U.S. airports were checking every piece of luggage for explosives by yesterday – and the tough new procedures are not causing travel delays, say federal security officials.
New Year’s Day was the mandated deadline for screening for explosives in all baggage at airports, a policy adopted in response to the Sept. 11 attacks.
Before the attacks, just 5 percent of all baggage was checked for explosives.
Now, 90 percent of the bags are being screened by electronic machines that cost $750,000 apiece. The remaining bags are being searched by hand or bomb-sniffing dogs.