The TSA is not sure about wrapping your luggage. I’m sure you feel your luggage is safer by wrapping it with layers and layers of plastic, but… let me tell you the security process at airports is not as you may think. The TSA is the one in charge of this and we will tell you all about it.
Why did wrapping your luggage start?
This trend started in the 90s and it became a worldwide known activity when going on a flight. The main reason behind this was the amount of thefts and frauds at the airport.
Is this process used the same way nowadays?
It is true people who take flights tend to be afraid of what might happen to their luggage, so they try to come up with new techniques to avoid these situations. However, nowadays there are some other reasons behind wrapping luggage with plastic layers. Let’s go into them now!
No scratches!
One of them is preventing your luggage from getting scratched or anything like it. Some people don’t just buy any luggage to protect their belongings, but they buy beautiful or even luxury luggage just for the sake of its beauty or because it is a brand of luggage.
Going back to the 90s main reason
Of course, travellers are still worried about thefts so they have continued this 90s tradition to try and keep their personal objects safe. Also, they try to avoid airport scams that put things like drugs or weapons into their luggage. A great example of these types of situations is Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport and its bullet-panting strategy.
Your old luggage until the end!
Some people take old luggage with them, they might even be broken! It doesn’t matter, if you can’t afford a new suitcase or you are too close to it, this is another use of plastic wrapping luggage. You know your suitcase’s time has come, but you don’t want to see it.
The TSA has something to say about this plastic
The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) is in charge of making sure security at airports operates as anticipated. So, the TSA may examine your luggage, they are allowed to take the plastic wrap off your luggage and see what’s inside.
Once there is no plastic layer on your suitcases, don’t think the TSA will wrap them again for you… that will never happen. Either you wrap them or you go to companies at the airport that do this for you, like Secure Wrap.
You use locks, not plastic wrap
Well, let me tell you it is really not that different. Regarding the TSA process, if your lock is not approved by the TSA, they will break them and examine your luggage. There are TSA locks approved that will not make you get out of the examination.
Plastic wrapping vs. environment
We have already seen the advantages this wrapping process has on our luggage safety, but what about the environment? If everybody uses layers and layers of plastic for their luggage, there will be a huge amount of pollution since that plastic won’t be used again. This is taken into account by authorities which are thinking about banning this wrapping due to environmental issues.
Nowadays there are other options to protect our luggage like covers which can be used as much as you want. So, there is no need to use that much plastic, even more so when it isn’t really helpful since it can even be broken by authorities. It is true we need to feel safe when travelling, but we have to think twice about our actions. Go and find new ways on the Internet to substitute all that plastic!