Tamper-Evident Technology Bringing Back Some of Air Travel's Enjoyment

Anyone who has boarded a plane post 9/11 hasbags will benefit travelers leaving the United States
experienced first hand the frustration of enhancedbound for foreign destinations, though. The
airport security measures. And the restrictions keep onTransportation Security Administration is quick to point
coming with bans and limits on liquids being one of theout, "Travelers exiting the United States, arriving at a
latest aviation headaches to hit travelers. Is there anynon-U.S. international airport, and continuing on to a final
way to bring back the fun and enjoyment of flying?international destination, may not be provided the same
Manufacturers of heat shrink PVC, shrink bands,opportunity, as their bags go directly to their final
tamper-evident bags and shrink labels fordestination."
tamper-evident seals think so, and they are setting outNonetheless this tamper-evident technology is a start,
to return air travel to some of its pre-2001 heydaya concession that frustrated air travelers will gladly
glory.accept. The good news is they can start relieving
Last month, CheapFlights.com, a price comparison sitesome of their travel woes very soon. Cheap Flights
for domestic travel deals released a news blurb titledsays, "Look for these new tamper-evident bags to
"Duty-free easier with tamper-evident bags." Therein, itbegin appearing in duty free shops" in the near future.
was report that the Transportation SecurityWhat might they expect to see? Leading
Administration (TSA) has "approved tamper-evidentmanufacturers of tamper-evident bags currently offer
bags for the transportation of duty-free liquids such asthe following options and the TSA is likely to approve
liquor, wine and perfume. While not perfect, thesomething similar:o "A"/Domed bags or curved bags
tamper-evident technology is making it easier for flyersare used for multi-packed items and unusually shaped
to swallow post September 11 travel restrictions.object and containers. Containers without ring necks
So who exactly will benefit from these tamper-evidentthat need tamper-evidence use A"/Domed bags to
bags? Cheap Flights explains, "These bags are forencapsulate their products for tamper-evidence. Pump
passengers departing the United States, those who'vebottles, tubes and flip top bottles also use "A"/Domed
bought those items in secure (post-security) sectionsbags.o Straight bags are also used for multi-packed
of the airport." However, these tamper-evident bagsitems. They are especially useful for two or more
"will not be accepted in the United States at securityproducts that are sold as a multi-pack.o Funnel bags
checkpoints."are similar to "A" bags in shape but the narrow portion
International travelers to the United States need notremains unsealed.
think they are being left out, however. When theyAnd to facilitate the tamper-evident bags' airport
check their baggage, they are reunited with it onlyimplementation, the TSA is likely to opt for a U.S.
upon arrival. Therefore, they too "have the opportunitymanufacturer. That way, already weary travelers
to store duty-free items in those bags before theirwon't have to wait for overseas delivery on this
next flight."headache-relieving technology.
It remains to be seen whether these tamper-evident