Originally Posted by
Unimatrix One
May I ask why you are so upset about the return of metal templates? The airlines have rules about carry-on size. Do you routinely carry on luggage that exceeds the published limits?
I always carry on my luggage, but I make sure my bags are within the limits. I would be fine with metal templates at the airport, because it won't prevent me from carrying on my luggage. In fact it is likely to help me by reducing the chance that I'll have to gate check my bag due to people filling the bins with oversized luggage.
My bags are within limits.
The problem is several fold.
1) It makes TSA the enforcers, like they've become revenue protectors with the ID checks.
2) Some airlines have different limits than others (some are specified as linear inches, some are specified as max H, max W, max L)
3) Odd shaped items will be a problem and cause a delay
4) anything that's legal but "out of the ordinary" will cause a delay as it gets resolved - backing the line up
5) the sizers prevent folks from putting the bins or a laptop bag sideways on the belt, taking up more space and slowing the process down as many folks wait until their stuff disappears into the chute before going through the WTMD
6) even small stuff must be centered on the belt. Can't casually drop shoes on there any more without making sure it's carefully centered.
Even though I'm within limits (even pass BAA's strict tests at LHR), I remember how much longer and harder it was when the templates were on before. UA made security put them on at SAT - in the same terminal that WN operated from. You currently have to plan on 30 minutes or more to get through security (the airport says the other SAT terminal has hour-plus waits for security). Even if everyone had the right bags, it would still be slowing the line down 20%.... adding another 12-15 minutes to the wait. Unacceptable.