Are you one of those travelers who do not check their luggage without it being wrapped like a takeout sandwich, or one of those who do not pay attention to this type of service? To a greater or lesser extent, we have all seen some luggage wrapped in plastic, especially in airports in the United States, where it is very common. One of the largest companies in the sector is Secure Wrap, present in more than a dozen airports in the country. There are several reasons why travelers choose this type of service, which is not always effective. On one hand, to prevent theft, scratches or to avoid corrupt officials.
This is the case at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, where the phenomenon ‘laglag-bala’ is common, which consists of officials randomly placing bullets in luggage during checks. Another reason is to protect luggage from chemicals, as in some airports, suitcases are sprayed as a method of disinfection before entering the country, as happens in Australia, the Maldives, or China. The social platform Reddit contains testimonials from travelers who have received their soaked suitcases, along with all their belongings. Of course, another reason is to ensure that the suitcase arrives at the destination in one piece, especially those that are falling apart, have a broken zipper, or a lost wheel.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) shares some ideas and advice on this matter. It explains that if the TSA believes your suitcase needs to be checked, it won’t matter that it’s wrapped. The plastic will be removed and it will be checked. In addition, TSA does not wrap it again, so it could be lost money. There are reusable packaging wraps that replace plastic, as well as luggage straps or TSA-approved security seals. All of these are alternative ways to protect your luggage without using plastic, a gesture that is so needed for the environment.
Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), is an agency belonging to the United States government, whose function is to protect transportation systems, including airports, buses, trains, and any other means of transport. Among its functions is to inspect passengers and their luggage to ensure safety during travel and to prevent acts of terrorism. Additionally, it is also responsible for identifying and mitigating risks that may arise in any means of transportation in the country.
Luggage wrapped in plastic
The presence of plastic luggage wrapping points at airports is becoming increasingly common, especially in airports in the United States. Companies like Secure Wrap, which operates in more than a dozen airports providing its services and employing over 100 workers. Are you one of those who prefers to wrap their suitcase in plastic or do you prefer to go more freely?
Is it useful?
The reasons why passengers decide to wrap their luggage range from security and protection to ensuring that it arrives in one piece at their destination.
- Avoiding theft or actions from corrupt officials. This concern arises from situations like those that frequently occur at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, where officials place bullets in random suitcases, a phenomenon known as laglag-bala.
- Protecting luggage from chemicals, as happens in the Maldives, China, or Australia, where luggage is sprayed to disinfect it before entering the country.
- Those travelers whose suitcases are falling apart also use this service to ensure that the suitcase arrives in one piece.
What does the TSA recommend?
The TSA warns about this practice and explains that if it is wrapped, it will not be excluded from a review if decided so. If the TSA believes that the suitcase needs to be opened, the plastic will be torn off and not replaced. The use of such services promotes excessive plastic consumption, which does not help reduce the impact of climate change. The TSA offers alternatives to protect luggage, such as reusable suitcase covers, luggage straps, or the use of TSA-approved security locks. We can protect our suitcases, but we must also take into account the environment.