South Bay : Luggage Machines Removed in Dispute

In the middle of the night, three 3,200-pound machines used to shrink-wrap plastic around luggage were removed from Los Angeles International Airport without officials’ knowledge. The stainless steel machines were being used on a three-month trial basis at the Tom Bradley International Terminal to wrap plastic around passengers’ luggage for a $3 fee. The plastic was supposed to keep baggage handlers and Customs Service officials in the United States and abroad from stealing from travelers’ suitcases.

But in the early morning hours Thursday, the Anacapa Group of Glendale, which owns the machines, decided to remove them without telling airport officials. “This action surprised us,” said airport spokeswoman Cora Fossett.

Sean Kelleher, facility manager for the Anacapa Group, said the company’s attorney recommended removing the machines because an unsigned one-year contract with the airport, which took effect Thursday, gave LAX the right to terminate the agreement with 30 days’ notice.

The company wants to take its machines back to the airport with a new agreement. “We’re hoping we can work things out,” Kelleher said.