Sizer templates coming back?
Jun 17, 2008 | 10:41 am
#1
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Sizer templates coming back?
Scott McCartney thinks it might happen
As if TSA and the process isn't bad enough now. I remember (and despised) those templates for a lot of reasons - including the fact that they caused a real problem with legitimate-sized carryons and the nazi-like enforcement by some of the screeners. I can see why the airlines would like to outsource enforcement to the TSA (because the passengers see TSA as having more 'authoritay' especially with a badge) just like they have with revenue protection.
All three airlines say it's possible that metal templates -- which prevent larger bags from making it through X-ray machines -- will be reintroduced. That's a tactic that angered many customers in the past and was eliminated when the Transportation Security Administration took control of screening after the 2001 terrorist attacks.
"It's something we've looked at in the past and may look at again," says Mark Dupont, American's senior vice president of airport services planning.
United is in favor of bringing back templates,
"It's something we've looked at in the past and may look at again," says Mark Dupont, American's senior vice president of airport services planning.
United is in favor of bringing back templates,
Jun 17, 2008 | 12:08 pm
#2
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It won't happen, except at airports where a particular airline is the only airline served from that checkpoint.
Last time up, Continental sued United to have their templates removed from airports where they shared checkpoints.
It will only take one customer-focused airline (like CO, VX, B6) to scuttle this.
I recall having to bend one up until it almost broke off in order to get my bag through the x-ray at EWR back during the late 90s. My bag was fine for the CO flight I was on, but not for UA who was sharing that concourse at the time - the x-ray operator tried to insist I comply with UA's restrictions, but I just manhandled the template until my bag went through.
Last time up, Continental sued United to have their templates removed from airports where they shared checkpoints.
It will only take one customer-focused airline (like CO, VX, B6) to scuttle this.
I recall having to bend one up until it almost broke off in order to get my bag through the x-ray at EWR back during the late 90s. My bag was fine for the CO flight I was on, but not for UA who was sharing that concourse at the time - the x-ray operator tried to insist I comply with UA's restrictions, but I just manhandled the template until my bag went through.
Jun 17, 2008 | 10:05 pm
#3
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They might start sizing them at the gate and enforce the 2 bag rule. Those sizing templates are available at all the gates as relics from a previous era.
I have seen some women bring 4 bags with them on board and guess what - they all end up in the overhead bin
I have seen some women bring 4 bags with them on board and guess what - they all end up in the overhead bin
Jun 18, 2008 | 3:02 am
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Jun 18, 2008 | 5:52 am
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Let's see, we're going to charge people for the first bag, then we're going to put the templates back on the x-ray machine. So, everybody trying to save $15 bucks is going to carry on their bag, and the security show will be longer. I think I'll start checking my bag (exempt per UA policy). Anybody else think they'll change their checked bag routine?
Jun 18, 2008 | 7:14 am
#6
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If more idiots insist on bringing the kitchen sink as carry on instead of checking it and as soon as the Airlines discover that their turnover expectations are not being met because instead of checking thier bags and PAYING for them pax are bringing more carry on - guess what - they are going to inforce the size of carry on again. That may happen faster if we see an increase of accidents with overhead storage or if we see fights for overhead space.
Seeing just how stupid and selfcentered many folks are that will probably be sooner than later.
Seeing just how stupid and selfcentered many folks are that will probably be sooner than later.
Jun 18, 2008 | 7:15 am
#7
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Let's see, we're going to charge people for the first bag, then we're going to put the templates back on the x-ray machine. So, everybody trying to save $15 bucks is going to carry on their bag, and the security show will be longer. I think I'll start checking my bag (exempt per UA policy). Anybody else think they'll change their checked bag routine?
But it WILL slow things down. As it is now, I put both my computer bag and the gray bins in sideways to take up less space and speed the process. With the sizer, you can't do that. So it WILL take longer - and it WILL annoy the TSA as I won't proceed through the WTMD until I see the last of my stuff go into the x-ray tube.
Jun 18, 2008 | 7:59 am
#8
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Man, if they do this, I hope it's in conjunction with the Expert/Casual/Family lane division thing. I don't want a Tumi in the back of the head because our stroller won't go through the template when we're leaving on vacation. Thank jah we're beyond flying with a car seat.
And yeah, as is said above, when on business, I take up 2-4 bins depending on weather and the equipment I have with me. Having to put them end-to-end is going to be a hassle. Mostly for eveyone behind me.
And yeah, as is said above, when on business, I take up 2-4 bins depending on weather and the equipment I have with me. Having to put them end-to-end is going to be a hassle. Mostly for eveyone behind me.
Jun 18, 2008 | 1:50 pm
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I hope the TSA stays away from this matter .... and I also hope that the airlines (and others) wise up about how inviting the TSA into the process is like hand-feeding a rabid wolf in hope that it won't bite you too.
Jun 18, 2008 | 3:48 pm
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Jun 18, 2008 | 4:56 pm
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Not trying to be sexist or something 
, but its women who I have noticed carrying: a handbag, a roller computer bag, a rollerboard that is too heavy to lift up and place in the overhead bin, a paper shopping bag with magazines or knick knacks. I am tired of unbuckling my seatbelt and getting off my seat to lift up someone else's rollerboard to the overhead bin. If you cannot lift it yourself then check it in.
For folks who have a rollerboard for their laptop, has it ever fit the seat in front of you? Or has it always been stuffed into an overhead compartment?
, but its women who I have noticed carrying: a handbag, a roller computer bag, a rollerboard that is too heavy to lift up and place in the overhead bin, a paper shopping bag with magazines or knick knacks. I am tired of unbuckling my seatbelt and getting off my seat to lift up someone else's rollerboard to the overhead bin. If you cannot lift it yourself then check it in.For folks who have a rollerboard for their laptop, has it ever fit the seat in front of you? Or has it always been stuffed into an overhead compartment?
Jun 18, 2008 | 5:00 pm
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; stand in the queue to be fingerprinted by the one agent manning 200 kiosks and 10 international flights.
Jun 19, 2008 | 7:09 am
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Frankly, I don't think it will expedite boarding at all because aircraft don't have space for all the passengers to bring the current permitted limits.... and because the more cramped planes get as load factors go up, the more early boarders will store both items in the overhead.
I can see fights over what constitutes a "personal item".
Jun 19, 2008 | 7:56 am
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