Since the beginning of January, a new, more thorough baggage screening system for air passengers arriving from other countries has been in effect at 429 US airports. By decision of the US Congress, special rules and recommendations were approved by the security department of the country's Department of Transportation in December of last year.
An official statement from the US Department of Transportation says the new measures should speed up the process of screening foreigners' baggage at American airports. Travelers should keep in mind that security officers will inspect not only their carry-on luggage but also oversized items. Therefore, suitcases and bags checked as baggage should not be locked, so that they do not have to be broken open if additional screening is necessary. Instead, air passengers are advised to zip their luggage shut or use rope for packing. In the future, the security department plans to affix a special flap to checked items that can be easily cut if screening is needed. Meanwhile, a sheet with a "screening notice" will be placed in checked and cleared baggage, stating that the US Department of Transportation is not responsible for any potential damage. After that, the bag will be resealed and sent on its way.
Such a screening is usually triggered by an alarm from the security system through which checked baggage passes. It is often caused by packed food or alcohol, so it is better to carry food items in carry-on luggage. In addition, the US Department of Transportation urges passengers to place personal items in clear plastic bags so that airport employees do not have to touch them during inspection. Passengers are also advised not to pack luggage too tightly (this will make it easier to search for suspicious objects), to lay books at the bottom of the bag, and shoes, on the contrary, on top of the rest of the cargo. It is better to avoid the idea of pre-wrapping gifts, as they may also be inspected, to put film in carry-on luggage, and to always check scissors, pocket knives, and other sharp objects in baggage.
As the head of the security department of the US Department of Transportation, Admiral James Loy, stated, these items cannot be brought into or out of the country except in checked baggage. He noted that for flight safety, huge explosives detectors will be installed in terminals at American airports, usually hidden in the baggage conveyor. Specially trained dogs will be used to search for explosives in suitcases and travel bags.
Travelers from countries of the former Soviet Union have not yet been informed of the Americans' new requirements. For example, the Russian Foreign Ministry deemed it necessary to inform Russians of the changes a week after they took effect. Meanwhile, Aeroflot's customs information service believes that citizens should familiarize themselves with the cargo transportation rules of the country they intend to fly to. Representatives of British Airways assured that this airline conducts the most serious baggage screening even without the Americans. And the American company Delta Airlines refused to comment on the directives of the US Department of Transportation.