Luggage from 01 January 2003

[blott]

New 'state of the art' scanners are coming into operation at US airports on 01 January 2003 and these will be more sensitive.

US authorities are asking travellers not to pack gift wrapped presents in their cargo hold luggage (wrap them after you've travelled) and to pack all unused films in your hand luggage as the new scanners will ruin your film.

These security measures are additional to the ones already in force which do not allow the transportation in your hand luggage of objects which could be used as weapons, ie scissors, tweezers, knitting needles, toy guns, etc and these items should always be packed in your cargo hold luggage.

[Michelle]

Reference the new checking in of all main luggage proceedures, now in place since January 1st at USA Airports..
A couple of tips to make things easier for you.
1, Do not lock your cases, if you ask they will put the locks on for you.
2. Pack all shoes to the top
3. Pack any toietries in clear plastic bags and pack at top
There is a web site that explains this new checking proceedure and also packing tips. Visit www.TSATravelTips.us or you can e-mail TellTSA@tsa.dot.gov if you have any questions or queries.

[esprit]

At Tampa yesterday, they were asking you whether your case was locked, If so, you had then option of unlocking it at check in or waiting for someone to escort you and your locked case to security where they would Xray your case and tell you if they wanted you to open it and re-lock it. They were opening a few but did not do ours. It does delay you though. If you are in a rush, leave your case unlocked. We heard that they were opening all of them in Orlando so it obviously is not yet standardised.

[fiona]

It was spot checks at Miami yesterday, so yes is obviously not standardised yet.

[Lesley S]

At Orlando International on Tuesday last week, they were checking everyones bag. You are not even present when they do so.

[esprit]

Sounds like another case of one hand not knowing what the other hand is doing again and the amount of security applied depends on which airport you go from.