The TSA has been criticized for its ‘over-the-top’ security procedures, which include searches of personal belongings and pat downs. But the TSA says that it is necessary to protect passengers from potential threats.
The sending luggage without passenger is a question that has been asked many times. It is unclear if passengers are still required to check their bags for security reasons.
Is it still necessary for checked bags to travel with domestic passengers for security reasons?
on September 17, 2021 by Gary Leff
Former Spirit Airlines CEO Ben Baldanza answered a listener question regarding whether checked baggage must go with customers during the August 25 Airlines Confidential podcast.
With their family, the listener flew from Denver to Los Angeles. His wife’s identification did not match the name on their ticket, and they were unable to correct this in time for the trip. She had checked a suitcase but had to catch a later flight due to the delay. “We no longer take baggage from non-flying passengers,” the gate worker said, “so her bag will travel.” Yes, it did.
Positive bag matching is needed, according to Baldanza, although there is an exception in this instance. I don’t believe he’s in this location. According to Baldanza,
- Instead of saying “we no longer remove bags for all non-flying passengers,” the agent should have said “we no longer remove bags for all non-flying passengers.”
- When there are several individuals on the same reservation (PNR), “the security regulation says” that the luggage may fly as long as another adult on the reservation is on the flight.”
- Since he was still on the road, his wife’s luggage might accompany him.
“For security reasons, there can’t be a bag in the belly of the aircraft that isn’t owned by anybody on board the flight,” Baldanza decided, but it was OK since an adult on the reservation was on board. As far as I’m aware, this isn’t the correct response to the question.
Positive Passenger/Bag Matching (PPBM) was widespread in Europe before it became popular in the United States, but programs arose in the aftermath of Pan Am Flight 103’s bombing. It implies that both the person and their luggage must board the same aircraft. When a person disembarks from an airplane, the luggage must likewise be removed.
The notion is that you don’t want a passenger putting anything on the plane (a checked bag) without linking their own life to its contents for security reasons. That doesn’t assist against a suicide bomber, but until 9/11, it was assumed that terrorists wouldn’t want to die in the process (and it’s not certain that all of the 9/11 hijackers were aware of the plot).
However, since the bags are now inspected, “positive bag matching” is no longer used on domestic flights in the United States. Where luggage isn’t electronically inspected, 49 USC 44901(e)(1) requires positive bag matching as one of four ways of compliance.
- It may be necessary for the passenger and their luggage to travel together.
- Bags may also be searched manually.
- Alternatively, “canine explosives detecting devices in conjunction with other means” were used to search.
- Alternatively, “other methods or technologies authorized by the [TSA] Administrator” may be used to secure luggage.
Even when positive bag matching is in place, passengers and their luggage are constantly separated. An airline may, for example, fail to load luggage onto a connected aircraft. The person continues on their trip, with the luggage arriving later. This is permissible since the luggage were not misdirected by the traveler; in fact, the person planned to fly with their baggage.
On domestic flights, ensuring that people and luggage travel together was deemed a second-best option, with bag screening taking its place. On an American Airlines trip from Denver to Los Angeles, baggage are undoubtedly inspected.
More From the Wing’s Perspective
The can you get a refund if you miss your flight is a question that has been asked before. There are no clear answers, but it seems like the answer is yes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a checked bag go through security?
Yes, the checked bag will go through security.
Do airlines check carry-on bags?
Yes, airlines do check carry-on bags.
How does check in baggage work?
You can check in baggage for free at the airport.
Related Tags
- checked in luggage but missed flight
- what happens if you miss your flight after checking in
- what happens to your bag if you miss your connecting flight
- can a plane leave without you
- positive passenger bag match
