The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) today announced that passengers at Logan International Airport will have the option of mailing home items placed in their carry-on luggage that are prohibited from passing through the security checkpoint. Boston is one of the first New England airports to offer a CheckPoint Mailers program, which solves the challenge of what to do with items that cannot be taken onto a plane but that passengers do not want to leave behind.
"This new amenity ensures that our customers never have to say goodbye to a treasured object. Now they have the option to mail it home and have it waiting for them when they arrive," said Massport CEO Craig Coy. "As we finish building the new Logan Airport, we remain focused on customer service and bringing innovative programs like CheckPoint Mailers to our customers."
CheckPoint Mailers is a self-service drop box located adjacent to each of the airport's thirteen security checkpoints. The cost of the service is $8.00 per item mailed within the United States and $12.00 for items mailed internationally. CheckPoint Mailers, Inc. of Huntersville, NC, will manage the program through an agreement with the Massachusetts Port Authority.
"We are excited about offering this new service to Boston Logan's passengers," said Heather Lowry, President of CheckPoint Mailers, Inc. We understand that passengers sometimes mistakenly place prohibited items in their carry-on luggage. With this new service, passengers who do not want to part with an item that is not permitted to pass through the security checkpoint now have an easy way to ensure it is returned to them."
To use CheckPoint Mailers, travelers will complete an order form and mailing label, paying for the service with a credit card or cash. The US Postal Service ships the items to their homes within seven to 10 days. A list of items that cannot be shipped using CheckPoint Mailers will be posted at the drop box. Items collected at other airports for mailing home include a biology dissection kit, a tracheotomy kit, various Leatherman tools, pocket knives, scissors, a variety of tools, including items with sentimental value.
CheckPoint has collected nearly six thousand items at the 11 airports that are currently in operation.
A complete list of prohibited and permitted items can be found on the Transportation Security Administration's web site at www.tsa.gov.