An open and shut case

What can one say about Air Malta's claim (April 7) that the airport operates a "sophisticated surveillance system" in the baggage handling area - except that, obviously, it is not "sophisticated" enough, because the handlers have clearly beaten the system?

And if the airline pays for police officers to "supervise the handling of luggage" they are not getting their money's worth, because goods are being pilfered under their noses. There are many more instances of theft that the airlines and airport authorities are unaware of, simply because most travellers don't bother to report them. They know, as recent correspondence in these pages has proved, that doing so is a waste of time.

After all, as Air Malta points out, the airlines have no liability. Any passenger who puts "valuable items" (define valuable, please) in his luggage is already "in breach of the Conditions of Carriage"! Wouldn't you know that it is the passenger's fault, all along?

But - dare one ask - are spot checks and searches carried out on the handlers' own baggage and locker space? Has anybody ever been searched at the end of a shift? Have stolen goods really never been found? Has anybody ever been charged with theft? Recent reports of padlocks being broken suggest the availability of bolt-cutters, or at least a strong pair of pliers. Why would a baggage handler need such equipment?

Air Malta may indeed have an excellent record for not losing luggage. But the airport has a dire reputation among passengers for losing the actual contents of their suitcases and bags. And that, at the end of the day, is what matters.