TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - There are several reasons why passengers give their luggage additional wrapping with plastic. Firstly, to protect the luggage's outer part from scratches and stains, especially for those with easily damaged or faulty zippers. Some also hope to protect the contents inside the luggage.
Some travelers might think that wrapping their luggage in plastic makes it less likely to be tampered with or infiltrated by malicious individuals. This includes the likelihood of being inspected by the TSA or the Transportation Security Administration, the United States government agency responsible for airport transportation security. Some travelers have to wrap their luggage due to the risk of damage or faulty zippers.
TSA Inspection
As reported by Travel+Leisure, TSA spokesperson Lorie Dankers stated that luggage wrapped in plastic is treated the same as unwrapped luggage. All checked bags must undergo inspection before being handed over to airline baggage handlers, who will load them onto the plane.
TSA and its international partners use X-ray machines with 3D scanners to search for objects resembling explosives or other hazardous materials. Some airports also rely on K-9 units capable of detecting anything from bullets to bombs. Wrapping luggage in plastic does not affect the way X-ray machines scan bags and does not obstruct the inspection by the canine units.
Most checked bags, approximately 95 percent, pass through this inspection and do not require physical inspection by TSA agents. Flagged bags will be this means the plastic wrap will be cut, and the lock will be damaged if not approved by TSA. Although TSA agents inspect the bags will repack them and including a paper slip indicating that the bags have been inspected, so passengers understand why their luggage was searched, the luggage will not be rewrapped in plastic.
Tips for keeping luggage secure
Some baggage wrappers claim to use 100 percent recyclable plastic. However, many airports are considering banning plastic-wrapped luggage due to environmental concerns. If you want to keep your luggage safe, you can use TSA-approved locks or reusable luggage covers. It is even better to use sturdy hard-shell luggage that offers far better protection than thin plastic wrapping.
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