How Checked Baggage

for International Flights Examined

In order to test checked bags, we used the portable M97 explosive detector at the ticket counter. Here, an extension table was setup before the x-ray machine already in place at the counter. After passengers received seat assignments at the counter, they placed their bags on the table. The different types of bags, as seen in Figure 1, were scanned with the M97 by the security agent. Next, the bag was passed into the x-ray as normally done with checked baggage. All 170 bags for several international flights were tested with the M97.

The operator was able to spend an average of 20 seconds per bag before a second passenger came to the table from the ticket counter. This buffered effect from the ticket counter allowed the operator to spend a maximum amount of time on each bag without creating a line or delay in the system. As the traffic from the counter fluctuated, the average time per check adjusted accordingly.

The five types of bags required different times to check. Garment bags with many pockets and zippers took a little more time.

Suitcases were gently flexed by the passenger at the table. Air escaped through the suitcase cracks allowing better detection without having to open the case. The security agent also noted whether the passenger was willing to help test their bag as a profile check.

Below are the times on average spent on each type of checked bag without delaying the system. This was not the total time needed to check that type, but the average time taken.

Figure 1

Checked Baggage

Boxes (6.5%)

Other (5.3%)

Garment bag (20.0%)