Don Mueang Airport Urges Bag Checks for Prohibited Items
Don Mueang Airport is advising passengers to thoroughly check checked luggage for prohibited items such as power banks, lighters, and e-cigarettes before flying, following a new CAAT baggage inspection rule effective October 16. In the first week of enforcement, officers found over 1,100 banned items in 927 inspected bags. The airport also recommends using TSA-approved locks to prevent damage during mandatory security searches.
Don Mueang Airport is urging passengers to check their checked luggage for prohibited items before travel and recommends using TSA locks to reduce the risk of damage if officers need to inspect bags.
On October 23, 2024, Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) asked passengers to cooperate by inspecting the contents of their checked baggage before departure. This follows the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) announcement on the inspection of checked baggage to be loaded onto aircraft, which became effective on October 16, 2024. The regulation aims to prevent prohibited items from being brought onto planes and to elevate air travel safety. Passengers are also advised to review regulations on carrying items aboard and the baggage conditions of their airline before every trip.
Air Vice Marshal Pakpong Suwanmolee, Acting Director of Don Mueang International Airport, Airports of Thailand PLC, disclosed that DMK prioritizes aviation safety and operates in accordance with the CAAT announcement. Checked baggage may be opened for inspection when there is reasonable suspicion that it contains prohibited items, dangerous goods, or objects that could affect the safety of the aircraft and passengers. This can be done without the passenger present, but must follow CAAT guidelines and conditions.
Regarding DMK's security operations from October 16–22, 2024, officers inspected 927 checked bags and found 1,122 prohibited or non-compliant items. The most commonly detected items were power banks, lighters, e-cigarettes, and flammable materials. This data underscores the importance of checking baggage contents before travel to prevent risks and reduce issues during the air travel process.
When preparing baggage for the aircraft hold, passengers should ensure there are no prohibited items for checked baggage, especially power banks, spare batteries for electronic devices, battery-powered devices, explosives, weapons, flammable objects, and hazardous chemicals. These are forbidden in checked baggage. Additionally, some items may have specific conditions and restrictions that vary by airline, so passengers should check the rules of their carrier clearly before packing. DMK also recommends using standard baggage locks such as TSA locks to help reduce the risk of damage if a bag must be opened for inspection.
If officers need to open a bag for inspection, they will record the process on video and place a Notice of Baggage Inspection inside the bag so the owner is informed. Passengers should not place valuables inside checked baggage.
Air Vice Marshal Pakpong concluded that DMK is committed to strictly implementing safety measures according to relevant regulations to ensure operations meet safety standards and build passenger confidence, with passenger and aircraft safety as the top priority. He requested passenger cooperation in complying with security regulations to together create safe air travel.
