What's the deal with the Saran-wrapped luggage???
Jun 14th, 2011, 05:15 PM
#1
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What's the deal with the Saran-wrapped luggage???
We recently returned from a trip to Mallorca, Spain. While at the airport in Madrid, we noticed long lines of (mostly European) passengers waiting to have their luggage Saran-wrapped at a kiosk before checking in for their flights. We remembered seeing this same thing occurring on our last trip to Malta. What's the deal with that? Do European airlines have a problem with leaking baggage compartments? We can't remember seeing that at the airports in the States (maybe a security issue?). Please shed some light on this mystery for us. Thanks!
Jun 14th, 2011, 05:21 PM
#2
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It prevents/discourage luggage tampering. If the saran wrap is torn when the luggage reaches its destination then you know someone had gone through your belongings.
I don't know how the saran wrap works if security personnel needs to open up your wrapped luggage for hand inspection though.
I don't know how the saran wrap works if security personnel needs to open up your wrapped luggage for hand inspection though.
Jun 14th, 2011, 05:29 PM
#3
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Yes, many third world countries and former Soviet republics denizens have this (mis)conception that wrapping luggage in plastic will prevent baggage handlers or whoever else has access to the checked-in luggage from pilfering valuables.
Jun 14th, 2011, 08:40 PM
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It's been around for a long time, and as noted, some people believe that it will deter thieves, but all they would have to do would be to re-wrap the luggage before sending in on to its final destination, minus the gifts, or anything else, someone though were safe inside.
It's also a definite magnet for the TSA, and will not make it through US Customs.
It's also a definite magnet for the TSA, and will not make it through US Customs.
Jun 14th, 2011, 09:09 PM
#10
At CDG airport, they have a mobile unit that rolls up to do the luggage of most flights to sub-Saharan Africa. It pretty much becomes an obligation once you reach a certain point. Would you want to check unwrapped baggage when 80% of the other bags are wrapped?
Jun 14th, 2011, 10:03 PM
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Yes, right. In the 90s, they would cut through the wrap. The other theft prevention measure was to put a numerical lock on the luggage and the US customs would either cut the lock off or just cut through the suitcase.
Jun 14th, 2011, 10:37 PM
#13
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"I still don't understand how it gets through security."
Most of the world's travellers have better things to do with their time than visit the United States.
And no developed country shares America's disgraceful record of airline security. So no other country has overreacted as spectacularly. If UK Customs have a worry about my arriving baggage, modern technology allows them to inspect it without ripping it apart.
Most of the world's travellers have better things to do with their time than visit the United States.
And no developed country shares America's disgraceful record of airline security. So no other country has overreacted as spectacularly. If UK Customs have a worry about my arriving baggage, modern technology allows them to inspect it without ripping it apart.
Jun 14th, 2011, 10:51 PM
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<i>It's also a definite magnet for the TSA, and will not make it through US Customs.</i>
I have taken items wrapped in plastic wrap through US Customs without a problem. Indeed, I find that US Customs is not overly aggressive in asking for physical inspections of baggage.
<i>I still don't understand how it gets through security. If TSA wants to open your bags, they still have the right to do so, right???</i>
Yes, security personnel in many countries can go through your baggage. Thankfully, taking off the plastic wrap is a simple matter. If it were terribly difficult, wouldn't folks have trouble taking it off when they reached their destination?
flanner - Do you actually believe the stuff you spout? Because, I have to tell you, you don't seem to know what you are talking about.
I have taken items wrapped in plastic wrap through US Customs without a problem. Indeed, I find that US Customs is not overly aggressive in asking for physical inspections of baggage.
<i>I still don't understand how it gets through security. If TSA wants to open your bags, they still have the right to do so, right???</i>
Yes, security personnel in many countries can go through your baggage. Thankfully, taking off the plastic wrap is a simple matter. If it were terribly difficult, wouldn't folks have trouble taking it off when they reached their destination?
flanner - Do you actually believe the stuff you spout? Because, I have to tell you, you don't seem to know what you are talking about.
Jun 14th, 2011, 11:19 PM
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<i>Which other country wants you to leave luggage unlocked or use a "magic" lock?</i>
You are free to use non-TSA locks in the US. As in virtually every other country, however, this means that the lock is subject to being cut off or the bag opened by other means, should authorities seek to search your bag, when not in your presence.
The better question is whether there are any countries where authorities are not permitted to open locked bags. I suspect that the list of such countries would be exceedingly small.
You are free to use non-TSA locks in the US. As in virtually every other country, however, this means that the lock is subject to being cut off or the bag opened by other means, should authorities seek to search your bag, when not in your presence.
The better question is whether there are any countries where authorities are not permitted to open locked bags. I suspect that the list of such countries would be exceedingly small.
Jun 15th, 2011, 04:37 AM
#17
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Those little locks are false security...have a look at this youtube video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mf-DGKUNffI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mf-DGKUNffI
Jun 15th, 2011, 11:42 PM
#19
I would assume that security is not necessarily the only reason for the plastic wrap. Anybody who has flown to India or other such countries during a monsoon downpour and seen how inadequate the little tarp that they slowly pull over the baggage wagons is might want to invest in a little extra plastic.
