Under the new Aviation Security Law (Public Law 107-71) enacted November 19,
2001, public airports are required to implement a “Checked Baggage" system
effective January 18, 2002. If baggage-screening devices are not installed,
airports are required to provide alternative methods such as:
· Conducting a bag-match program to ensure no checked baggage is placed
aboard the aircraft unless the passenger who checked the baggage is on
board.
· Manual searches
· Canine searches

Here is what you need to do, and what to expect.

· Checked baggage will no longer be accepted at ticket counters or curbside
locations less than 30 minutes before a flight’s scheduled departure time.
· Travelers checking baggage must declare at the time of check-in whether
they intend to stand by for another flight.
· Do not lock checked bags. If your bag is locked, the locks will be
destroyed if it requires more thorough searching in the airline baggage
handling area.
· Customers must be checked in AND at the boarding gate no later than 15
minutes prior to scheduled departure. Customers that are not at the boarding
gate 15 minutes prior to departure are subject to having their reservations
canceled, seats released and checked baggage removed from the flight.
· Originating bags cannot be transported on the aircraft without
confirmation that the customer has boarded the aircraft. (Note: this does
not apply to connecting flights)
· Although 90 minutes to 2 hours is typically enough check-in time for
domestic flights, airlines are now providing typical processing times by
airport on their websites.
· Customers should be advised that due to heavy passenger volume, flight
check-in may not be available more than two hours prior to departure and
passengers may be asked to wait in the lobby until a boarding card can be
issued.
· All tickets must be purchased at least 30 minutes prior to flight
departure.
· E-Ticket travelers who do not have a receipt must obtain a boarding pass
at an e-Ticket Center or the ticket counter. Please note that e-Ticket
Centers will not allow check-in less than 30 minutes prior to flight
departure.
· Customer photo identification and boarding pass must match and will be
checked at time of boarding.
· International check in and baggage policies have NOT changed.
International check-in is advised three hours prior to departure and at the
boarding gate no later than 30 minutes prior to scheduled departure.

The potential for travel disruption will occur when a traveler checks a bag
and then for whatever reasons fails to board the plane. The plane will be
held until the bag is removed from the cargo hold.

Currently, there are 161 explosive-detection machines in 50 airports and 175
FAA certified bomb-sniffing dogs. These methods will deployed to the
fullest extent beginning January 18.

Experts estimate that with current domestic and international passenger
traffic, delays may be inevitable to comply with the new security laws.

Based on the experience of some foreign carriers when implementing the
bag-match system, flights may be delayed for as much one hour or longer to
unload, locate and remove the baggage without an accompanying passenger.

US analysts predict that bag-matching will delay roughly one of every seven
flights. WorldTravel BTI recommends travelers:

· Check with the airline for flight times in advance of departing for the
airport.
· Allow extra time for security screening.
· Be aware that one hour or longer delays may occur at the gate.
· Ensure that items packed are in compliance with FAA regulations.
· Be aware screening processes will vary from airport-to-airport and
airline-to-airline

Quoted:
My suitcase sits next to my reloading bench. next time i have to fly i'm gonna be screwed if they do an explosive's residue test [:D]

mike