Curb -Side Checkin
Sep 13, 2001 | 3:53 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Berlin, Germany
Posts: 28
Curb -Side Checkin
I normally travel fairly lightly and do not do curb-side check-in. In fact the only time I have used the service is when traveling with a dog. She did get to check-in at the curb. More ways that one.
But, does not the curb site check in allow the vast amounts of luggage that some people carry to be not only removed from the terminal area where there are a lot of people - but, ALSO allow the airline or powers that be to examine said luggage.
Seems to me that it would be an advantage to get the luggage out of the passenger compartment in the first place. And, secondly the luggage could be seriously scanned. And, examined if neccessary.
There has got to be a better way of handling the situation than what is being done now.
A personal gripe tends to center around the "Whose luggage and who packed it, etc." I realize, or assume that a profile is being made but it is a sort of dumb and annoying question (at least in my sordid little mind).
Seems like a serious limit and inspection of carry on luggage would be a better answer.
Am I wrong?
But, does not the curb site check in allow the vast amounts of luggage that some people carry to be not only removed from the terminal area where there are a lot of people - but, ALSO allow the airline or powers that be to examine said luggage.
Seems to me that it would be an advantage to get the luggage out of the passenger compartment in the first place. And, secondly the luggage could be seriously scanned. And, examined if neccessary.
There has got to be a better way of handling the situation than what is being done now.
A personal gripe tends to center around the "Whose luggage and who packed it, etc." I realize, or assume that a profile is being made but it is a sort of dumb and annoying question (at least in my sordid little mind).
Seems like a serious limit and inspection of carry on luggage would be a better answer.
Am I wrong?
Sep 13, 2001 | 4:34 am
#2
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Potomac Falls, VA
Programs: AA Plat 2MM, MR Gold, Avis Pref
Posts: 41,109
I was checking in using Curbside @ the CO terminal at LAX on Sunday, a car pulls up and a guy gets out and gives his bag to the guy in front of me (they appeared to be buddies). The guy in front of me says to the sky cap, now I have two bags (the guy who gave the bag from the car had to leave to go park his car) and the sky cap asked him the two questions of which were
1. Have these bags been out of your sight? Reply "NO"
2. Have these bags been with you since you packed them? Reply YES
In both replies the guy answering the questions appeared to have a little smirk on his face as he answered them
the sky cap looked at him funny and took the bags, tagged them and checked them in
That is why we have a problem. It was done right in front of the skycap and he took it anyway
1. Have these bags been out of your sight? Reply "NO"
2. Have these bags been with you since you packed them? Reply YES
In both replies the guy answering the questions appeared to have a little smirk on his face as he answered them
the sky cap looked at him funny and took the bags, tagged them and checked them in
That is why we have a problem. It was done right in front of the skycap and he took it anyway
Sep 13, 2001 | 5:04 am
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Berlin, Germany
Posts: 28
My point, I think, exactly. Once the baggage is in the "posession" of the airline they can then inspect and do whatever deemed neccessary. I am guessing that a lot of inspections can be made in a non-invasive manner. I.E. not opening the bag.
And, I keep thinking of cutting down on the MASSIVE amounts of luggage that some people insist on carrying on. Agreeably some "stuff" is neccessary but when I fly in the US I do often see people carrying enough stuff that inhibits their passage through the Jet Ramp.
There has got to be a better way?
And, I keep thinking of cutting down on the MASSIVE amounts of luggage that some people insist on carrying on. Agreeably some "stuff" is neccessary but when I fly in the US I do often see people carrying enough stuff that inhibits their passage through the Jet Ramp.
There has got to be a better way?
Sep 13, 2001 | 9:36 am
#4
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Portland, OR, USA
Posts: 184
The former head of El-Al security said on TV yesterday that he personally performed tests that showed the Skycap system was completely insecure.
He placed 'dummy' bombs in bags then gave them to the Skycap with a large tip. All the bags made it to their destinations even though he never got on the plane. I'm not sure whether he even had a ticket, but I'm sure with a big enough tip and a lie about misplacing your ticket this wouldn't be a problem, either.
If you want a secure system, you cannot in any way rely on people who accept tips and/or who are paid minimum wage.
Tips are, essentially, bribes for delivering good service, and you cannot expect the people expecting them to distinguish with perfect accuracy the difference between helping a harried businessman and aiding a well-dressed criminal.
He placed 'dummy' bombs in bags then gave them to the Skycap with a large tip. All the bags made it to their destinations even though he never got on the plane. I'm not sure whether he even had a ticket, but I'm sure with a big enough tip and a lie about misplacing your ticket this wouldn't be a problem, either.
If you want a secure system, you cannot in any way rely on people who accept tips and/or who are paid minimum wage.
Tips are, essentially, bribes for delivering good service, and you cannot expect the people expecting them to distinguish with perfect accuracy the difference between helping a harried businessman and aiding a well-dressed criminal.