Bag Cam

In case you thought security snafus were a U.S.-only phenom, here’s a story out of the U.K., also being reported by the New Zealand. Beyond the final conviction for conspiracy to murder which started us all measuring liquids and buying stock in Ziploc(tm), there is now concern about international passengers swapping tickets with a domestic flying accomplice. Should passengers in mixed-use terminals be photographed and/or fingerprinted?

Playing the dutiful traveler this weekend. I left BDL via STL for SFO yesterday. No problems getting through security, other than the single scanner in use being backed up by the morning flight to San Juan. Too bad the TSA supervisor didn’t check the departure schedule earlier. With all my liquids and gels in a ziplock bag, nobody seemed to care that I just left it in my backpack.

I’m a Delta (DAL) guy from way back, so flying American is a bit of an adventure. They are very businesslike overall. Sort of like a bus driver, or Shirley Q. Liquor: sit down, shut up, and here we go.

Heading back now from SFO to BDL via DFW. Security was less than 3 minutes. I’m not checking bags this trip, so I have more than my normal stuff to juggle. But I was still able to outpace about two dozen people. Look ahead, think ahead, anticipate!

Bagcam – How Did TSA and/or the Airlines Manage to Do That to Your Luggage?

Ever wonder exactly how TSA or the airlines managed to destroy your luggage or what security measures are actually in place once your checked luggage disappears from view? After having yet another bag destroyed while flying several months ago, algormor decided to build Bagcam to find out what happens once the airlines have control of your luggage. Bagcam is a small suitcase containing a mini-DVR and pinhole camera. This presentation will cover the construction of Bagcam, potential future enhancements to Bagcam, and issues to consider should you decide to build your own Bagcam. In addition, various security measures currently in place for commercial passenger flights and the efficacy of these measures will be discussed. Finally, select footage will be presented from flights through Washington DC’s Reagan National Airport (DCA); Ted Stevens Airport in Anchorage, AK (ANC); Sky Harbor in Phoenix, AZ (PHX); Chicago’s O’Hare (ORD); and other airports.

Download and transfer to portable player:

64kbps file (High quality, 26MB .mp3)

16kbps file (Low quality, 6.5MB .mp3)

Here’s one for those entering the US.

Homeland Security extends border laptop seizure rules.