Security hole in x-ray of bags‏

12-Nov-2006
Dear Mr. Minister (Praful Patel),

I observed a potential security hole in screening of our checked in bags in the airports. Let me explain.

All our checked in bags are x-rayed by respective airlines and security sticker is pasted on the chain or on the lock of the bag. In some airports bags are strapped. We take the x-rayed bags to the check in counter. There are number of flaws in the entire process.

1. It is very easy to take out the sticker without damaging it. Come out of the airport, put some explosive inside the bag and re-enter check-in zone. Paste the sticker back on the bags and check in them.
2. Some airports strap the bags with the help of a machine. If someone uses soft bag, half of it still can be opened without disturbing the strap and explosive devices can be slipped into from the hand bag.

I do not know whether bags are again x-rayed after check in. In international airports like Heathrow bags are x-rayed after check-in. In US airports during high security alert bags are x-rayed before check-in and  carried by airport security staff to the check in counter.