January 18, 2002


Checked Bags Screening Begins at RDU

Airlines serving RDU today began screening all checked baggage. The new security procedure is in accordance with the requirements detailed in the Aviation Transportation Security Act. The bill, signed by President Bush in November, requires 100 percent baggage screening.

By December 31, 2002, the law requires that explosive detection systems be used to screen all checked baggage. In the meantime, airlines may employ alternative methods. Alternatives include one or more of the following:

· Positive bag-match
· Manual searches
· Bomb-sniffing dogs
· Computer assisted passenger pre-screening

These new measures should not be apparent to travelers since they will be taking place behind the scenes. Further details cannot be revealed without compromising the effectiveness of the new security measures.

Airlines report that they anticipate no major delays due to the new procedures. Many of these procedures, including positive bag matching, have been used on international flights and throughout Europe for several years.

Since September 11, many security measures have been put in place to ensure passenger safety. These measures include limiting carry-on luggage to one bag and one personal item such as a handbag or briefcase; prohibiting any cutting or puncturing implements in carry-on bags; and prohibiting vehicles from parking or lingering at the terminal curbside. Passengers are also now subject to random hand searches of carry-on and checked luggage.

What happens to your bags once you check-in?

STEP & PROCESS RESPONSIBILITY
1. Passenger checks luggage with skycap or airline ticket agent.
2. Airline ticket agent or skycap asks mandatory security questions.
3. Ticket agent or skycap places baggage on delivery system
4. Bag travels via belt to a baggage make-up area.
5. Bag is screened for security purposes
6. Bag is sorted for delivery to the correct flight.
7. Bag is driven by an airline employee to the aircraft.
8. Bag is placed on the aircraft by an airline employee.
9. Flight is flown.
10. Aircraft arrives at gate.
11. Airline ramp agents unload aircraft.
12. If bag is transferring to another flight the airline ramp agent will deliver the bag to another flight where the bag is placed on the aircraft by an airline employee.
13. If the bag is at its final destination the airline ramp agent will deliver the bag to a belt, which will deliver the bag into the baggage claim area. 		Airline

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