For those who haven't flown either within the U.S. or from the U.S. (i.e., departed from a U.S. airport) any time recently, I thought you should know that they've stepped up security considerably in the last two years (the last time Andrew and I were there, before this holiday season, was over the 2002-03 holiday season). Andrew and I checked in five bags/suitcases to be put in cargo before getting on a flight from Dulles to Heathrow (we spent a month in the States). The airports now have signs posted pieces of luggage we checked in (that is, it looked like a mini-tornado had blown through all of them). informing you not to lock your luggage, so we didn't. Regardless, security personnel ransacked all five pieces of our luggage. (Why? I have no idea. Andrew also had to take his shows off during screening at Dulles.)
We haven't completely unpacked yet (for shame!), so I don't know if there's anything missing, but I thought those of you planning either to fly within the U.S. or to fly internationally from the U.S. should know that screeners will no doubt go through some, if not all, of your luggage. In each bag, they leave a flier that reads as follows:
"Transportation Security Administration
"NOTIFICATION OF BAG INSPECTION
"To protect you and your fellow passengers, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is required by law* to inspect all checked baggage. As part of this process, some bags are opened and physically inspected. Your bag was among those selected for physical inspection.
"During the inspection, your bag and its contents may have been searched for prohibited items. At the completion of the inspection, the contents were returned to your bag, which was resealed.
"If the TSA screener was unable to open your bag for inspection because it was locked, the screener may have been forced to break the locks on your bag. TSA sincerely regrets having to do this, and has taken care to reseal your bag upon completion of inspection. However, TSA is not liable for damage to your locks resulting from this necessary security precaution.
"For packing tips and other suggestions that may assist you during your next trip, visit:
"
www.TSATravelTips.us"We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. If you have questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to contact the Transportation Security Administration Consumer Response Center:
"Phone: +1 (866) 289-9673 (toll free)
Email: TellTSA@dhs.gov
"*Section 110(b) of the Aviation and Transportation Security Act of 2001, 49 U.S.C. 44901(c)-(e)
"Rev. 1.13.03 Smart Security Saves Time"
Anyway, I'd previously read a few complaints in the Times' travel section from British tourists who'd been to the States and had the locks on their luggage broken. Unfortunately, I guess that's the way it's going to have to be from now on, so don't bother locking your luggage. Also, be careful to take anything really expensive, fragile, embarrassing(?)
, etc., with you as carry-on luggage. Ah, the joy of traveling these days...
