Double bag scans dropped at DMK

BANGKOK A change in security procedures at Don Mueang International Airport was causing chaos at the airline check-in zones over the weekend, forcing the Airports of Thailand to cancel the experiment earlier today.
As of Monday, the change in baggage security resulted in airlines delaying departures because passengers had not given enough time to pass through the security measures for baggage ahead of the check-in counters.
Usually, passengers allow one hour to check-in and pass through the security checkpoints in the departure hall giving around 20 minutes to spare to go to the gate and board the aircraft.
However, due to new security procedures implemented by the Airports of Thailand, every piece of baggage, both hand-carry and check-in baggage, was being scanned prior to queuing at the airline check-in counters.
inside no 8Under the previous system, only check-in luggage was x-rayed prior to checking in for a flight at airline counters.
AoT was forced to restore the old system as it became apparent the airport would grind to a halt.
AoT claimed the measure would improve the security within the airline check-in area that is bordered by stainless steel railings.
The National News Bureau said AoT was complying with directives from the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA).
ICAO had earlier red flagged Thailand’s civil aviation security procedures prompting the DCA to determine that existing measures at DMK may not have been stringent enough.
But the solution turned out to be a grave mistake and one that was criticised by travel executives.
One travel agent posted on his Facebook page that the AoT must be staffed by mentally challenged leaders.
“They were scanning hand-carry baggage before the passenger entered the airline check-in area without recognising the passengers would have to exit the secure area again and pass through a public area of the airport before going to the airside of the airport. This is the action of mentally incurables.”
TV news channels caught the terminal chaos over the weekend as the area fronting the airline check-in zone was packed with passengers. The area is narrow running the length of Terminal 1 making it difficult to organise queue lines.
Airlines are recommending passengers give themselves at least two hours to pass through airport, until a clearer picture emerges.
Many Bangkok residents preferred Don Mueang airport because it was less congested than Suvarnabhumi.
The two are 50 km apart and both take between 45 minutes to one hour by taxi from downtown Bangkok.

sourced:ttrweekly.com