At the airport, why do they ask "Has anybody handled your luggage without your knowledge?"?

Question

As an American, I am offended by this question.

Answer 1

They say this for your protection. They say it because if someone handled it they might have snuck explosives or weapons it it. This is so you don't get arrested and be charged with terorism. So unless you like prison get used to it.

Answer 2

Kind of a hard question to answer; maybe everyone in the airport has handled it without your knowledge. The better question would be to ask if you know of anyone else handling your luggage.
You should not be concerned but grateful that they are doing what they can to make your flight safe and secure. Yours may be just fine but the person in front of or behind you may not be. They are concerned about the possibility of someone slipping something illegal into the luggage. It could be a bomb, a weapon or other contraband. You should always be cautious about who is handling your luggage, and, never leave it unattended. Be vigilant for unattended luggage in an airport and report any unattended luggage, boxes or suspicious items to airport security.

Answer 3

They've been asking this question for lots and lots of years, and in today's environment with the potential for terrorist attacks, it's a legitimate and pertinent question. The potential for someone on your flight putting contraband articles (drugs, weapons, etc) into your luggage also exists and this question might even protect you.

However, how would you know if anybody handled your luggage "without your knowledge"? In that sense, it is a stupid question. More recently, I've heard, "Have you left your luggage unattended?"

Answer 4

This question is asked to alleviate any possibilities that someone has inserted some foreign material in your luggage without your knowledge. Answer "yes" and your luggage will be searched for the protection of the public and yourself. If contraband if found, you have a strong case that you were unaware of that item.

Answer 5

It's usually phrased differently, like - "has anyone besides yourself handled your luggage" or "has your luggage left your presence since packing".

How would you know if someone handled it w/o your knowledge? Unless they're trying to make you say "I don't know" so they can strip search you. Maybe they think you're hot.

Answer 6

I have seen so many bags left unattended. You know a terrorist could put a bomb in the bag. That is why they ask that question and I am glad they do.
Why on earth would you be offended by that question?
How do you feel about being asked to take of your shoes?

Answer 7

i'm afraid there's no longer plenty you may actually do! On my final holiday to SA no longer something of mine grew to become into taken yet i'm looking forward to to be going lower back in December lower back and that i'm hoping this does not happen yet whilst it does there's no longer plenty i will do. because of the fact of this I asked the question approximately 2010 because of the fact the thieves in SA are going to furnish it an atrocious call from crime (no longer that it does not have one already notwithstanding it is going to alter into extra regarded) because of the fact they are going to now journey it first hand, the vacationers this is. I trust Bull he's right TIA - this is Africa

Answer 8

A) They don't ask this question any more. I should know; I travelled 50,000 miles this year just by June.
B) Try to get over being offended about being safe, if you can.

sorry, don't mean to start a brush fire...

Answer 9

They dont ask that, because it makes no sense. They ask "has your luggage been in the hands of anybody else".

Answer 10

Hey man dats because they think dat sumone might hav planted a bomb while u r nt aware of it s just relax and chill ot and dnt get offended by it