Protecting valuables

In response to William Hollifield’s letter “Valuables Put in Peril” (Nov. ’04, pg.18), the security procedures at the Frankfurt, Germany, airport are still a nightmare. I passed through there on Oct. 17, ’04, on my way home from Italy. Flights had to be held because the security line was so backed up.

They were using an electronic scanner on everyone boarding U.S.-bound flights, and items were backing up on the conveyor belt while passengers were being scanned and/or redonning shoes, belts and other items that had to be removed.

A suggestion — to help protect wallets, passports, etc., put them inside a zippered pocket in a jacket or blazer and then put the jacket on the conveyor belt. I always use this method when traveling through airports and feel it gives my personal items less exposure to theft.

SHERRY STURGES
Williamstown, NJ