“Lots of alcohol and drug addled characters work the ramps. Very few cameras in cargo holds to catch them rifling through bags for valuables and drugs.”
Yep. My brother worked with the Ramp Rats for awhile. He was amazed by the utter lack of security once you got past the security “theater”. The come and go access these people have to luggage, planes, back doors, supposedly secure areas, etc is shameful. These are min wage jobs with high-turnover rates, background checks are minimal. Lots of shenanigans going on back there while we paying customers are subjected to police state stupidity.
I personally lost all faith in the post-911 new “security” procedures when the first “rule” I came across was no locks allowed on luggage anymore so govt and airport personnel could paw through all my belongings. Screw that crap. Hope I never have to fly again and submit to all the B.S. Makes me very hostile.
After my experiences with UAL I simply ceased carrying any real carry-on luggage. Now I carry a Goodwill bag for checking with throw-away rags and old magazines and such in it so that I won't be IDed as a terrorist because I don't have a check bag. I don't even bother to pick it up at the other end.