What can X-Ray Baggage Scanners in Airports Detect?

Air travel has been quite stressful because of security concerns. But there are several security measures implemented to protect the passengers. It is very vital for the safety of all the passengers who carry luggage. There are different scanners to inspect each passenger to ensure safety and compliance.

How Baggage Scanners Work?

Have you ever wondered how baggage scanners work in airport settings? There are two types of scanners available in airports.  Millimeter-wave scanners or full-body scanners are the first scanners. They create an image in a movement like in animation movies.

On the other side, baggage scanners use x-rays to detect hidden objects on the luggage or under clothing. They are capable of detecting both non-metallic and metallic objects like foods, plastic, and even weapons. They have been in use at several major airports.

What baggage scanners can detect?

A baggage scanner is smart enough to capture detailed images of objects in your luggage. This is the reason many people wonder what is detected by a baggage scanner. They can easily detect organic materials along with metallic objects. Hence, one cannot pass through with banned foods and drugs in suitcases. These scanners work with x-rays to get into the surface and capture detailed images of luggage contents.

Security officers can find out the density of each object and get the details to spot suspicious items. They may not look at every item closely which is not necessary. But once it detects any suspicious item, your bag may be searched. So, you should follow the rules and avoid carrying any item which is banned.

What happens with damaged bags and lost luggage?

It is a very common scenario these days. Airlines mismanaged over 50 million bags in 2017. It had dropped to almost half by 2018. Whether you have booked a ticket with a leading airline or a cheap airline, you are entitled to a commission as per EU passenger regulations if your luggage is lost or damaged due to poor handling and negligence of airlines. There are also regulations if your luggage doesn’t reach you on time. You should report damaged or lost bags quickly and file a complaint as a Property Irregularity Report. Within 21 days after the flight, bags will be reported as missing. After 21 days, they are reported in the ‘lost’ category.