Security screening is robust but not foolproof. One issue is equipment downtime. If an X-ray machine breaks, baggage can back up quickly. To solve this, airports often have multiple machines and fallback procedures. For instance, if one line is down, bags can be rerouted to another, or security staff can hand-inspect high-risk items. Some newer solutions include automated throughput monitoring, so staff know to divert bags before a jam forms.
Another issue is false alarms and manual checks. If a bag partially looks suspicious (e.g. containing item shapes that trigger a warning), it needs a second check. IATA and regulators recommend using advanced image enhancement and threat detection software to minimize false positives. This helps keep the process fast for most travelers.
Human factors are also key. Thorough staff training is IATA’s recommended practice: screeners should undergo regular tests with “test objects” so they stay sharp. Also, passenger-bag reconciliation must be tight. For example, IATA’s recommended practice RP 1739 (Passenger/Baggage Reconciliation) requires that any bag of a no-show passenger either be offloaded or specially marked. This way, a bag isn’t left on the plane without its owner. Some airlines label no-show luggage as “RUSH” or “UNAC” and remove it (iata.org).
Finally, data and communication solve many kinks. Thanks to IATA’s Resolution 753 on tracking, airlines exchange messages (like “baggage checked” and “baggage loaded”) between partners. This digital trail means if a bag isn’t properly screened at point A, that error is logged and can’t be ignored. In fact, 81% of passengers now expect real-time baggage updates (nigeriannewsdirect.com), which drives airlines to modernize baggage IT systems – including security checks.
In practice, airports hold regular exercises and audits of screening lines (sometimes called red-team tests) to make sure no threat gets through. They also follow ICAO and IATA guidelines. For example, ICAO standard 4.5.6 (from Annex 17) is the main rule: “No hold baggage shall be on an aircraft unless it has been screened to the appropriate standard” (iata.org). If an unscreened bag is discovered late, the flight may be delayed or the bag manually inspected. Airlines and airports use such strict measures to fix issues when they occur.
