LCC - Airport 'Security policing hand luggage'

[ethernet]

Some LCC's have hand luggage restrictions.
The question posed - is should x-ray security be enforcing carrier policy, even when the luggage is conforms to hand luggage size?
Or stopping 'volunteers' from carrying on other peoples bags to the lounge side.

Some people do things to push the limits.

But an x-ray operator saying your bag can't go through because it does not have a 'sticker' !! Not because it is too big or too heavy, but merely because it lacks a counter sticker. This is on top of el-cheeso airline, installing perspex cutouts over the xray intake, that cause irregular items to jam.

One believes airport security should not be an 'enforcer' for hand luggage policy. They should stick to security, and not revenue enhancement, especially as the passenger is paying both the airport, and the security 'fee'.

Not only domestic flights within Australia. At Singapore when you go through the gates, there is a 2nd diversion/weigh point, for sneaks that passed the first round, that is sometimes used.

My opinion is this is very unsavory practice, and if its really about security, then the loss of 'face' contact is a higher risk.

 

[thewinchester]

I agree. IMHO Security have enough important things to do without becoming an extension of airline staff. They have one important job, which they need to do well - because the one time they get distracted or have to do something else could be the time that something could go wrong.

If the airline has rules, then they must take care of enforcing them. If between check-in and gate staff they can't knock this on the head then they need to review how they deal with the problem.

Seriously, how hard is it for a check-in staff member to look over the counter and deal with it before checking them into the flight. Yes, people might leave carry on with someone waiting outside of check-in, but its just another logical step towards reducing the problem which I've never seen them take.

Then again, I'm happy for lax enforcement - and so are my team because they know I'll have a couple dozen boxes of Krispy Kreme for them upon my return.

 

[Dave Noble]

I think that security checkpoint is a perfect place for enforcing hand baggage limits and fully support it. Means that there is no issues at boarding with having to take bags off of people and checking them in at the gate if the checks have been done early on

This does sound like a complaint from someone trying to attempt to get past restrictions

Personally I am all for strict enforcement of hand baggage limits; makes boarding easier and less problems with lack of space for hand luggage

Dave

 

[medhead]

I think that security checkpoint is a perfect place for enforcing hand baggage limits and fully support it. Means that there is no issues at boarding with having to take bags off of people and checking them in at the gate if the checks have been done early on

Personally I am all for strict enforcement of hand baggage limits; makes boarding easier and less problems with lack of space for hand luggage

For international travel this probably is the perfect place for enforcing hand luggage limits. However, isn't the OP about who is enforcing the limits not were the enforcement takes place. I have to agree totally that luggage limits are an airline responsibility not a security responsibility. I'd be very wary of having extra people at the check point trying to do completely different screening. It only create confusion which would lead to mistakes.

On domestic travel, strict enforcement the luggage limits at the security check point would not be possible or will not make boarding easier, as non-travellers are allowed to enter the secure area. Another issue with domestic travel and hand luggage is the flight you're on, security have no ability to know if you're on a 737 or a metroliner and apply different limits accordingly.

 

[ethernet]

The unanswered question - Is rejection of untagged hand baggage correct?

If I were a rival airline, I would tell family members to accidentally loose a tag or two, and report in just before final boarding call. If the desk has closed, to cause bag unloading.With multiple, identical common looking luggage and packed flights at peak times!

It is a money thing - airlines make up policy as they go. The right question to ask, is how long has security being compromised, or is this action wrong?

It's not that simple, and logical has little to do with reality - for those who actually fly these LCC's, and closely monitor what actually goes on - on the ground. Tell women their oversize handbag is a 2nd piece of hand luggage, and they get angry. Or a laptop bag.

Those familiar with risk assessments can see clear dangers in extending responsibilities that create conflict situations - especially when security is chronically understaffed for the surges. El Al would probably never compromise on security - for very sound reasons.

They do one job, and they do it well. Multitasking leads to mistakes - and also stresses, and tires them more. Never mix. Lately my 600ml water bottle and glass mug have been getting through. Worse is getting through too.

Too many ifs. Already enough 'newbies' unpacking suitcases because they did not 'know' or whatever. Then whatever the excess charge works out to be, means it is a profitable strategy to abandon the flight. The airlines are guilty too, $8 or $15 a kilo, is a little rich.
Emirates does the right thing by checking in as much 'hand' luggage as possible , not by encouraging it.

As for late arrival or no shows, I've seen the $3 for 20 minutes car park lead to late no-shows, as people have hiked back out/ off to say goodbye -profit gorging has consequences.

But the bottom line is that it is a awkward problem, compounded by the liquids and sharp object rules, which also compromises efficient boarding.
Asking an 80 year old to remove shoes is also an issue.

Going back to the stickers, the xray attendant is being conditioned to see a sticker, and assume all is ok, in a non sterile area. Thats a BIG step backwards. Like the Chaser series, would lookalike stickers slide through?

This is an example why security should not get on the slippery slope of doubling up as checkin or policy attendants.

 

[simongr]

The unanswered question - Is rejection of untagged hand baggage correct?


This is an example why security should not get on the slippery slope of doubling up as checkin or policy attendants.

HKG has a 1 bag policy unless a premium pax. You get a tag at check in for your second bag. They remove it just before immigration/security. No tag then go back. Works fine and does not cause any obvious delays. It is more about execution than policy I think...

 

[pauly7]

In BKK they have those plastic see thru 'gates' on the security conveyer belt, if your bag doesn't fit through it then it doesn't get on the plane... seems pretty simple...

(And has resulted in some funny scenes people desperately trying to make their oversized bag 'fit' through the gate!)