These points of failure cause luggage loss and delays. In 2005 the airline industry saw a staggering 23% increase in lost luggage. That equates to nearly 10,000 lost bags each day!
When you relinquish your luggage to the airline agent at the check-in counter, the luggage begins a complicated journey to the belly of your plan. The conveyor system is owned and operated by the airport. Airlines pay terminal fees to cover the cost of baggage handling and the TSA regulates the baggage handling process. Although the airlines are responsible for your luggage, they have little control over the TSAs baggage handling process and therein lies one major point of failure.
Every piece of luggage goes through a screening process involving x-ray scanners, chemical sensing puffers, metal detectors and other sensitive security equipment. If anything of concern is found, the luggage is pulled off the conveyor system and manually checked by a TSA agent. Manually checking bags takes time and the airlines operate on tight schedules.
Though quite simple in form, the luggage tag is a very powerful tool which is similar to a FedEx tracking number that the airlines use to monitor bag movement throughout airport baggage handling hubs. These hubs rapidly move luggage using complicated systems of conveyors and shoots. Many airports have aging conveyor systems with mechanical problems. Luggage get lodged in shoots, straps get caught in pulleys, conveyor belts break, luggage tags fall off and bags are incorrectly routed. Even a small glitch in the system can delay hundreds of bags in minutes.
Airlines are not totally off the hook either; they have those FedEx-like tracking numbers which allow them to watch your luggage move throughout the baggage handling system (unless the tag falls off). Airlines are forced to decide between delaying a flight and leaving luggage behind. Of course tight budgets and backed-up flight schedules make the problem worse.
When you take a step back the answer is very clear, it just doesnt make sense to delay a Boeing 757 with 200 passengers for just a few bags. On-time flights are a key operating metric for airlines and their employees are under pressure to consistently maintain arrival and departure schedules. As a result of TSA regulations, aging airport conveyor systems
http://www.articlesfactory.com/pic/x.gif" alt="Free Reprint Articles" border="0">, and airline schedules; luggage inevitably gets left behind.
Luggage Tips For Air TravelThe Guide to Lightening the Travel Load
Traveling with light luggage has been a common rule known to
many travelers. It is a very common, and simple, guide yet it
still remains as the most violated one. Didn t they say that the
simplest rules are the ones hardest to follow?
Surely, one has to pack everything that is needed for the trip.
Never leave anything that is definitely going to be used during
the trip. For over-anticipating possibilities during a trip, the
luggage may end as a heavy burden for a short trip.
Here are guidelines to determine what to bring for those trips:
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aaron Kirley is a founder of Luggage Forward and a travel services specialist that focuses on excess baggage solutions and luggage shipping.
How To Avoid Lost Luggage Panic When You Go On Holidays!I don t know if you have ever been the victim of delayed or disappearing luggage. It is never a nice feeling to be at your destination and not have the necessities you need to freshen up, go about your business, or move into the next day. I have only experienced delayed luggage a few times during my flights but to be sure that I am not stranded without the accessories and clothing I need, I always follow this key strategy. That way I am prepared for almost any luggage delay or disappearance that may occur. Key Strategy... Try to pack everything into your carry-on bag. [Women can also divide ..
