Why does airport security seize unaccompanied baggage? Unaccompanied baggage and packages are subject to seizure by airport security. It would be very easy for someone to drive by and drop off a bomb in front of an airport terminal.
Unaccompanied baggage and packages are subject to seizure by airport security. It would be very easy for someone to drive by and drop off a bomb in front of an airport terminal. This is just one of the reasons why unattended items are picked up. Some of the items confiscated may end up destroyed. "Never leave anything your belongings unattended at an airport, as they could be subjected to tampering, theft, or seizure. Airports seize unattended baggage as a precautionary measure to rule out the presence of dangerous materials. If you happen to spot unattended items in an airport or on an aircraft, always report their presence to the nearest airport airline or security personnel," says Paula Berg of Southwest Airlines.
Never leave your luggage or other items unattended from the time you get them out of your car until the time you are on the airplane. Setting a bag down and turning away could allow someone to slip something prohibited or dangerous into your stuff. If this item is caught during check-in, you will be one the trying to explain what happened and most certainly miss your flight.
When you are checking in to receive a boarding pass, the attendant will ask questions like; did you pack your own luggage? Has anyone asked you to carry something for him or her? Are you carrying any items that are hazardous or prohibited? These questions may not catch a terrorist, but are more designed to help you remember anything you packed that may be questionable. On the other hand, if you really did leave your bag for a minute. All luggage is screened anyway, but yours may receive some extra attention. That is not necessarily a bad thing as you will be on the airplane.
Even simple incidents are reason enough not to leave your bags unattended. Lots of luggage today looks similar and it would be easy to grab someone else's stuff. Thieves are always present as well, looking to make a profit from your stuff. Be especially watchful when passing through the security checkpoint for boarding. This is a popular area for thieves to grab a laptop while your attention may be watching your bags being opened for inspection.
Security personnel may check luggage that is unattended immediately. On the spot checks is one way to determine if the unattended luggage is dangerous. Luggage left on the curbside of the terminal is very suspect. Pay attention to what is going on around you. If someone leaves a bag and does not return shortly, report it immediately so the bag can be examined.
Luggage that is not claimed upon arriving is locked up in the baggage area. After a certain length of time, the items are sent to an unclaimed baggage center where the contents may be sold to the public. Unaccompanied luggage is not allowed on airplanes in and to the United States. This passenger/bag matching is part of the security directives from the Gore Commission. If you need to ship items, it is best to use a carrier that specializes in cargo.
