The Region - News from Aug. 16, 1987

Passengers at Ontario International Airport will have to present claim checks or identification to claim baggage for the next 30 days. Dennis Watson, director of airport public relations, said it’s an experiment sponsored by the airlines intended to reduce baggage thefts--which has become a major problem. From now on, he said, security guards posted at baggage entrances will check claim tickets against those on incoming luggage to determine if the person picking up the bags is the owner. Airport and airline officials said there are no statistics on the amount of baggage handled or lost, stolen or switched luggage, but Watson said the new baggage regulations will affect about 14,000 passengers a day.