Passenger puts camera on luggage to see ‘what really happens after check-in’

30 September 2023 , 05:14

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The TSA agents saw the camera right away (Image: Youtube/KazSawyer456)

An airport passenger had the clever idea to film what happens to their luggage once it has been checked in - but some were slightly disappointed with what they saw.

Content creator Kaz Sawyer snuck a hidden camera into his bag at Denver International Airport with the aim of recording the full journey of his suitcase, from the check-in desk to the luggage belt in arrivals. But things didn’t quite go to plan.

The luggage arrived on the luggage belt with the camera still in place, seemingly untouched. But upon reviewing the footage, Sawyer was disappointed to see the TSA agents had discovered the camera - and turned it off. Thankfully, the agents didn’t confiscate the camera meaning Sawyer (@KazSawyer456) could still post the short footage and gain over half a million likes.

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But social media users didn’t have much sympathy, with many criticising his choice of camera - the white colour standing in stark contrast with the black suitcase. “Wouldn’t call it ‘hidden’,” one user said, “she saw it in 2.4 seconds”. Another added: “Next time make the camera the same colour as the suitcase.”

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Another explained that security issues mean airport staff have to be careful with behind-the-scenes recordings, reported the DailyDot. “They turn it off for probably the same reason most people can't record inside service areas of national monuments,” they explained. “It’s because airports fall under the category of locations more likely to be a terrorist attack target, so videos that showcase infrastructure and stuff are usually prohibited without approval…”

(Youtube/KazSawyer456)

Sawyer checked in the bag with the small white camera visible on the front (Youtube/KazSawyer456)

Sawyer could have been prosecuted according to one social media user, with another adding: “Airports are Federal property, be careful and know the law.” The TSA explicitly forbids photographs or filming equipment not visible to the public in airports - but the check-in bag stunt has become quite common over the past few months

Another traveller, who succeeded in fully recording his bag’s journey, divided opinion on whether it was worth the effort - the reality of a bag’s journey can be quite mundane. After going on the conveyor belt, a suitcase will go to a sorting office where staff ensure it goes on the correct plane.

Bags go through x-ray screening - similar to that in normal airport security - before being transferred to a plane where the transfer agents will load it on. After landing, it is taken to baggage claim.

Alex Croft