Avoiding The Hassles Of Increased Security At Check-In.
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Avoiding The Hassles Of Increased Security At Check-In.
Many people hassled by the increased security checks and long waits at airports are buying new easy-to-search luggage, and foam-padded seats that can be attached to the top of the suitcase, and some are simply sending their baggage by courier services.
New airport security rules adopted since the terrorist attacks mean that most check-in lines are longer and luggage searches are normal. Many travellers and also companies have responded creatively to the changed situation.
For example designers at some luggage companies have set to work on carry-on luggage that will be easy to search, devising ways to help people divide their luggage content into smaller sections. As well, the new luggage is designed with more see-through or mesh pockets so security personnel can easily see what is inside.
For long airport waits these same luggage companies sell a detachable cushioned seat, that travellers can put on top of a hard-case suitcase while they are waiting in lines.
Another luggage company, came out with the SFO Laptop Traveller, a US$650 carry-on that combines laptop and clothing carry-ons into one bag. It is designed to help the business traveller meet the Federal Aviation Administration's 'one-plus' rule, which limits each passenger to one carry-on bag and one personal item such as a briefcase or a purse.
To reduce the hassle of airport searches, some travellers have stopped carrying gifts and have opted for online purchases. Sales from websites such as Amazon.com, eBay, RedEnvelope and other retailers were expected to increase 15 per cent over last year to US$10 billion, in part because of the wrapped gift rule.
Some travellers are choosing not to even take their luggage to airports and check it in, opting instead to ship their luggage separately with Courier companies. Sending the luggage this way can cost more than US$100, but travellers say it is worth it. A cheaper alternative is to ship your luggage, and both UPS and FedEx say they were now shipping more luggage.
New airport security rules adopted since the terrorist attacks mean that most check-in lines are longer and luggage searches are normal. Many travellers and also companies have responded creatively to the changed situation.
For example designers at some luggage companies have set to work on carry-on luggage that will be easy to search, devising ways to help people divide their luggage content into smaller sections. As well, the new luggage is designed with more see-through or mesh pockets so security personnel can easily see what is inside.
For long airport waits these same luggage companies sell a detachable cushioned seat, that travellers can put on top of a hard-case suitcase while they are waiting in lines.
Another luggage company, came out with the SFO Laptop Traveller, a US$650 carry-on that combines laptop and clothing carry-ons into one bag. It is designed to help the business traveller meet the Federal Aviation Administration's 'one-plus' rule, which limits each passenger to one carry-on bag and one personal item such as a briefcase or a purse.
To reduce the hassle of airport searches, some travellers have stopped carrying gifts and have opted for online purchases. Sales from websites such as Amazon.com, eBay, RedEnvelope and other retailers were expected to increase 15 per cent over last year to US$10 billion, in part because of the wrapped gift rule.
Some travellers are choosing not to even take their luggage to airports and check it in, opting instead to ship their luggage separately with Courier companies. Sending the luggage this way can cost more than US$100, but travellers say it is worth it. A cheaper alternative is to ship your luggage, and both UPS and FedEx say they were now shipping more luggage.
Eight Gun Fighter
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 1,126
Likes: 0
From: Western Approaches
Just made a trip into and out of Heathrow. LHR security was the same as prior to september. Did not ask me to turn on my Nikon FGs as YYC did twice. Tough explaining that some cameras do not turn on and off. Look through the lens. No delays because of security. I did tend to scan the crowd in the boarding lounge for potential perceived risks. Upgrade to first, thanks, closer to flight deck door. All in all,four good flights.Don't go OTT.
Paxing All Over The World
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 10,841
Likes: 328
From: Hertfordshire, UK.
I have just returned from a seven sector trip:
LHR/MUC/JNB/CPT/GRJ (a regional South African airport at George) /JNB/MUC/LHR.
On the two occasions that I was in transit at MUC, there was no new x-ray or search on boarding, despite having mingled with dozens of people that had started their journey there and local staff.
At no time was I asked to open my carry-on even though it had a jumble of cameras, laptop and other electronics.
On one sector it inadvertently carried an electronic alarm clock with it's battery! But that was not noticed either.
On departure from LHR, the bag contained (again by accident) a pocket device that includes a VERY sharp blade - but is of less than 2" length. When I realised that it had passed unnoticed, I decided to leave it in to see what happened. Another four x-ray sessions also failed to detect it.
I did not notice queues of undue length, given that I was travelling in the busy season.
So business as usual.
LHR/MUC/JNB/CPT/GRJ (a regional South African airport at George) /JNB/MUC/LHR.
On the two occasions that I was in transit at MUC, there was no new x-ray or search on boarding, despite having mingled with dozens of people that had started their journey there and local staff.
At no time was I asked to open my carry-on even though it had a jumble of cameras, laptop and other electronics.
On one sector it inadvertently carried an electronic alarm clock with it's battery! But that was not noticed either.
On departure from LHR, the bag contained (again by accident) a pocket device that includes a VERY sharp blade - but is of less than 2" length. When I realised that it had passed unnoticed, I decided to leave it in to see what happened. Another four x-ray sessions also failed to detect it.
I did not notice queues of undue length, given that I was travelling in the busy season.
So business as usual.
Paxing All Over The World
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 10,841
Likes: 328
From: Hertfordshire, UK.
Yes, I was surprised too. I lived in MUC for 18 months and was always impressed by the airport on my numerous visits.
My travelling has normally meant that I do not transit (it is one of the advantages of living near to LHR!) but I had fully expected transit passengers to be screened at the gate or sent to the regular x-ray channels and the carry-on to be marked as having been re-checked.
When I was not re-screened on my my outbound journey, it reminded that - unless I much mistake - the bomb for PA 103 was loaded at an intermediate stop.
My travelling has normally meant that I do not transit (it is one of the advantages of living near to LHR!) but I had fully expected transit passengers to be screened at the gate or sent to the regular x-ray channels and the carry-on to be marked as having been re-checked.
When I was not re-screened on my my outbound journey, it reminded that - unless I much mistake - the bomb for PA 103 was loaded at an intermediate stop.
