The reasons for the new security measures really don't have any bearing on the affect of the new measures. The fact is that these new procedures are in place, and people need to do what they can to protect their equipment. To that end, I will share what insight I have.
In the USA, use the TSA approved locks on your luggage. Supposedly only the TSA can open them. These won't prevent TSA employees from stealing your belongings, but it should make it less likely that other baggage handlers will.
Outside the USA, I think you can still use any locks. Locks can be broken of course, but they may help.
I know for a fact that at London Gatwick, items are being stolen by the baggage handlers inside the airplane cargo holds while they are being loaded. The better the locks, the safer you will be, up to a point. The locks may not be the weakest link. It may be the zipper handles that you are attaching them to.
The other major concern is that your equipment could be damaged by rough handling. All you can do is pack things extra well so they can withstand anticipated impacts.
As far as being allowed extra checked luggage, be aware that the airplane cargo holds only have so much space. With all the extra luggage being checked, the likelyhood of the airplane not having enough room for your suitcase will increase slightly. Your suitcase may not get there when you do.
halie wrote:
In the USA, use the TSA approved locks on your luggage. Supposedly only the TSA can open them.
An ASMP member posted on that site that over the past few years he has had his TSA locks simlpy cut off, and that was while travelling domestically.
With all the extra luggage being checked, the likelyhood of the airplane not having enough room for your suitcase will increase slightly. Your suitcase may not get there when you do.
Very true. During an NPR interview, an airline industry spokesman indicated that the aircraft design and baggage procedures are designed for a mix of carry-on and checked baggage. If everyone went to all checked baggage, there simply isn't enough room in the holds.
jjlphoto wrote:
Very true. During an NPR interview, an airline industry spokesman indicated that the aircraft design and baggage procedures are designed for a mix of carry-on and checked baggage. If everyone went to all checked baggage, there simply isn't enough room in the holds.
I wonder what would take priority when there is more to go in the holds than will fit on a particular flight: passengers' luggage or air freight? Since air freight is revenue-producing, I'd guess the money-maker.
See, I'd love to take a boat across an ocean or two, but I don't know of anything other than luxury cruises, and that's pretty cost prohibitive. I've heard a lot of people offer up similar sentiments but does anyone have a resource for this kind of travel, or is everyone just being silly?
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