Are you one of those people who wrap their bags in layers of plastic or are you completely unaware of the presence of this service at airports? For some passengers it is a must when traveling, although the Transportation Security Administration explains that if necessary, they will unpack it and not wrap it in plastic again. Some choose to make use of this service as a measure of protection, since there are airports where staff open suitcases and steal without any shame.
In addition, airports such as Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, is famous for inserting bullets in random suitcases in order to prevent entry into the country, known as “laglag-bala”. Other passengers do it to protect the integrity of the suitcase, as in airports such as Maldives, China or Australia they spray the luggage with chemicals to disinfect it, as some of those affected have stated on Reddit. However, there are companies in the United States, such as Secure Wrap, that promise to refund your money if your suitcase is unwrapped during the trip by the TSA.
Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is the U.S. government agency in charge of protecting transportation systems. It was created after the attacks of September 11, 2001, when the country decided to further strengthen security mechanisms in the means of transportation. The TSA is responsible for ensuring the safety of infrastructure and travelers, with a greater focus on air safety.
Plastic-wrapped luggage
Opinion on the baggage lamination service at airports has always been divided. Although this service has been offered since the 1990s, it does not convince everyone. Many people believe that this wrapping is unnecessary, given the amount of plastic that is generated in the form of waste, which is a direct and highly harmful consequence for the environment. However, there are other people who do not take this environmental aspect into account, and defend other reasons to make use of it. That is why there are numerous companies that offer this service at airports in the United States, such as Secure Wrap, which employs more than hundreds of people.
Why wrap the luggage?
Many travelers consider wrapping their suitcases a must on their trips. There are several reasons for this decision, which differ greatly from one another.
- To protect their luggage from scratches or damage.
- To deter thieves or corrupt officials who may endanger the passenger. This has been the case at Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport, where the practice of “laglag bala,” the random insertion of a bullet into suitcases, is common.
- Protecting suitcases from chemicals. At airports in several countries, such as China, the Maldives and Australia, luggage is sprayed with chemicals and pesticides to disinfect it. This has affected many passengers, like the one who posted on Reddit that he suffered the consequences of this practice, ending up with his clothes soaked in disinfectant.
- The most basic. The suitcase is falling apart and carrying it without any kind of wrapping can be a real mission impossible.
What does the TSA say?
The TSA has advised that packing a bag will not prevent it from being searched if required. It is estimated that of all wrapped bags, only 5% are opened. If you are unlucky enough to belong to that small percentage, your bag will be unwrapped, searched, and will not be re-laminated. In addition, any security locking system that is not approved by the Administration will also be broken. That’s why the best advice is to buy a reusable protective cover for your suitcase, to avoid paying for the wrapping service every time you travel.
