While the TSA began scrutinizing containers of powders last year already, it will effective 30 June, request foreign airports with non-stop U.S. flights to match the effort.

According to an article published by USA Today, the focus is on containers holding at least 350 milliliters of powder.

Effective, this week, the TSA and airlines are also going to step up awareness efforts about the change, urging passengers to pack larger containers in checked luggage and remove smaller containers from carry-on bags for separate screening, similar to small containers of liquids.

The TSA however, made it clear that the security effort isn’t a ban, but rather to eliminate the risk for a traveller returning with a large container of for instance Moroccan spice to be asked by a checkpoint officer to throw away a suspicious powder before boarding the plane.

“For ease of travel, TSA recommends placing larger items in checked baggage prior to arriving at the security checkpoint,” said Mike Bilello, a TSA spokesman. “The international aviation community and industry’s actions represent collaborative approaches that greatly enhance global aviation security.”

The main security concern is from improvised explosives, but TSA is also concerned about fentanyl or pepper spray in the cabin.

TSA says powders can include items like cosmetics, baby powder and protein or energy powder mixes, among others. Gun powder remains prohibited from all checked or carry-on luggage.

“We encourage people to divest certain items – especially organic items – in order to get a clearer view of what’s going on inside the bag,” said Mike England, a TSA spokesman. “It’s something we advise people to do. We’re asking our foreign partners to do what we’re already doing domestically.”

The effort is another example of tightening aviation security. Airport checkpoint security was federalized under TSA after the terrorist hijackings Sept. 11, 2001, and has become stricter in recent years with developments of non-metallic explosives.

Lufthansa is one of the first airlines in the world to support this innovative solution and integrate it into its digital baggage services. One segment of customer experience that is gaining increased interest is digital luggage solutions. Travellers are now in charge of the process, with luggage tacking, and electronic bags being the new trend. Replacing the conventional paper luggage tag is the Lufthansa Electronic Tag, BAGTAG. The electronic luggage tag is as large as a smartphone, can be attached to any suitcase and it supports airline real-time tracking of luggage, allowing the traveller can track their luggage throughout their journey. The tag be used by Lufthansa, SWISS and Austrian Airlines passengers via the Android version of the Lufthansa App and can be checked in at any Lufthansa Group baggage check-in counter and at all self-bag drop baggage vending machines. Apple users will probably have to wait until May to use this mobile check-in feature. Here’s all the traveller needs to know about luggage management.

Carry-on luggage

The number of carry-on luggage items allowed depends on the travel class booked. For most travellers, more than one small luggage items may be carried, this usually includes a bag of not more than 7kg and one handbag or laptop bag, as well as certain essential accessories for children or people with disabilities.

Free luggage

Travellers in the digital age are increasingly leaning towards a personalised in-flight experience and away from cost being the basis for their airline decision. “It’s imperative for us as a leading airline to make use of the digital platforms to our advantage in creating personalised on-board experiences to generate loyalty with our customers in South Africa,” says Dr. André Schulz, General Manager Lufthansa Group, Southern Africa. The size, weight and quantity of free luggage and carry-on luggage items permitted on flights are subject to the airline’s criteria. However, excess and special luggage is charged at flat rates. This also applies to sports luggage that exceeds the limits of the free luggage allowance.

Luggage irregularities

Certain events, such as adverse weather conditions, technical problems in the luggage handling areas or a bag tag becoming detached, can sometimes lead to items of luggage being damaged or not arriving at the destination airport at the same time as their owners. “Immediately after dropping your luggage off at either the check-in counter or a self-service bag drop kiosk, it is now easy to call up your luggage receipt using the mobile boarding pass. This is also helpful, in the event of the traveller’s luggage being found after being lost,” adds Dr. Schulz.

Digital luggage services

Enjoy the reassuring feeling of always knowing exactly where your baggage is located throughout your journey with digital baggage services. Lufthansa uses the DSP technology which tracks bags via the Star Alliance Baggage Hub, and collects relevant baggage information from a wide-range of sources; this allows travellers to control their luggage experience easier.

Digitalisation has definitely made our lives easier as travellers are able to demand services for fast, simple and efficient experiences by tapping into consumers’ needs for greater convenience. When checking in at Lufthansa, passengers now automatically receive an email with their luggage tag for ease of reference. Lufthansa is constantly transforming its business and delivery model to meet the changing needs of its airline customers since the arrival of digital technology. “It goes without saying that enhancing the overall customer travel experience aims to provide a service and overall experience that is in line with the needs and wants of today’s digital traveller,” concludes Dr. Schulz.