiding extra charges at the airport, there are several strategies you can employ. Firstly, it is essential to pack light. This means bringing only what you need and being ruthless with your selections. If you find yourself trying to justify bringing something "just in case," it's probably best left at home. Opt for versatile clothing pieces that can be mixed and matched, and avoid packing multiple pairs of shoes or bulky items that will add unnecessary weight.

Secondly, consider the type of luggage you're using. Soft-shell suitcases or canvas backpacks tend to be lighter than their hard-shell counterparts, giving you more weight allowance for your belongings. Additionally, try to choose a standard suitcase without too many loose straps or attachments, as these can cause issues with conveyor belts and take up valuable weight allowance.

Thirdly, weigh your luggage before you leave for the airport. Balancing a suitcase on bathroom scales can be tricky, but portable luggage scales are inexpensive and easy to find. This simple step can save you from paying excess baggage fees at the airport. If your luggage is overweight, you can rearrange items or transfer some to your hand luggage.

Speaking of hand luggage, maximizing your allowance for this is another way to avoid extra charges. Some airlines allow you to bring two items on board or offer upgrades for larger hand luggage that can be stored in the overhead lockers. Just be mindful of the weight and size restrictions for hand luggage and avoid packing prohibited items such as liquids, sharps, tools, or sporting equipment.

Finally, if you know you'll need extra weight or space, it's best to pay for additional luggage in advance. Airlines often offer discounts of up to 50% for purchasing extra weight online before your flight. Additionally, consider pooling your baggage allowance with a travel companion. Some airlines allow you to combine allowances, so you can distribute the weight across your checked luggage more efficiently.

Baggage handlers

To become a baggage handler, you typically need a high school diploma or GED certificate, and a valid state driver's license. Employers will also often require a background check, fingerprint-based criminal history check, drug screening, and various position-specific clearances. Previous experience in outdoor work or jobs requiring heavy manual labour and safety awareness is preferred.

The role involves operating conveyor belts, tugs, and tow tractors laden with baggage and cargo, and implementing safety procedures and standards when handling customers' baggage. Baggage handlers must also keep track of baggage and cargo while transferring it from cars and buses to the aircraft, and ensure its delivery to the rightful owners. They may also be required to interact with clients during the delivery process.

In addition to handling passengers' baggage, baggage handlers may also be responsible for handling mail and freight cargo, which is stored in warehouses. They must also report any damaged or suspicious baggage.

The work can be physically demanding, requiring good physical fitness and endurance, coordination, dexterity, and grace. It can also be stressful, as it is time-sensitive and must be carried out within tight schedules. Baggage handlers may need to work outdoors in all weather conditions and will be exposed to loud noises and the smell of fuel and exhaust.

Items prohibited by the TSA

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) prohibits a wide range of items from being carried onto an aircraft, either in carry-on or checked baggage. Some of these prohibited items include:

• Aerosol insecticides: These are not allowed in carry-on bags but are permitted in checked bags as long as they are not labelled as hazardous material (HAZMAT).
• Alcoholic beverages: Drinks with more than 70% alcohol (over 140 proof) are prohibited in carry-on bags. Beverages with 24-70% alcohol are limited to 5 litres per passenger in checked bags and must be in unopened retail packaging.
• Ammunition: Small arms ammunition must be securely packed in fibre, wood, or metal boxes designed for carrying small amounts. Check with your airline for specific guidelines.
• Firearms: These are prohibited in carry-on bags and must be unloaded, packed in a locked hard-sided container, and declared to the airline during check-in.
• Sharp objects: Any sharp items in checked bags should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers. This includes knives, scissors, and razor blades.
• Lithium batteries: Spare lithium-ion batteries with a watt-hour (Wh) rating of over 100 Wh are prohibited in checked bags. Smaller batteries (under 100 Wh) are typically allowed in carry-on bags but should be properly protected and installed in devices.
• Explosives: Items such as swingless golf club load strips and strike-anywhere matches are prohibited.
• Recreational marijuana: Despite state laws, the TSA considers marijuana possession illegal under federal law and will refer passengers to law enforcement.
• Flammable liquids or solids: Items such as gasoline-powered tools, flammable glues, and gas torches are prohibited.
• Hoverboards: Lithium-ion battery-powered personal transportation devices, including hoverboards, are not allowed on board or in carry-on or checked bags.
• Lighters and matches: Torch lighters and strike-anywhere matches are prohibited. Regular lighters are generally allowed, but there may be restrictions depending on the country of travel.

Frequently asked questions