Delta Air Lines has quietly strengthened rules for passengers’ checked baggage containing weapons.
According to NBC 6, the airline has imposed an extra security protocol for passengers reclaiming their bags on arrival.
For bags containing guns checked in under normal TSA rules, special tags will be added to ensure they are not placed on the baggage reclaim carousel.
The tags alert ground handlers to take the bags to a baggage service agent who will then physically ID the owner.
Zip ties are then placed on the bag.
This all takes place in the presence of a police officer, sources told South Florida based NBC 6.
It is unclear whether the new protocol is across the Delta network or centered only at Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood Airport at the moment.
Gunman Esteban Santiago arrived on a Delta flight at Fort Lauderdale and opened fire inside the airport’s non secure baggage reclaim area after retrieving his bag containing a legally transported weapon and ammunition from the carousel.
He killed five people and injuring six others.
Delta released a statement to the station: "Delta is committed to the safety of our customers and employees. Every day we look for ways to refine processes and procedures with the goal to improve safety and the overall travel experience."
The report says it is a unilateral action by Delta and no other airlines have apparently implemented any similar security protocols.
TSA rules regarding the checking in of guns prior to departure remain the same.
